Recognition, awards
& certificates.
Milestones in education, filmmaking, gardening and community service, alongside certificates that reflect a continuing commitment to learning. Each is connected to the people and projects that made it possible.
محطات في التعليم وخدمة المجتمع والسينما والبستنة، مرتّبة من الأحدث إلى الأقدم، مع إبراز الجوائز والإنجازات المهمة وتوثيق الترشيحات والشهادات بصورها.
Recognition with lasting meaning.
2026
↑ Browse yearsHussam Saraf MICDA.
I am a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia. My certificate authorises the post-nominals MICDA and records an expiry date of 1 July 2027.
This membership supports my commitment to ethical leadership, inclusion and continued learning in service of our community.
Open the original certificate · Image ↗ · Read my membership announcement ↗ · Professional membership record →
2025
↑ Browse yearsChairperson’s Refugee Stories Award
Completed in 2023 for Refugee Week 2023, The Way to Freedom (Part 1: The Journey) received the inaugural Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award at the 2025 Multicultural Film Festival. Written by Hussam Saraf and co-directed with Darryl McConnell, the film explores refugee experiences and belonging in Greater Shepparton.
Official certificates & laurel
The festival documents record both the film’s official selection and its award win.
Winner certificate
Open certificate (image) ↗
Official Selection certificate
Open certificate (image) ↗
Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award
Open winner laurel ↗
The trophy and the framed certificate.
The winner trophy, Official Selection certificate and published award result document a milestone shared with the film’s participants and creative team.
The film grew from a school project shaped by more than 350 students and staff at Greater Shepparton Secondary College. My thanks go to everyone who shared a story or worked behind the scenes, and to the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Swinburne University and the Multicultural Film Festival team.
Earlier milestone · 30 May 2025: I announced the film’s official selection and finalist status before the June award presentation. Read the original announcement →
Recognition in early years education
Two nominations in the 2025 Victorian Early Years Awards recognised my work as an Arabic language teacher with the Victorian School of Languages.
- Educator of the Year (CNOM9): confirmed in the nomination notification and certificate, which names Hussam Saraf and the Victorian School of Languages.
- Early Childhood Teacher of the Year (CNOM6): confirmed in a separate nomination notification.
Educator of the Year nomination
Open certificate (image) ↗
Teaching language, identity and belonging.
Receiving my Educator of the Year nomination certificate was a meaningful milestone in my work with the Victorian School of Languages. It reflects the relationships at the heart of my Arabic language teaching: helping young learners build confidence, connect with their identity and feel that they belong.
I am deeply grateful to the parents and families who nominated me, the students who inspire my teaching, and my VSL colleagues for their support. I also thank the Victorian Department of Education for recognising the value of early years education. This recognition is shared with the whole learning community.
Two nominations for Arabic language education.
On 5 August 2025, I shared the news of two nominations in the Victorian Early Years Awards: Educator of the Year (CNOM9) and Early Childhood Teacher of the Year (CNOM6). The two official notifications shown here confirm each category, while the certificate above records Educator of the Year.
Read the original announcement ↗ · Explore my Arabic language teaching →
Certificates & professional learning · 5 records الشهادات والتطوير المهني
Core Inclusion Course
SBS Inclusion / International Education Services
Certificate of participation in the Core Inclusion Course.
Generational Diversity Course
SBS Inclusion / International Education Services
Certificate of participation in the Generational Diversity Course.
Disability Course
SBS Inclusion / International Education Services
Certificate of participation in the Disability Course.
ASCIA Anaphylaxis refresher e-training
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Certificate of completion recording a result of 100%, with practice at Greater Shepparton Secondary College recorded on the same date.
Anti-racism
Australian Human Rights Commission / Victorian Department of Education
Certificate of completion for the Anti-racism course.
2023
↑ Browse yearsAppreciation for the horticulture program and The Patch.
GSSC presented me with a plaque in appreciation of my commitment to its horticulture program and The Patch. The date on the plaque is 5 September 2023.
The gardening story and photographs → · Original Facebook post ↗
Institute of Community Directors Australia.
I shared the arrival of my ICDA membership certificate as a milestone in my community work. The certificate names Hussam Saraf and records permission to use MICDA for its membership period.
Historical certificate: the printed expiry date is 1 July 2024.
Read the personal milestone → · Professional membership record →
Recognising the work we do together.
Volunteer Recognition Awards nomination · GSSC Multicultural Liaison Officer team
My colleagues and I were nominated for the 2023 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards. The ceremony, held on 15 May during National Volunteer Week, celebrated people who give their time and energy to the community.
