Cumberland Council Citizen of the Year Chandrika Subramaniyan
Girraween woman Chandrika Subramaniyan’s drive to abolish domestic violence in her community is never ending.
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Girraween woman Chandrika Subramaniyan’s drive to abolish domestic violence in her community is never ending.
Dr Subramaniyan was recently named the Cumberland Council Citizen of the Year, a nod to her pro bono work with recently arrived migrants and refugees near Wentworthville Community Centre, near the Station St where she runs her practice.
A journalist in India, Dr Subramaniyan migrated to Australia with her husband and daughter to give her a better education in 1997.
Dr Subramaniyan, who grew up in Chennai, studied to become a lawyer and graduated from Western Sydney University.
“I started with migrants who had very minimal or no understanding of Australian law and made mistakes which got them into trouble,’’ the Colombo born, Indian-raised lawyer and author said.
“They didn’t have an understanding about drink driving, domestic violence, what causes criminal charges so I used to prepare sessions.
“At the moment domestic violence is a big issue, and driving offences.”
Dr Subramaniyan was a migration agent before working for a law firm.
Moving to Australia was initially a culture shock, especially when the shops closed at 4pm.
Dr Subramaniyan has a sense of empathy for feeling isolated and encourages the women she meets from the subcontinental community to form friendships and social networks outside the family unit.
“Even though they are working and have education, more than 50 per cent or are not independent,’’ she said.
“They can't do anything they want to do.
“I raised a family, too, but because my husband’s family was supportive of what I was doing.”
The Cyber Laws and Cyber Crimes author, whose daughter Nivassini now has her own child, is also proud of sharing her knowledge with TAFE and university students.
“Nowadays … young lawyers really want to do things I’m doing and they see me as a role model,’’ she said.
“I give them some work experience and they say it’s really made a difference in their lives.”
Just as she took to the winners podium for her citizen award, Dr Subramaniyan wants migrants to give back to Australia.
“People are a bit selfish, once they get their house and job, but they don’t want to spare time for others,” she said.
“Everybody should give back to the community.”
Cumberland Council’s senior citizen of the year is Alan Patterson, young citizen is Simaima Taufa and community event of the year is George Cartwright Memorial Unveiling.
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