Nadia Saleh is believed to have made history as the first hijab-wearing woman to be elected into local government in Australia.
The news made headlines around the world last week after Mrs Saleh, a Labor candidate, secured a seat on Canterbury-Bankstown Council — the largest council area in NSW.
But for Mrs Saleh, the title is more of a distraction to the task at hand than something to dwell on.
“My success is when I meet the needs of my community,” Mrs Saleh said.
Mrs Saleh travelled to Australia from Lebanon 28 years ago, but was almost killed when her boat from Beirut to Cyprus was bombed.
“It was a very scary few days,” Mrs Saleh said.
She settled in Riverwood with her husband, former Canterbury deputy mayor Karl Saleh, who has just retired from local government after 13 years.
Mrs Saleh learnt English, studied and volunteered at Riverwood Community Centre. She has since worked there for 18 years and been the manager for the past eight years. She made the choice to wear a hijab only this year after making her umrah — an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
“This is not a barrier for me and it should never be a barrier. It’s about covering my hair not my contribution,” she said. Mrs Saleh said she is now focused on the work that needs to be done in Canterbury-Bankstown.
“What we’ve got to focus on now is making the community a better place to live and work, and for families. We need to improve facilities ... and focus on the main issue of overdevelopment.”
Lakemba state Labor MP Jihad Dib said Mrs Saleh brings “years of dedicated community work to this new role as councillor”.
“This sends a message to women and girls everywhere, that no matter who you are or where you come from, there are no barriers to what you can achieve,” Mr Dib said.
“I know she will be a strong advocate for the Roselands Ward on a range of issues.”
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Thursday, September 21, 2017