By Jenni Kennedy

Arti was chosen as the recipient for the award due to her incredible work bringing community together.

Some of Arti’s achievements include founding the Human Book Club, a community connections program held monthly at the Shepparton Library.

Through the pandemic, Arti adapted the Human Book Club and created Human Chapters, another initiative she has undertaken, linking in with participants through Facebook, podcasts and other platforms.

Arti also created the ‘Communicate with Confidence Program’, a volunteer program to help the Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community build their skills through St Paul’s African House.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said it is incredibly important to celebrate days of significance such as International Women’s Day, and the annual Women’s Award is a great way to achieve this.

“We are very lucky to have so many wonderful women in our region. I’d like to congratulate Arti on being the 11th recipient of this wonderful award. Thank you for the wonderful support and positive difference you’ve made in our community,” she said.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate our local women, to seek out a better understanding of their stories and pave the way for the younger generations of women to #BreakTheBias.”

Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd, Mr Paul Desmond also congratulated Arti on this significant award.

“You are an extraordinary role model for young women and a wonderful and committed member of your community.”
“Your colleagues at Catholic Education Sandhurst are thrilled that you have been recognised for the wonderful person that you are and for being a quiet achiever who always puts the needs of others before yourself,” he said.