A member of the Knox Council Advisory Committee and former secretary of the Australia India Society of Victoria, Ruchi Sharma has won the Premier’s Award for Community Harmony at the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.
Ms Sharma who’s been an active community leader, was recognised for her transformative work in promoting connection across Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities while assisting community health and wellbeing.
“Receiving the Premier’s Award for Community Harmony is profoundly humbling for me,” Ms Sharma said.
“It strengthens my resolve to keep serving with sincerity, compassion, and fairness. More importantly, I see this honour as a tribute to all the quiet, tireless community heroes who work every day to build a society where every voice matters, where inclusion is natural, and where equal opportunity is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.”
Ms Sharma has been a member of the Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee since 2023, she helps on advising council about multicultural issues and promote cultural diversity across Knox.
“My work with the Knox Council in promoting multiculturalism is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to help build a community where every person, regardless of where they come from, feels seen, valued and included,” she said.
“I believe that true harmony begins when people feel they belong, and this work gives me the chance to contribute to that sense of belonging.”
Her commitment to inclusion is reflected in her founding of the Hello Zindagi Radio Show on Radio Eastern 98.1 FM, which provides an inclusive platform connecting people across cultural, generational, and faith backgrounds.
She also co-founded HuHaHo (Human Happiness and Hope), a wellbeing initiative that promotes collaboration and inclusivity.
“Hello Zindagi and HuHaHo create spaces for shared experiences, dialogue and celebration,” Ms Sharma said.
“The warmth, camaraderie and sense of connection that these projects foster show that connection, empathy, and hope truly transcend cultural boundaries.”
Through her role on KMAC, Ms Sharma has strengthened bridges between Indian organisations, local residents, and the council, increasing participation in cultural programs and consultations.
She has also helped integrate diverse voices into council planning processes and events, ensuring that new migrants and multicultural communities feel genuinely included.
“I hope that my work helps newly arrived and culturally diverse residents in Knox feel seen, supported and truly part of the community,” she said.
“Knowing that our insights directly contribute to shaping a more welcoming environment is deeply fulfilling.”
Her dedication is illustrated by a number of initiatives, including collaborative multicultural theatre productions and community projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One particularly moving example involved supporting a young international student who was the victim of a machete attack in July 2025.
Through the Hello Zindagi platform, the community came together to provide financial assistance, and the support ultimately helped the student secure permanent residency.
Ms Sharma sees herself as a bridge between cultures in both formal and everyday contexts.
“Whether through the radio show, committee work, or everyday life, I aim to create platforms for people to feel heard, valued and connected,” she said.
“When we appreciate the common threads between us, genuine and long-lasting relationships begin to form.”
Knox is home to a highly diverse population, with around a third of residents born overseas.
Locals originate from nearly 160 different countries and speak more than 130 languages.
Mandarin, Cantonese, Sinhalese, Greek, Hindi, Tamil, Italian, Vietnamese, Arabic and Farsi are among the top languages spoken at home.
For young multicultural leaders, Ms Sharma said respect is your strongest currency, use it generously
“Stay open-minded, be willing to listen deeply, observe carefully, and make decisions that are fair and inclusive. Work collaboratively, because true strength comes from supporting and uplifting one another. The ancient Indian phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – meaning ‘the world is one family’ – is not just a saying, it is a way of living. It reminds us that when we work together with openness and kindness, we don’t just build stronger communities, we build a better world for everyone.”
