Musarrat Saiyed has been named the 2026 Wyndham Citizen of the Year.
Hailing from Oman, Ms Saiyed moved to Australia in 2019 and has been instrumental in keeping Wyndham fed through her charity Pulse with Purpose.
Through her leadership, the organisation provides weekly meals, food bank deliveries, and emergency assistance to hundreds of residents.
Ms Saiyed, who was by her own admission shocked to win the honour, said her Islamic faith is the pillar of her work.
“It is just how we were brought up–to help in whatever capacity that we can–and it is because of the faith we believe in,” Ms Saiyed said.
“You cannot be a true believer if your neighbour goes to sleep hungry, so that is a very strong motivation to help the community.”
Operating out of Dianella Community Centre in Tarneit, the vision started during a dark time for many Victorians.
“When we began it was after Covid and when we started there was a need for hot meals and there was nothing in the western suburbs–so that’s how we thought of starting something.
A big part of Pulse with Purpose is fostering a sense of community through volunteerism.
“Our organisation reflects the demographics of the community we are in and is intergenerational,” she said.
“Most people socialise within their workplace and schools, so they are with people their own age, but we wanted a space where it is truly multigenerational.
“We have volunteers in their early 20s and in their 70s, so there is passing of knowledge and experiences.
“It goes both ways and is mutual.”
As an advocate for wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusion, Ms Saiyed serves on several advisory committees where she champions equitable access to essential resources.
She thanked members of her organisation and Wyndham Council for being supportive of volunteers.
Ms Musarrat also is very keen for anyone with a passion for helping others to come on board.
“We would like more people to join in whatever capacity they are able… sometimes it is not just the direct impact of what the work we do– it is the intangible impact on people we see.
Sometimes it is not just the direct impact, is the intangible impacts of the work that do that we see.
