Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times

Self-described ‘Entrepreneur and Initiator,’ Luz Restrepo, has been awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List for her service to the multicultural community of Victoria. The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

An energetic presence around Maldon for over six years, Luz was the founder of Sisterworks and co-founder of Migrant Women in Business, both social enterprises designed to support women with migrant, asylum seeker or refugee backgrounds.

Luz didn’t expect to receive the award. “When I received the email, I thought it was spam. I couldn’t believe it.” And that’s the humble response that might be expected from someone who has worked so hard to achieve her success.

“When you have everything, you don’t always value it,” she says. “When you come as a migrant and you have to struggle, you realise that life is more than just money.”

It is this experience as a newcomer to Australia, without connections or common language, that has inspired and motivated Luz to work with migrant women to gain jobs and voices. She says it has positive outcomes for her as well as the women she works with.

“If I work with other women and we support each other, I’m going to move forward as well as move forward together.”

Luz has ambitions to use her successful model – which empowers people to learn through taking action and by making connections – and apply it to small town communities as well.

“I don’t see this as just an award for myself. I see it as something to help me build the future with the community.”

When the TT [Tarrangower Times] asked why she believed she received this award she said: “Because I’m an amazing woman doing amazing stuff!” It’s a high honour and a reason indeed to be proud.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.

This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 14 June 2024.