Finalist: Volunteer of the Year
Since 1978, Eddie has been supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to integrate into their new community. Eddie also facilitates Tamworth Hospital health workers from overseas to navigate their new workplace and employer and to connect them with locals and fellow nationals, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.
Eddie has played a key role on the Tamworth Hospital Multicultural Access Committee, helping to connect with health workers and services to address the unique needs of immigrants, which are sometimes overlooked due to language and cultural differences.
He regularly visits and supports local migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, encouraging them to seek help and adapt to their new surroundings. Eddie's compassionate presence extends to the hospital wards, where he visits patients, assists visiting relatives, and connects people to the community. Eddie empowers these individuals to be able to seek help and assistance in the healthcare system.
Eddie’s advocacy was instrumental in the abolishment of the travel requirement to major cities for temporary visa holders to undertake medical examinations, demonstrating his passion and perseverance to support the migrant community. Eddie's work is a testament to the power of human connection and the difference one individual can make in the lives of many.
Meet the other finalists for Volunteer of the Year.
