Indian-Australian community leader Ruchi Sharma has been awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Service accolade at the 2025 Knox Community Awards, recognising her extraordinary contributions to multicultural inclusion and local welfare initiatives.
The Knox Community Awards celebrate individuals and organisations whose selfless efforts strengthen social cohesion across the City of Knox. The awards span several categories, including Volunteer of the Year and Community Organisation of the Year, with Ruchi Sharma’s citation highlighting more than five years of impactful service.
From Pandemic Tutoring to Food Relief
Since joining Volunteer for Knox in 2019, Ms Sharma has mobilised her skills across a spectrum of support programs:
- Art classes at the Mountain District Learning Centre inspire creativity among children from diverse backgrounds.
- Meal preparation and distribution at Glen Park Community Centre’s food relief program, ensuring vulnerable families had access to nutritious meals.
- Online tutoring through the Community Houses Association of the Outer-eastern Suburbs (CHAOS) during COVID lockdowns, helping students keep pace with remote learning.
- Traditional Indian meals cooked and delivered via The Basin Neighbourhood House to migrant families facing financial hardship.
Championing Multicultural Engagement
Beyond direct service delivery, Ms Sharma has shaped the Council’s multicultural strategy as a member of the Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee.
She has:
- Advised on initiatives to improve language and support services for newly arrived families.
- Participated in the Knox Mental Health Summit to promote culturally sensitive wellbeing programs.
- Co-founded Hello Zindagi, a fortnightly multicultural radio show on Eastern FM, broadcasting in Hindi and English to an audience of over 5,000 listeners.
Her leadership roles extend to serving as Secretary of the Australia India Society of Victoria, life membership of Hindi Niketan and Uttar Pradesh Association of Australia, and active membership in Perwira Indonesian Society, the Australian Multicultural Organisations Network, and Monash Lions Club.
A Humble Acceptance
Upon receiving her award, Ms Sharma told the assembled guests:
“Volunteering has connected me with unsung heroes whose compassion inspires me daily.
I’m driven by an inner calling to serve—there is no greater joy than seeing lives transformed.
This recognition fuels my commitment to ‘Connecting Cultures’ and building a happier, healthier Knox.”
Mayor Champions Volunteerism
Councillor Lisa Cooper, Mayor of Knox, praised Ms Sharma’s dedication:
“Ruchi embodies the spirit of volunteerism—relentless, caring, and inclusive. Her work has touched thousands of lives, demonstrating that our diverse community is our greatest strength.”
With over 24,000 registered volunteers in Knox (15.7% of the population), the Council emphasises that community service is a collective endeavour. Ms Sharma’s achievement not only spotlights the vital role of Indian-Australian volunteers but also encourages residents of all backgrounds to offer their time and talents.
For further information on volunteering opportunities in Knox, visit the City of Knox website or contact Volunteer for Knox at volunteerforknox@knox.vic.gov.au.
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