Mahlaqa has been named Wyndham’s young person of the month for August for her dedication to community engagement and environmental sustainability.
Recently, Mahlaqa, 17, proudly showcased her eco-friendly fashion designs she designed for Wyndham’s Fashion Awards.
She used her talent and skills to combine sewing with her commitment to sustainability to create a tapestry of fashionable pieces.
However, her knack for crafting things goes much further than garments.
Mahlaqa contributed to the construction of a mosque through the Indonesian Muslim Community of Victoria, which is now being used by many Melburnian Muslims.
She said her inspiration to help build that mosque within a Laverton home came from close to home.
“I think it is my parents and my family that have instilled in me the idea that what you give to the world will return, kind of a form of reciprocation,” Mahlaqa said.
She believes in the power of creativity and advocates to inspire others to take action, whether through designing sustainable fashion and capturing stories through photography.
“Career-wise, I am definitely looking into something in the environment, I see that in what I am already doing.
“I think we don’t pay enough attention to the world around us and I am interested in doing something that involves saving endangered species.”
One Wyndham recipients are residents aged between 12-25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham community and are role models to other young people.
Winners are awarded a $300 gift voucher of their choice and other prizes.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/onewyndham
