Awatif Taha

Awatif Taha is a Sudanese-born Australian who has spent over two decades supporting culturally diverse communities. Her work in migrant services has focused on women and families in Flemington’s public housing estates.

Awatif first worked as a multicultural teacher aide, supporting students with learning and helping families navigate the education system. She translated, advocated and ensured no child or parent felt left behind.

Awatif co-founded the Multicultural Sudanese Centre. It is a welcoming space where women and families can maintain their culture, build connections and access information.

Through Flemington Sisters, she has helped women overcome isolation and develop skills, confidence and pathways to employment. It includes training in commercial cookery, childcare, mental health and disability support services.

During COVID-19, Awatif’s leadership was critical. She recognised how isolated many women, especially young mothers, had become. She supported food relief, secured funding, and worked with local organisations to organise activities.

She also created welcoming spaces through homework clubs. This became a place where children received educational support and mothers could connect. Awatif invited local councillors and Members of Parliament to these sessions. This meant women could directly engage with decision-makers and access opportunities.

For more than 15 years, she has supported the Friday Coffee Group. It brings together young mothers and their children to build friendships and reduce isolation.

She set up Open Kitchen for Women, bringing women from diverse cultural backgrounds together to share food, culture and skills.

Awatif has worked closely with Flemington residents affected by housing relocation and redevelopment. She ensures their concerns are heard and helps them understand their options and transition to suitable housing.

She also continues to advocate for refugee women and asylum seekers. She helps connect them with services, information, community networks and opportunities.

Awatif’s achievements are not just in the work she has done. They are also in the lives she has changed and the community she continues to strengthen every day.