Wodonga’s Citizen of the Year Rupinder Kaur finds strength in her domestic violence experience

She once had to rely on the kindness of her neighbours after being the victim of family violence after settling in Australia in the late 2000s.

After those neighbours helped her back onto her feet, Ms Kaur has since gone from strength to strength.

She became a nursing graduate, commenced studies in law, and in 2013, became an Australian citizen.

Now she can add Wodonga Citizen of the Year to her growing list of accomplishments.

Ms Kaur has long vowed to turn her experience with family violence into her greatest strength.

A passionate advocate for the prevention of family violence, she aids the cause by taking in women and girls who have been exposed to it.

She provides a safe place to stay, food, and assistance in accessing government services.

Rather than allowing her own negative experiences to hold her back, she uses them to help other women who are in the same situation.

“I’m very privileged and honoured to be recognised for something I am passionate about,” she said.

“In our community, women face so many challenges, and they face these challenges every day.

“For me to be there supporting these women and going through every step with them, is very important because I was once subjected to domestic violence as well, and I understand what they are feeling.

“I promised myself that I wouldn’t be known as a victim, I want to be known as someone who is there to help.” 

Youth role model Sheldon Smith was named Young Citizen of the Year.

Mr Smith, 20, is the cub leader of the 3rd Wodonga Scouts Group, who have been named the Community Organisation of the Year.

He received the Queen Scout Award in 2017, the highest possible award in venturer scouting.

Mr Smith also volunteers each week with Interchange, helping and socialising with children who have disabilities.

The 3rd Wodonga Scouts, who have been a part of the city's landscape for nearly 50 years and currently boasts more than 100 members, were recognised for their efforts teaching young people a variety of skills based around teamwork and leadership.

Wodonga councillor Danny Lowe said the achievements of this year’s winners had the potential to inspire many others.

“Our winners this year absolutely stood out, but the calibre of entries was so high that it actually made picking them quite hard,” he said.

“None of the them do it for a pat on the back, they do it for the betterment of others.”