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Emerge Magazine

Shillar Sibanda: Community Building Through Cultural Connection

    President of AusZim Australia and Community Volunteer 

    Shillar Sibanda embodies the spirit of community service, dedicating her life to bridging cultural gaps and supporting fellow immigrants in their Australian journey. 

    As President of AusZim Australia, Shillar works tirelessly to assist newly arrived Zimbabwean immigrants. Her organization provides crucial support services including housing assistance, job search support, and cultural orientation programs. 

    Community Impact: 

    • Leadership in Victorian community organizations 
    • Premier’s Volunteer Award recipient 
    • Advocate for culturally diverse communities 
    • Mental health and wellness supporter 

    Shillar’s own immigration story began 25 years ago when she arrived in Australia with her young family. Understanding the challenges of cultural adaptation, she founded community support systems that have helped hundreds of families settle successfully. 

    Her work extends beyond the Zimbabwean community to broader multicultural initiatives. Shillar has been instrumental in organizing cultural events, supporting isolated families during lockdowns, and providing mental health resources to immigrant communities. 

    The impact of her volunteer work was formally recognized when she received The Premier’s Volunteer Award, acknowledging her outstanding contribution to community building in Victoria. 

    “It takes a village to raise a child, and I believe in the power of community to support each other. We must build bridges between cultures.”