Hassib Elias, Palestinian Association Australia president, named Ryde citizen of the year

The 2019 Ryde Citizen of the Year awards were held this morning, with three residents honoured for their contribution to the community, including refugee advocate Hassib Elias.

Ryde Citizens of the Year nominees Gabriel Van Duinen, Sue Curry, Hassib Elias, Liam Gye, Carmen Platt and Tasnia Ahmad. Picture: Jordan Shields

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Refugee advocate Hassib Elias has been named the 2019 Ryde Citizen of the Year.

A resident of Ryde for more than 50 years, Mr Elias has worked with a number of community organisations that assist refugees and new migrants settle into the local area.

Mr Elias is also the President of the Palestinian Association of Australia and a long serving member of the City of Ryde’s Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Tasnia Ahmad was named the Ryde Young Citizen of the Year, for her work as a youth advocate.

Hassib Elias (far right) pictured with his fellow nominees for the 2019 Ryde Citizen of the Year awards. Picture: Jordan Shields

Ms Ahmad is the founder of Youth of Sydney, a photo journal that aims to debunk negative stereotypes about today’s youth, and a presenter on Ryde based radio station 2RRR.

She is also the vice chair of the Ryde Youth Council and has volunteered for a variety of council groups.

The recipients were announced this morning at the City of Ryde’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at North Ryde School of Arts Hall, an event that also saw 50 residents become Australian citizens.

Carmen Platt’s non-profit The Generous and Grateful helps provide essential household items to people in need. Picture: Justin Sanson

The Generous and the Grateful founder Carmen Platt received a City of Ryde Special Commendation for her volunteer work at the ceremony.

The non-profit organisation provides essential household items to disadvantaged people.

City of Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale congratulated the recipients and paid credit to all the nominees.

“The generous efforts of Hassib, Tasnia and Carmen have been of enormous benefit for the Ryde community, particularly those in need of assistance, and each of them embody the high values that we all aspire to here in the City of Ryde,” he said.