2019 was, without question, one of the most remarkable years in the history of Somali Community Inc. Victoria (SCI). From landmark festivals to inspiring awards nights, from the football pitch to the community hall, our people showed up — again and again — with energy, generosity, and heart. As January 2020 begins, we want to pause and say, with deep sincerity: thank you.
A Year of Highlights
The Somali Day Australia Festival stood as one of the proudest moments of the year. Bringing together thousands of community members, families, and friends from across Victoria, the festival showcased the richness of Somali culture — music, food, art, and storytelling — in a celebration that reminded us all of who we are and where we come from.
The AUSOM Awards Night was another evening to remember. Honouring outstanding Somali Australians who have made meaningful contributions across education, business, community service, and the arts, the night was a powerful reminder that excellence lives in our community every single day. Congratulations once again to every nominee and recipient.
Our charity football match brought the community together in the spirit of healthy competition and generosity. Beyond the goals and the cheers, the event raised vital funds and awareness for those in need — proof that sport, at its best, is about far more than the final score.
The Programs That Changed Lives
Behind every event was a year's worth of quiet, consistent, and deeply impactful community programming. SCI's initiatives throughout 2019 supported newly arrived families, empowered young people, connected elders, and strengthened pathways to employment and education. None of it happened by accident — it happened because of people.
From our dedicated staff and tireless volunteers, to our generous sponsors and valued government partners — every contribution, large or small, made a measurable difference in the lives of Victorians from the Somali community.
Our Gratitude, By Name
To our volunteers: you are the backbone of everything SCI does. You gave your time freely and without hesitation, and it shows in every outcome we achieved.
To our staff: your professionalism, compassion, and commitment to this community never goes unnoticed. Thank you for bringing your best, day after day.
To our sponsors and government partners: your belief in SCI's mission and your practical support made our programs possible. We are proud to work alongside organisations and institutions that share our vision for an inclusive, thriving Victoria.
And to our community members: you are the reason we exist. Your participation, your trust, and your resilience inspire everything we do.
— Somali Community Inc. VictoriaA community that lifts each other up is a community that cannot be held down.
2019 proved exactly that. As we enter 2020 with renewed energy and bigger ambitions, we carry the momentum of an extraordinary year — and the gratitude of an organisation that knows its strength comes entirely from its people. Here's to another year of building, celebrating, and lifting each other up.