Rosemary Kariuki, from Oran Park, NSW

Local hero: Rosemary Kariuki Kenyan-born Rosemary Kariuki, from Oran Park southwest of Sydney, fled family abuse and violence in her home country in 1999.

She became a multicultural community liaison officer with Parramatta Police in 2005, helping migrants fleeing domestic violence.

She co-founded the annual African Women’s Dinner Dance 14 years ago, which is attended by more than 400 people.

Ms Kariuki said the project arose out of a desire to end the isolation for newly arrived migrants.