Helping the Sydney community with relationships, parenting, ageing, disability, pastoral services and mental wellbeing.
The event brought together leaders from across the social services sector, including NSW Premier Chris Minns, The Hon. Linda Burney MP, The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, and The Hon. Kate Washington MP, to celebrate the invaluable work of community service organisations and their people across New South Wales.
The award acknowledges Meher’s exceptional work with families in South West Sydney, particularly her transformative support for Bengali women and families experiencing domestic and family violence. Since joining CatholicCare in 2021, Meher has been a trusted advocate and source of hope for women navigating pathways to safety, independence, and wellbeing.
Drawing on her lived experience migrating from Bangladesh to Australia, Meher brings a deep understanding of cultural stigmas surrounding mental health, family relationships, and traditional parenting roles. This insight allows her to provide culturally safe, person-centred support that respects community values while gently challenging harmful norms. Her dedication and advocacy have had a profound impact on the lives of families she supports.
CatholicCare Sydney’s Acting CEO, Kate Dover, commended Meher’s achievement:
“Meher’s recognition at the NCOSS Awards is a testament to the compassionate, culturally safe support she provides to families in our community. Her work reflects the very best of CatholicCare — walking alongside people with empathy, courage, and respect. Meher’s ability to build trust and create pathways to safety for women and children facing immense challenges is truly inspiring, and we are so proud to have her representing CatholicCare Sydney on the frontline.”
Meher’s Manager, Shannon Rizzo, also shared her pride:
“I am just so thrilled for Meher and proud of the work she is doing in the local community. Meher is so humble that she came straight off the stage and tried to hand me the award, saying, ‘this award belongs to you and the team.”
Congratulations to Meher on this well-deserved recognition of her impact and dedication to serving others. CatholicCare Sydney also extends its sincere thanks to NCOSS for recognising the vital contribution of frontline workers and for their ongoing commitment to strengthening the social services sector across New South Wales.