A Brimbank local has been recognised for her extensive contributions to the community.
STEM educator and volunteer Devika Chaudhary won the ‘outstanding contribution to the community’ award at the 2025 Multicultural Youth Awards in October.
Devika said she was simultaneously excited and overwhelmed to receive the award.
“It was the first time that both of my parents were there for any of my awards ceremonies. It was nice to see my parents feel so happy and humble,” she said.
The award recognised numerous contributions Devika makes to the local community, including through her work with Brimbank council, Victoria University (VU) and the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC).
“I feel like the community has always given me so much and I just like giving back,” Devika said.
Devika provides free tutoring services for students in English, maths and physics at a Brimbank Neighbourhood House each Friday afternoon.
At VU, Devika volunteers as a member of the alumni community action group which helps organise social functions and keynote speech events.
As part of her role with the AAFC, Devika works as a STEM advisor for cadet educational programs.
“I know that a little bit goes a long way, especially when it comes to education,” Devika said
“Obviously I hold [education] quite close to my heart because I am a teacher and I understand that in areas like in the western suburbs it can be quite challenging for some of the schools to have available resources.”
In addition to her other roles, Devika also volunteers for the local women empowerment organisation, Women of Brimbank, which is run by her mother Poonam Singh.
“I got into volunteering because of AAFC but also my mum…. learning from her how much of a difference you can make for a community,” Devika said.
Devika recently became a lawyer and said she would like to focus on community-related legal work, helping out in criminal defence and community legal centres.
In 2022, Devika was named as Brimbank council’s young citizen of the year.
