WA Rotarian recognised for service to migrant community

Rotarian Tristan Kolay was recently recognised for his tireless volunteer efforts by Volunteering Western Australia.

By Minh Dang
Rotary Club of Elizabeth Quay, WA

Tristan Kolay has certainly had a positive impact on countless refugees and migrants since his arrival in Perth, WA. And his tireless efforts were recognised on May 20, when he was awarded the Volunteer for Multicultural Award at the Volunteering WA gala dinner.

Migrating to Western Australia from Myanmar as a young child, Tristan counts his blessings for the opportunities Australia has provided, which have enabled him to prosper.

Aside from managing his young family and full-time employment, Tristan dedicates his time to volunteering with the Rotary Club of Elizabeth Quay (REQ), which he chartered in 2017.

“What gives Tristan the energy to continue to volunteer so many years after his family’s arrival in Perth? ‘Being able to make the wrongs right with like-minded friends and family,’ he says.”

Through the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Tristan saw the shortage in essential items for disadvantaged families. A large portion of the most vulnerable groups were from migrant and refugee communities.

Tristan took the initiative to partner with Vinnies, City of Vincent, and the Knights of the Southern Cross to organise a food appeal drop-off. In one event, 3200kg of food was donated and 177 food hampers were distributed to those in need. Tristan also carried forward this project with a Christmas appeal, distributing 77 hampers to families.

Tristan has a keen interest in helping those from refugee and migrant backgrounds who face hardship and difficulties. He worked extremely hard to develop a Refugee and Migrant Engagement project to provide an opportunity for participants to co-design life-skills workshops. These workshops were facilitated by REQ members and subject matter experts.

The participants identified the need for strong English skills and increased knowledge around becoming job ready, including the importance of volunteering, upskilling, work experience, and making meaningful connections outside of their own community.

In addition to the Refugee and Migrant Engagement project series, there was a need to provide opportunities to young children coming from refugee and migrant families. Tristan took the initiative to incorporate community events for children, such as tree planting, recreational sports and cooking.

Outside of Rotary, Tristan works in the human resources sector and consistently encourages graduates to attend or volunteer at REQ events. He is also a volunteer firefighter and is involved in many other community organisations.

What gives Tristan the energy to continue to volunteer so many years after his family’s arrival in Perth?

“Being able to make the wrongs right with like-minded friends and family,” he says.

At the end of the day, Tristan wants his children to inherit a better world, much like his parents did migrating in to Australia for their children.

Tips from Tristan to keep volunteers motivated:

• Don’t do things alone.
• When the going gets tough, believe in why/what you are doing.
• Work on sustainable projects.

Maurice Becker, of the Rotary Club of Wagin, was also recognised at the Volunteering WA Awards, taking home the Spirit of Volunteering Award.