Qasem Bahmanzadah spends much of his time mentoring young people and giving back to the wider Australian community.
Qasem came to Australia as a refugee from war-torn Afghanistan with no possessions and no English.
Now an ambassador for the Australian Refugees Association, he educates the community on the challenges that refugees face and raises money to support people fleeing persecution.
As the coordinator of the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, he helps young people develop leadership skills.
Qasem has mentored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience and the Trek program at Mercedes College, actively promoting cultural understanding and mutual respect. He also volunteers for a range of causes including St John Ambulance.
Qasem’s courage, dedication and empathy are inspirational. He dedicates his achievements to the immense support he has received from his mentors, teachers and, most importantly, his family.