When communities face crisis, the measure of a people is found in how they respond — not only to their own hardships, but to those of others. In May 2019, Somali Community Inc. Victoria (SCI) demonstrated exactly that spirit when it hosted a formal cheque presentation, delivering the proceeds of its March 2019 fundraising event to the relevant drought relief organisation.

A Community That Answered the Call

Earlier in March 2019, SCI organised a fundraising event with a clear and urgent purpose: to raise funds in response to the severe drought devastating rural and regional communities. The response from the Somali-Australian community in Victoria was immediate and wholehearted. Members came together — donating generously, volunteering their time, and spreading the word — ensuring the event exceeded expectations.

The funds raised were a testament to the civic spirit that defines SCI and its members. Despite facing their own day-to-day challenges as a diaspora community, participants chose to look outward — standing in solidarity with Australians experiencing one of the country's most prolonged and damaging drought periods on record.

The Cheque Presentation

The May 2019 cheque presentation marked the formal conclusion of the fundraising campaign. Representatives of Somali Community Inc. Victoria gathered to officially hand over the proceeds to the designated relief organisation, completing the community's commitment to those in need. The event was attended by community leaders and members who had contributed to the effort, providing an opportunity to reflect on what had been collectively achieved.

Beyond Borders — A Broader Definition of Community

What made this effort particularly noteworthy was its outward focus. The Somali-Australian community in Victoria has, over the years, worked diligently to build its own foundations — establishing support networks, cultural organisations, and pathways for newcomers. To extend generosity beyond those immediate boundaries, choosing to support communities facing drought hardship, reflects a mature and deeply rooted sense of civic belonging.

Giving is not limited by geography or background. When we support those in need, we strengthen the fabric of the whole community we call home.

— Somali Community Inc. Victoria

The March fundraiser and the subsequent May cheque presentation stand as a proud chapter in SCI's history — proof that a community's strength is best measured not in isolation, but in its willingness to reach out, contribute, and make a difference when it matters most. Somali Community Inc. Victoria remains committed to fostering that spirit in everything it does.