Jennie Barrera has been recognised for her work with Wyndham’s refugee community. 76178 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By XAVIER SMERDON
A WYNDHAM humanitarian with a vision of a more peaceful and harmonious community has been recognised for more than 30 years of dedication.
Jennie Barrera was named a People of Australia Ambassador by the Australian Multicultural Commission earlier this month after being nominated for the honour by none other than Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Ms Barrera is the CEO of the Wyndham Community and Education Centre as well as the co-founder and chair of both the Wyndham Humanitarian Network and the Wyndham Interfaith Network.
The passionate voice for the community said she was humbled by the honour.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured,” Ms Barrera told Star.
“This is my work as well as my passion. I love what I do so to have your work recognised, it’s just a win win.”
The Wyndham Community and Education Centre runs education, community development and refugee settlement programs, which Ms Barrera said were of vital support to members of Wyndham’s refugee community.
“We accept them into the country so we need to ensure that they have the right support to enable them to be successful,” she said.
“For most people success is simply having a job, being able to support their families and living a peaceful life.
“There is nothing worse than being marginalised and not knowing where to turn, so we try to ensure that people have a voice and are able to participate in the community.”
Visit www.werribeecc.net for more information about the Wyndham Community and Education Centre.
