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I am Fayia Isaiah Lahai, a proud Australian citizen dedicated to fostering multiculturalism, inclusion, and community development in Tasmania. My passion for advocacy and leadership has led me to play key roles in various organizations that drive positive change.

Currently, I serve as the Chair of the Multicultural Policy Review Reference Group for the Tasmanian Government and as one of three People of Australia Ambassadors representing Tasmania on grassroots multicultural issues at the federal level. I have also been privileged to hold leadership positions, including:

✔️ Former Chairman – Sierra Leone/Liberia Union of Hobart
✔️ Founding Member – African Communities Council of Tasmania
✔️ Former Advisory Council Member – Multicultural Affairs, advising the Premier of Tasmania
✔️ Member – Glenorchy Diversity Community Council & Hobart City Council Networking for Harmony

My commitment to advocacy and social impact was recognized in December 2011, when I was honored with the Human Rights Award for my work in supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Tasmania.

Beyond these roles, I actively volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations, striving to create an inclusive and united Tasmania where every individual—regardless of background—has the opportunity to thrive. My mission is to walk alongside fellow Tasmanians to build a future that embraces diversity, equality, and shared prosperity.

My ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Social Work, University of Tasmania.

2014

University Preparatory Program (UPP)

2009

Certificate II General Construction TAFE Tasmania

2007

• Introduction to Computers TAFE Tasmania
• Certificate III in Disability Services TAFE Tasmania
• Certificate III in Spoken and Written English TAFE Tasmania

2008

High School Diploma Ngoahun Refugee High School, Guinea Republic, West Africa

1992 - 1995

My ACADEMIC AWARDS

University of Tasmania, The Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Award

2012

Faculty of Arts Dean’s Roll of Excellence Award, University of Tasmania

2014

Golden Key International Honour Society Award, University of Tasmania

2015

my COMMUNITY AWARDS

  • 01
    2014 - Recipient of the Champions Award

     Recipient of the Champions Award, Celebration of African-Australians Inc for my outstanding contribution to the African community development and  leadership in Tasmania

  • 02
    2014 - A National finalist for the Pride of Australia

    A National finalist for the Pride of Australia Medal Award in the category of FAIR GO

  • 03
    2014 - Pride of Australia Medal Award

    Winner and recipient of the Pride of Australia Medal Award in the category of ‘Fair Go’ for my contribution to the Australian community since my arrival in                Australia from Sierra Leone

  • 04
    2014 - Tasmania Citizen of the Year Award

    Recipient of Citizen of the Year Award in Tasmania for my commitment towards the improvement of social inclusion and diversity in the state. 

  • 05
    2011 - Human Rights Award

    Recipient of Human Rights Award for my engagement with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and my focussed on human rights activities in the wider Tasmanian Community.

  • Chairperson of the Tasmanian Government Multicultural Policy Review Reference Group. Appointed by the Minister for community development to chair the Tasmanian multicultural policy review.

  • People of Australia Ambassador. An Appointed by the Australian federal government to represent the State of Tasmania on grass-root multicultural issues

  • Member, TACMA, appointed by the Premier of Tasmania to serve on the advisory board advising the Premier on multicultural issues

  • Chairman of the Sierra Leone Liberian Union in Hobart from 2008 to 2012

  • Multiple certificates for my contribution to the Migrant Resource Centre Southern Tasmania

  • Certificate of achievement for my Volunteer role with the Tasmanian Red Cross

  • Multiple certificates for my contribution and role within the Glenorchy City Council

  • Certificate of achiement for my contribution to the Hobart City Council and the Networking for Harmony within the Hobart City Council

  • Deputy Director at the Kountaya Vocational Training Centre (IRC, GTZ School)

  • Founder and Sponsorer of the Aladura Primary School in Buedu Town, Kailahun District, Republic of Sierra Leone, 

  • Campaigner and Advocate for Human Rights and Social Justice. Recently led a massive campaign to raise funds and medical supplies to support the fight against the deadly Ebola virus that killed over 10 thousand people in West Africa.

MY AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE

  • 01
    2013 - 2014 Community Engagement Officer Australian Institute of Family Studies and Colmar Brunton Social Research

    Responsibilities:

    • Engage with the New Emerging community as first contact to explain the project (Building a New Life in Australia) as a Longitudinal Study of Humanitarian Program Migrants.

    • Support the field researcher into reaching participants

    • Report back to the head office in Melbourne on a weekly basis my progress and commitment in the project.

    • Visit learning institutions and services to explain the project to new arrivals and staff

  • 02
    2013 - 2014 Student Engagement Leader - University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus

    Responsibilities:

    • Head of the Human Library program. I visit schools and grass-root level community organisations with university students to share our stories and educate them on our settlement experiences.