The team received a certificate of appreciation, signed by Mayor Cr Shane Sali, recognising our dedication, contribution and service. The tribute presented at the event highlighted the team’s commitment to multicultural communities during difficult circumstances.
For me, this was a shared milestone: recognition of the trust, care and practical support that grow through working together.
View all 10 photographs from the 2023 ceremony
Read my June 2023 reflection ↗ · Watch the Facebook video ↗
Explore the team’s community work →
Open original video ↗ · Facebook
Certificates & professional learning · 1 record الشهادات والتطوير المهني
Culturally Appropriate Care Workshop
Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing
Certificate recording participation in two hours of face-to-face training in culturally appropriate care.
2022
↑ Browse yearsGV Cares: a community effort recognised.
Winner · Pandemic Response Team award
GV Cares received the Pandemic Response Team award at the 2022 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards. I was honoured to attend as one of 20 representatives of a team of more than 200 volunteers.
A Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project initiative, GV Cares brought volunteers and local organisations together to support households during the 2021 lockdown. The award recognised the team’s collective effort to get food and essential supplies to people who needed them.
View all 9 photographs from the 2022 ceremony
Special Commendation for Greater Shepparton Unites in Voice, a fellow team recognised at the ceremony.
Council’s award announcement ↗ · Read my June 2022 reflection ↗
Certificates & professional learning · 2 records الشهادات والتطوير المهني
First Nations Course
SBS Inclusion / International Education Services
Certificate of participation bearing the title First Nations Course.
View certificate ↗
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Course certificate ↗
Alternate photograph of the certificate ↗
Cultural Diversity Course
SBS Inclusion / International Education Services
Certificate of participation in the Cultural Diversity Course.
2021
↑ Browse yearsSharing gardening knowledge with students.
A letter thanking Hussam Saraf for supporting the SENSE of HUMUS class as students learned farming and horticulture techniques.
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A letter from Greater Shepparton Secondary College recognises the time I contributed to the SENSE of HUMUS class, supporting students as they learned different farming and horticulture techniques.
Signed by Partnerships Leader and Career Practitioner Mary-Ann Linehan, the letter thanks me for supporting the school’s principals, staff and students. It reflects the connection between my gardening work and my commitment to education.
Most types of fruit on a single tree
My multi-grafted tree earned a Guinness World Record in 2021, combining five fruit species and ten varieties on one tree. It became a way to share my passion for gardening and a message of peaceful coexistence.
The certificate behind the milestone.
The official record certificate confirms five types of fruit on one tree, verified on 6 October 2021. The photographs also document participation certificates and the Official Attempt medal connected with this shared achievement.
The official certificate records five types of fruit grafted by Hussam Saraf on one tree, verified in Kialla, Victoria, on 6 October 2021.
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Hussam Saraf’s certificate of participation in the record event, photographed with the medal and pin.
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The record-holder certificate displayed alongside certificates acknowledging participants in the record event.
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Explore seven more photographs of the certificates and medal
The framed record certificate, medal and participation certificates displayed together.
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Guinness World Records Official Attempt medal with its ribbon.
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Close-up of the medal and its Official Attempt inscription.
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A wider view of the record certificate and participation documents.
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The framed record certificate with participation certificates for Hussam Saraf and the Hussam Saraf Gardens Journey Team.
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Guinness World Records presentation folders prepared for the record-event participants.
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Participation certificates acknowledging the people involved in the record event.
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Certificates & professional learning · 2 records الشهادات والتطوير المهني
Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Allens Training
Statement of Attainment for HLTAID009. This is a record of training completed in 2021.
Growing Media I
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia
Certificate of completion for the Growing Media I eLearning program, recording two Certified Nursery Professional credit points.
2020
↑ Browse yearsRecognising service during Victoria’s bushfires.
Commemorative pin and acknowledgement of service.
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I received a Victorian Fires 2019–2020 commemorative pin in recognition of my contribution through Australian Red Cross to supporting emergency services and communities during the bushfire season.
In a letter dated 1 December 2020, titled “Honouring Our Brave Firefighters & Emergency Services”, Australian Red Cross presented the pin on behalf of the Premier of Victoria and the Victorian community. The letter thanked me for my efforts and ongoing commitment to Red Cross, recognising the service of emergency workers and volunteers in protecting communities and supporting recovery.
The letter was signed by Sue Cunningham, Director, Victoria, and Kate Siebet, State Manager, Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross.
