From Helping the Homeless to Inspiring a Community: The Story Behind Parramatta’s Citizen of the Year
On any given week in Western Sydney, it is not unusual to see volunteers handing out groceries, food and essential supplies to people doing it tough. At the heart of many of these efforts is community advocate Moses Vedamuthu, whose quiet dedication to helping others has now earned him the title of City of Parramatta’s Citizen of the Year.Presented during the city’s Australia Day celebrations at Parramatta Town Hall, the honour recognises Vedamuthu’s years of service supporting vulnerable members of the community through the organisation he founded, SOHAS Charity (Support Organisation for Homeless and Asylum Seekers).
What began as a simple mission to help those struggling has grown into a wide-reaching community initiative. Over the past six years, SOHAS has been delivering weekly food and grocery support to elders, homeless individuals, refugees, survivors of domestic violence, single parents and international students across six local government areas in Western Sydney, including Parramatta. The organisation has recently extended its work to communities in the Hunter Region, broadening its reach to help even more people in need.
But for Vedamuthu, providing food relief is only one part of the mission. His work has increasingly focused on creating opportunities that allow people to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
Through SOHAS initiatives, more than 30 students have received access to free Diploma education, while migrants and refugees have been supported with resume preparation, job training and employment guidance. These efforts have already helped 28 individuals secure jobs, giving them a pathway toward stability and a fresh start.
The charity also plays an active role in raising awareness about homelessness. During National Homelessness Week, Vedamuthu and his volunteers distributed over 100 blankets and sleeping bags to people sleeping rough, offering warmth and comfort during the colder months.
Despite the recognition, Vedamuthu remains focused on the purpose behind his work.
“This is an honour that fills me with pride and purpose,” he said. “I believe being a good citizen means taking responsibility for the wellbeing of our community. Even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change in someone’s life.”
Looking ahead, Vedamuthu hopes to establish a SOHAS Community Hub, which would provide free IT and digital skills training for First Nations students, creating new pathways to education and long-term empowerment.
His efforts have already been acknowledged with several honours, including the NSW Volunteer Team of the Year Award and the Australia Day Community Group Award, reflecting the growing recognition of SOHAS’s impact across New South Wales.
For many who have received support through the organisation, Vedamuthu’s work represents more than charity—it represents compassion, opportunity and hope.
And while the Citizen of the Year award celebrates one individual, Vedamuthu believes the recognition belongs to the volunteers and supporters who share the same belief: that communities grow stronger when people look out for one another.
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