Erum Ali is a proud Pakistan-born woman who moved to Australia five years ago with her daughter. Ms Ali is dedicated to spreading peace and goodwill. She is co-ordinator of the Wyndham Welcome Dinner Project.
What is your connection to Wyndham?
I came to Australia five years back, along with my daughter, Anosha. In 2015, one of my community members invited me at her home in Tarneit. I found new construction all around and felt like I was visiting the real Australia – modern, developed and multicultural. I liked the big roads, open areas, newly built houses and, most of all, the beautifully designed Tarneit station.
The Princes Highway from Werribee station towards Old Geelong Road reminds me of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. When I travelled for the first time that way, I had feelings of belonging and relaxation.
Tell me about your family.
I am a single mum – a bold, modern and revolutionary Pakistani Australian lady, mother of 10-year-old Anosha. My parents are in Pakistan. I am the first and the only woman of my family and my extended families who is living alone and overseas.
What is your day job?
I got my first job in one of the top three banks of Australia and since then I have been working there.
You are also co-ordinator of the Welcome Dinner Project. Tell me about it.
The Welcome Dinner Project was started in 2013 in Sydney when [the founder Penny] invited some refugees to her home and found that there is a big gap between newly arrived and established Australians. The main idea is to connect newly arrived people with established Australians. Everyone brings a plate of food and we share stories.
In 2015, I was invited to one. I was new in this area and didn’t know many people in Australia. My daughter was insisting that I throw her a birthday party, which was on the same day of the dinner. They organised some gifts for my daughter and … after attending the dinner I was emotional and excited to work with them.
You actively help run a number of other multicultural and interfaith initiatives. Why is this so important to you?
When I came to Australia, I started cooking for open-table community lunches as a volunteer. When people started appreciating Pakistani food, I felt like an ambassador of Pakistan in Australia.
I also have dialogues about Islam with a number of people of different faiths. I found rudeness, hate, lack of knowledge and huge misconceptions about Islam due to misleading international media.
I feel it’s my responsibility to spread awareness and actual knowledge about Islam by being a role model and talking with people and spreading peace and love to make this world a better place.
What are your hobbies outside of work and volunteering?
Exploring Melbourne, especially Wyndham; nature photography; poetry; and singing.
What’s your favourite Wyndham restaurant or cafe and why?
The Indian restaurant Bikanos in Werribee for its choly batory, tea and friendly staff.
