In September 2020, at the height of Victoria's second wave of COVID-19, Somali Community Inc. (SCI) President Mr Farah Warsame received an official acknowledgement letter from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) — a formal recognition of the extraordinary efforts SCI had made to protect and support vulnerable Somali-Australian families during one of the most challenging public health crises in the state's history.
Recognition of Community-Led Health Outreach
The acknowledgement letter from the DHHS commended Somali Community Inc. for its exceptional and sustained contribution to COVID-19 community health outreach. Specifically, the letter highlighted SCI's work in distributing accurate and culturally appropriate health information, providing hygiene supplies, and delivering food relief packages to Somali-Australian households experiencing hardship as a direct result of the pandemic and the associated economic lockdowns.
The Department also recognised SCI's critical role in building community trust around public health measures, including vaccination awareness and compliance with public safety directives. In a period marked by widespread misinformation, SCI served as a trusted bridge between government health authorities and the broader Somali-Australian community.
The Work Behind the Recognition
Throughout 2020, SCI volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to reach Somali-Australian families who faced compounding disadvantages during the pandemic — including language barriers, limited access to digital resources, housing insecurity, and reduced income. The organisation mobilised quickly to fill gaps left by mainstream services, ensuring that some of Melbourne's most vulnerable residents were not left behind.
- Distribution of multilingual COVID-19 health information in Somali and English
- Provision of hygiene kits including masks, hand sanitiser, and cleaning supplies
- Delivery of food relief packages to families in need across metropolitan Melbourne
- Community education sessions addressing vaccine hesitancy and public health compliance
The Victorian DHHS acknowledgement letter stands as an official government record of SCI's contribution — affirming that community organisations play an indispensable role in public health responses, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
A Message from Mr Farah Warsame
— Mr Farah Warsame, President — Somali Community Inc.This acknowledgement belongs to every volunteer, every staff member, and every community member who stepped forward during an incredibly difficult time. We are proud of what we achieved together, and we remain committed to the health and wellbeing of our community.
Looking Ahead
The recognition from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services reinforces Somali Community Inc.'s standing as a vital civic institution within the Somali-Australian community and the broader Victorian multicultural landscape. As the pandemic continued to evolve, SCI pledged to maintain its outreach efforts and to deepen its partnerships with government agencies and health providers to ensure equitable access to health services for all community members.
The September 2020 acknowledgement is not merely a certificate of appreciation — it is a testament to what culturally grounded, community-led action can achieve when it is most needed. SCI's response during the COVID-19 pandemic set a benchmark for community health engagement that continues to inspire its work to this day.