    • Engage with new University students, especially the International students and those from the Culturally and Linguistically Background (CALD) to feel comfortable and part of the University.

  • 03
    2012 - 2013 People of Australia Ambassador - Australian Multicultural Council

    Responsibilities:

    • Represent Tasmania at a federal level on grass-root multicultural issues

    • Attend state, community programs and visit schools and talk on grass root issues to enhance a cohesive and inclusive multicultural society.

    • Summarise the views and recommendations I receive after attending event and report back to the multicultural council of Australia (AMC). The AMC will put all the recommendations in a report and send them to the Federal Parliament.

  • 04
    2013 Chairperson - Tasmanian Multicultural Policy Review Reference Group

    Responsibilities:

    • Chair meeting for the reference group to review the multicultural policy framework for all Tasmanians and encourage group members to express their expectations for the group

    • Approve any communiqué  the group secretary write

    • Liaise with organisations and service providers and welcome the full participation of members in exploring the cultural, social and economic opportunities that Tasmania offers.

  • 05
    2009 - 2013 Taxi Driver - (Part Time) - Yellow Cab and Taxi Combined

    Responsibilities:

    • Drive with high regard for the safety and security of customers while driving them to their respective destinations. As a taxi driver, I am always aware of my role with regards to safety and security of my customers

    • Represent the good image of the taxi companies and provide customers with the service they need

  • 06
    2011 Volunteer - Phoenix Centre Southern Tasmania

    Responsibilities

    • Support clients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, particularly those from refugee background

    • Undertake research and analysis and assist in the preparation of cross cultural counselling seminars for service providers

    • Support the Phoenix team in managing and conducting community-training activities.

  • 07
    2010 - 2011 Volunteer - University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay Campus

    Responsibilities

    • Support the Student Equity unit to conduct activities for University Preparatory Program especially for the CALD students community

    • Assist international students in settling well into university life

  • 08
    2010 - 2011 Volunteer - Amnesty International Hobart Branch

    Responsibilities

    • Organise and conduct human rights rallies and hold stores in Southern Tasmania.

    • Assist in organising activities to raise awareness on the plight of refugees and those in detention.

  • 09
    2008 - 2010 Volunteering - Migrant Resource Centre Southern Tasmania

    Responsibilities

    • Help organise Cross Cultural Training for service providers in Hobart

    • Conduct community forums to air community concerns for refugees

    • Participate in community activities including Cultural awareness Programs

    • Advocate on behalf of clients and do follow up and give feedback to the office.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

People of Australia Ambassador representing Tasmania on a federal level

2012 - 2014

Chair of the Multicultural Policy Reference Group for the Tasmanian Government

2013

Member of Hobart City Council Networking for Harmony

2012 - 2013

Board member of the Tasmanian Advisory Council On Multicultural Affairs

2011

Member of Glenorchy City Council Cultural Diversity Council

2010 – 2013

Chairman of the Sierra Leone/Liberian community in Hobart

2008 - 2011

Member of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCoT)

2009 - 2010

Founding member of the African Community Council of Tasmania (ACCT)

2009

Member of the community reference group for the MRC, Southern Tasmania

2009

MY PROFESSIONAL SKILLS SUMMARY

  • 01
    • Well-developed understanding of contemporary social work theories and the ability to incorporate these into social work practice, proven through excellent supervisor reports upon completion of placement.

    • Strong communicative skills developed when interviewing clients and presenting group work and attending to placement supervision.

    • Ability to practice in accordance with professional AASW Code of Ethics, including recording information impartially and respecting client privacy and confidentiality.

    • Ability for effective time management, administrative and problem-solving skills as shown during placement while working in intensive care setting.

    • Effective teamwork skills, taking responsibility seriously and collaborate within a team.

    • Well-developed computer skills, ability to learn new skills and self-motivated and determination to grow.

    • Good nature with a genuine caring heart and inter-personal skills.

    • People oriented and reliable team member and ability to quickly adapt to change.

For more information, please visit the following Links:

  • 01
    REFERENCES

    Wanda Anne Buza

    • Deputy Director - Community Development Communities, Sport and Recreation Division, Department of Premier and Cabinet Tasmanian State Government

     

    Mr Matthew Hingston

    • Head – Student Advice team: Division of the DVC (Students and Education). University of Tasmania

     

    Mr Ansumana Usman Koroma

    • Policy Analyst: Communities, Sport and Recreation Division, Department of Premier and Cabinet 

    Tasmanian State Government

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