Volunteering WA – WAToday
At just 19 she’s one of Perth’s most celebrated volunteers. Here’s what she loves most.
Each week, WAtoday reaches out to the Perth community to discover three things people love most about our coastal capital. Did you know that in WA, almost 80 per cent of young people are involved in volunteering? Now that’s something to celebrate. Today we feature Maisara Muzaffar, whose work in the Project Dignity program delivering sanitary products to disadvantaged high school girls, and as cultural ambassador for the City of Canning, has won her numerous awards, including Youth Citizen of the Year, Multicultural Youth of the Year, Burt Young Volunteer of the Year and the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award.
1. Ubuntu Australia: One of the things I love most about Perth is volunteering with Ubuntu, a not-for-profit based in Perth’s south-east, dedicated to supporting multicultural communities and the disadvantaged. The work we do is tangible and life-changing, whether it’s mentoring young people or organising events that celebrate cultural diversity while also assisting those in need. It has given me a unique perspective on the strength and resilience within Perth’s multicultural communities, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to positive changes in peoples’ lives. People can find volunteering opportunities at www.volunteeringwa.org.au.
2. Parliament House: I am continually inspired by Perth’s Parliament House, a symbol of
democracy and civic engagement. What I find remarkable is how accessible this institution is
to the public. It’s a place where critical decisions are made — decisions that shape the future
of our state and its people. Having had the opportunity to participate in the legislative
process through Youth Parliament as the Youth MLA of Thornlie and the 28th Youth Leader
of the Opposition, I see Parliament House as more than just a building; it’s a dynamic space
where voices from all walks of life can be heard. This connection to the legislative process
fuels my commitment to advocacy, as I witnessed firsthand the impact of thoughtful policy-
making on our community.
3. Diversity: I love how diverse Perth is, especially the City of Gosnells. I love living in the City of
Gosnells because of its rich diversity and multiculturalism — 43 per cent of its residents were born overseas, making it one of the most multicultural areas in Perth. This diversity is not just a statistic; it’s a living, breathing part of the community that enriches our lives daily. Inspired by this, I founded the Multicultural Youth Sorority, a platform that brings together young women from various cultural backgrounds to discuss important issues and give back to the community. The
vibrant mix of cultures in Gosnells has shown me the power of unity and collaboration, and
it’s a key reason why I’m so passionate about fostering inclusivity in everything I do.