Bashar Hanna, a Sydney-based Arts and community cultural development specialist who works closely with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Middle Eastern communities in Fairfield City, in the western suburbs of Sydney. Bashar arrived in Australia in 1998 escaping the wars and discrimination in Iraq.
In addition to being a Community Engagement Officer for the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education, Bashar runs his own arts and community development consultancy. Utilising the transformative power of music, theatre, storytelling, poetry, and visual arts to create a positive social change.
He is also the founder and the current public officer of the Australian Mesopotamian Cultural Association.
Bashar passionately advocates for social cohesion, peace, and justice. His contributions to his community in Sydney and Australian society have been recognised in multiple awards, including an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), ‘2021 Influencer of the Year’ and Fairfield City Volunteer of the Year in 2022.
Bashar recently participated in a special two-day DTP human rights advocacy workshop for diaspora community leaders in Sydney, organised in partnership with the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS). The workshop brought together 27 refugee and migrant community. It focused on human rights, lobbying, advocacy, and media skills.
Bashar was appreciative of DTP training singling out the session led by Lynda Jane Voltz, MP in the NSW Parliament.
“DTP training was amazing. Lynda’s session provided insights and practical techniques on how community leaders can effectively engage with politicians and inform their perspectives. That knowledge will be helpful for me to apply to my own work, recognizing its potential for making a significant impact.”
Bashar emphasises that diplomacy extends far beyond political engagement, asserting its relevance in everyday interactions with neighbours, community members, and policymakers.
From growing up in war-torn Iraq, it was through coming to Australia that he came to truly appreciate the value of peace. Armed with his skills in diplomacy, Bashar remains committed to fostering peace and unity within his community, transcending barriers and creating a harmonious coexistence for all.
DTP acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, the Bedegal people of the Eora Nation. We recognise their lands were never ceded, and we acknowledge their struggles for recognition and rights and pay our respects to the Elders – past, present – and the youth who are working towards a brighter tomorrow. This continent always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.
We are a proud partner of UNSW Law & Justice
DTP acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, the Bedegal people of the Eora Nation. We recognise their lands were never ceded, and we acknowledge their struggles for recognition and rights and pay our respects to the Elders – past, present – and the youth who are working towards a brighter tomorrow. This continent always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.
We are a proud partner of UNSW Law & Justice
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