Celebrating Mohamed Salim
A Decade of Leadership, Service and Commitment to Community
Malak Foundation proudly congratulates Mohamed Babiker Salim on his recognition at the 2026 African Australian Awards, where his years of dedicated community service and leadership were honoured with the Community Leader Award and Community Leader of the Year Award.
For more than a decade, Mohamed Salim has been an instrumental member of the Sudanese community in Australia. Through his leadership and his work with the Sudanese Community Association of Victoria (SCAV), he has consistently contributed his time, energy and experience to strengthening the community, bringing people together and supporting Sudanese Australians across Victoria.
His contribution has often taken place through the kind of work that does not always receive public attention — organising, supporting families, connecting people, assisting community initiatives, representing community interests and simply being available when people need support.
Recognition of Leadership and Community Service
The awards, presented on 26 September 2026, recognise Mohamed's outstanding leadership, dedication to community service and commitment to strengthening unity, inclusion and community wellbeing.
This recognition is particularly meaningful because it celebrates not only an individual achievement, but also the contribution that Sudanese Australians continue to make to Australian society.
It is a reminder that strong communities are built over many years by people who continue to show up, contribute and serve.
The Sudanese Community Association of Victoria also celebrated the achievement, describing the award as a source of pride for the wider community and recognition of the valuable contribution Sudanese Australians continue to make within Australian society.
That sentiment is strongly shared by Malak Foundation.
Every time the work of a Sudanese-Australian community leader is recognised, it helps tell a wider story about our community — a story of service, participation, resilience and contribution.
A Valued Supporter of Malak Foundation
For Malak Foundation, this recognition also carries special significance.
Mohamed has supported the Foundation's efforts and community work over the years, and we have greatly valued his continued encouragement, cooperation and willingness to support initiatives seeking to create better opportunities for our communities.
Community organisations cannot achieve meaningful change in isolation. Progress depends on relationships between individuals, community organisations, volunteers, governments, businesses and institutions that are willing to work together.
Mohamed's continued support represents exactly that spirit of collaboration.
Whether the work involves supporting community members, encouraging participation, strengthening community connections or helping organisations work together, his contribution demonstrates an important principle:
Leadership is not simply about holding a position. Leadership is about service, consistency and being prepared to continue the work long after the event, meeting or announcement has ended.
Meeting with Ms Sarah Connolly MP - Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly
An Award Represents Years of Work
An award may be presented on one evening, but the work behind it is measured in years.
Over the past ten years, Mohamed has played an important role in the work of SCAV and in the broader Sudanese community in Australia.
During that period, the community itself has continued to grow and change. New families have arrived, younger generations have grown up in Australia, new organisations and initiatives have emerged, and the community has continued to respond to challenges both here in Australia and abroad.
Sustaining community involvement across such a long period requires patience, commitment and an ability to keep people connected across different backgrounds, generations and experiences.
That is why recognition such as the African Australian Awards matters.
It provides an opportunity to acknowledge people whose contribution might otherwise be measured only through the countless conversations, meetings, events, phone calls, introductions and acts of support that happen quietly throughout the year.
A Moment of Pride for Sudanese Australians
Mohamed's achievement is also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Sudanese Australians to the country we call home.
Across Australia, Sudanese Australians are contributing through community organisations, education, business, sport, health, government, humanitarian work, the arts and many other fields.
Celebrating these achievements is important not only for those receiving recognition today, but also for younger Sudanese Australians who can see what is possible through participation, service and commitment to others.
It also reflects something important about Australia's multicultural story:
We can remain proud of where we come from while contributing confidently and positively to the future of Australia.
With SCAV President Mr Adil Ali
Warm Congratulations
On behalf of Malak Foundation, we congratulate Mohamed Babiker Salim on this well-deserved recognition.
Thank you, Mohamed, for your continued support of Malak Foundation, for your leadership through SCAV, and above all for your many years of commitment to the community.
We wish you continued success and hope this recognition encourages many more people to step forward, contribute and serve.
Congratulations on this achievement — and thank you for continuing the work.
Malak Foundation
Celebrating service, community and the people who bring us together.
