Tshibanda Gracia Ngoy is a 19 year old Congolese-born Australian who arrived under the Humanitarian Visas Program in July 2005.
Gracia strives to better the lives of people around her and, in particular, youth from refugee backgrounds. She is a caseworker for refugee families, a radio co-host, a tutor for international students, a youth motivational speaker, and a member of the Illawarra Regional Advisory Council (IRAC), NSW Multicultural Youth Network (MYN), the Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families (SCARF). She is also a Co-Administrative Director for the Uganda-based Voice of Hope International Ministries, advocating for those who have been silenced by poverty and injustice.
Gracia's community work started at the age of 14, soon after her arrival in Australia in July 2005. In 2008, she developed a self-esteem/confidence and body image workshop which was funded by the Young People Advisory Council (YAPA). Her second workshop focused on 'Belonging and Identity', which aimed to affirm the identity of young people from refugee backgrounds and to give them tips on how to become part of the wider Australian society.
Nine years after leaving the Congo, her country of birth, due to tribal and political conflict Gracia returned to help the less fortunate. Here, she advised the government on how to improve the environment through encouraging the community to stop littering. She has also written articles aiming to break down the cultural barriers between the Congo and Australia by educating people about both cultures.
Gracia mentored and tutored primary school students from refugee backgrounds while volunteering with SCARF, providing them with a mentor they could look up to.
She's an active member of her community and has received various awards including the 2008 and 2009 Australian Defence Force Long Tan leadership and Teamwork Award, 2010 NSW CRC Young Volunteer of the Year, and 2011 Wollongong Young Citizen of the Year. She received the 2010 Encouragement Award in the Citizenship category of the West Illawarra Youth Achievement Award, the 2009 Young Women in Public Affairs Award and 2008 Pride of Australia Medal Award.
Young People's Award
Winner