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Rosemary Kariuki OAM
Mama Rosemary
Fleeing Kenya alone in 1999 to escape family abuse and tribal clashes, Rosemary’s early years in Australia were terribly lonely. These experiences helped inspire her to bring connection and knowledge to refugees and migrants through events that celebrate music, dance, food, and especially women.
Together with the African Women’s Group, Rosemary established the first African Women’s Dinner Dance in 2007 and the Cultural Exchange Program in 2008. Soon after followed coffee clubs and high teas.
Rosemary established the African Village Market, and has also helped organise numerous other events to connect women and their families with services.
As a Multicultural Liaison Officer with the NSW Police, Rosemary connects refugee and migrant communities with police, helping them understand issues like domestic and family violence.
In 2021 she was awarded Australian of the Year, Local Hero for her work in promoting social cohesion and supporting victims/survivors of domestic and family violence.
In 2023 Hardie Grant published A Joyful Life, One woman’s story of triumph over trauma to build a life of hope and gratitude about her life. She is the subject of the documentary, Rosemary’s Way and her story featured in the play and documentary, the Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe
As well as the Local Hero Award Rosemary has been awarded an OAM, Parramatta Citizen of the Year and Community Fellowship from Western Sydney University among other awards.
Rosemary is a member of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, the Australian Multicultural Council, advising the Commonwealth Government on multicultural affairs and is a patron of the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Rosemary is also a guest speaker at events across Australia.