Celebrating Quiet Changemakers: The Azra Ahmed Award
In communities across Sydney, countless individuals quietly dedicate themselves to helping others — often without recognition. The Azra Ahmed Award celebrates these unsung heroes: the neighbours, volunteers, and advocates who bring hope, unity, and progress through quiet leadership.
Sydney Community Forum is honoured to be part of this initiative, co-designing and hosting the award to ensure every community leader, no matter how humble, has a chance to be seen and celebrated.
The award stands as a reflection of our deepest value — that change begins with people who care, act, and inspire others to do the same.
“Quiet leadership is not about standing in front — it’s about standing beside.”
This spirit lies at the heart of every recognition we support
Building Trust and Belonging: Oz International Student Hub (OISH)
The Oz International Student Hub (OISH), proudly managed by SCF, is one of Sydney’s most trusted initiatives for international student support.
Recognised for its innovation and impact, OISH has received funding from the City of Sydney and Investment NSW, and has earned the endorsement of over 40 civil society organisations.
These recognitions are not just awards — they are symbols of trust. They affirm SCF’s role in creating a safe, inclusive space where international students can connect, find support, and thrive.
OISH’s success represents what collaboration can achieve when empathy and purpose guide every program.
Through workshops, partnerships, and wellbeing projects, OISH has become a living example of community-building in action — one that continues to attract recognition from local government, partner organisations, and civic leaders alike.
Leadership in Partnership: Acknowledgements Across the Network
Our recognitions extend far beyond any single event or award. They live in the partnerships we cultivate, the coalitions we strengthen, and the lives we help improve.
Sydney Community Forum’s people — from executive leaders to volunteers — are regularly acknowledged in annual reports and community initiatives led by partners such as the Sydney Alliance and allied civic groups. These acknowledgements highlight their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to social inclusion.
Behind each mention is a story — of collaboration, shared purpose, and lasting community impact.
Together, these moments of recognition affirm what SCF stands for: a community united through compassion, courage, and connection.
Recognition, for Sydney Community Forum, is not about prestige — it is about progress.
Every award, grant, and acknowledgement represents lives improved, communities empowered, and partnerships strengthened.
As we continue to build bridges across Sydney’s diverse communities, these recognitions remind us why we do this work: to create a city where everyone feels they belong, are heard, and are celebrated.