A Kenyan refugee has been crowned as Australia's Local Hero for her work helping migrants who are facing domestic violence, language barriers and financial distress.
Rosemary Kariuki from Oran Park in NSW has been presented the award at a ceremony in Canberra on Monday evening.
The 60-year-old fled Kenya by herself in 1999 and found her first few years in Australia incredibly lonely, prompting her to begin an annual dance for African migrant women to combat isolation.
More than 400 women attended the last annual dance, which is now in its 14th year.
Ms Kariuki is also the multicultural community liaison officer for NSW police at the Parramatta station, helping migrants manoeuvre through processes.
