Keilor resident Basil Morcos has been recognised as the Egyptian of the Year for his community work. 87102 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By LAURA WAKELY
BASSILIOS Morcos is a community man through and through.
Basil to his friends, the Keilor resident was recently awarded the prestigious 2012 Egyptian of the Year award by the Egyptian Cultural Association of Victoria.
When he arrived in Australia in 1971, Basil wanted to embrace Australian life and help others do the same.
He set about setting up a social welfare and education centre in1978, helping newly arrived migrants, especially those struggling with unemployment in the western suburbs.
The good work led on from there.
“To do the work, it’s from my heart, I don’t expect an award,” Basil said.
“It’s an honour to be part of the community. That community gave me a lot so I want to give back to the community.”
The business owner and former teachers boasts a swag of achievements including time as a councillor for the former City of Keilor, founding member and former president of the Egyptian Cultural Association, member and award recipient at Brimbank Rotary Club and board member of the Ethnic Council of Victoria and Migrant Resource Centre.
Basil has also been awarded no fewer than seven community service awards from the office of the Governor of Victoria and the Centenary Medal of Australian Federation, awarded by Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Basil said it was important to do “something good” every day.
“Everyone should help others, that’s our duty in our world.”
