Shmouel (Sam) Warda arrived in Australia in 1965 and volunteered in several community organisations including the Assyrian Australian Association, the Assyrian Universal Alliance and the Assyrian Sports and Cultural Club. His passion for many years was supporting Assyrian people increase their cultural activities, which was important for a community that had been denied access to their cultural heritage in their home countries. Sam was a hero of multiculturalism – connecting members of his community to their culture and to Australian and international opportunities for representation and collaboration.

His adored daughter, Susan Warda, received the award on his behalf.