The story behind the pin
The accompanying acknowledgement covers the November 2019–April 2020 bushfire season. Its artwork, by Dixon Patten, Gunnai and Yorta Yorta, reflects “Caring for Country”, connection to the land, and communities rebuilding together. The card explains the symbolism of Boorun the pelican and the emu and kangaroo tracks.
The acknowledgement bears the names of Victoria’s leaders at the time: Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville, and Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp.
Community Leadership Program milestones.
My participation in Greater Shepparton City Council’s Community Leadership Program in 2017 and 2020 represents an important part of my community leadership journey. The graduate photographs below mark these two chapters of involvement.
Photo: Greater Shepparton City Council ↗
Photo: Greater Shepparton City Council ↗
Community Leadership Program and graduate gallery ↗ · Explore my community work →
View my 2017 graduation: certificate, project team and memories →
Certificates & professional learning · 30 records الشهادات والتطوير المهني
Garden Design & Maintenance
New Skills Academy
Certificate recording successful completion of Garden Design & Maintenance training.
Soils: Introducing the World Beneath Our Feet
Lancaster University / FutureLearn
Certificate of Achievement for a four-week online course exploring soils, the life they contain and human impacts on soil systems.
Professional Resilience: Building Skills to Thrive at Work
Deakin University / FutureLearn
Certificate of achievement
What Is Leadership?
Deakin University / FutureLearn
Certificate of achievement
Infection Control Training – COVID 19
Australian Government Department of Health / Aspen Medical
Certificate of acknowledgement
COVID 19 – Aged Care Module 1 – Personal Safety
Australian Government Department of Health / Aspen Medical
Certificate of acknowledgement
COVID 19 – Aged Care Module 2 – Families and Visitors – Part 1 – Residential Care
Australian Government Department of Health / Aspen Medical
Certificate of acknowledgement
COVID 19 – Aged Care Module 2 – Families and Visitors – Part 2 – In-home Care
Australian Government Department of Health / Aspen Medical
Certificate of acknowledgement
COVID 19 – Aged Care Module 3 – COVID 19 and Aged Care
Australian Government Department of Health / Aspen Medical
Certificate of acknowledgement
Local Government Victoria Candidate Online Training
Local Government Victoria
Certificate of completion
Protecting Children – Mandatory Reporting and other Obligations (Government Schools)
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Risk Management
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Performance and Development Module 1 for Education Support Staff
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Performance and Development Module 2 for Education Support Staff
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Performance and Development Module 3 for Education Support Staff
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Addressing Workplace Bullying
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Ergonomics
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Hazard and Incident Reporting
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Introduction to OH&S
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Manual Handling
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
OH&S Program – NTS/TEA
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
OH&S Program Refresher – NTS/TEA Staff
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
OHS for Employees-Refresher
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Slips, Trips & Falls
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Students with Disabilities Transport Program
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Transport Program
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Infection Control Training: COVID-19
Australian Government Department of Health / Aspen Medical
Certificate acknowledging completion of an online infection control training course.
General English Certification Test (GECT)
International Business Management Institute / Language Assessment Center
Test certificate
Working with Integrity
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Applied Digital Skills: G Suite Certification – Gmail
Grow with Google
Certificate of completion
2019
↑ Browse yearsTwo nominations. A deeper commitment to service.
I was honoured to be nominated in two categories of the 2019 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards: Male Volunteer and Long Serving Volunteer.
The certificates of appreciation, signed by Mayor Cr Kim O’Keeffe, recognise my contribution to the community during National Volunteer Week, 20–27 May 2019. For me, the nominations were encouragement to keep giving back to Greater Shepparton and the wider Australian community.
The service behind the nominations.
The Male Volunteer nominee profile recognised my role connecting the Australian Red Cross Emergency Services Team with Iraqi, Arabic and Muslim communities. The Long Serving Volunteer profile highlighted my involvement in the Iraqi Community Centre and my work connecting the Iraqi community with the wider community.
An evening of gratitude and inspiration.
Meeting guest speaker Ahmed Kelly, the Iraqi-born Australian Paralympic swimmer, was a personal highlight. Having first heard about his journey from his mother, Moira Kelly, in 2017, I valued the opportunity to hear his story directly. His message, “Find a way”, stayed with me as encouragement to persevere and contribute.
My reflection, shared on 21 May 2019, thanked the Council, everyone who supported my nominations, and the family and friends whose encouragement continues to sustain my community work.
Explore 22 more photographs from the evening
The 2017 Male Volunteer certificate is displayed beside the two 2019 certificates.
Certificates & professional learning · 9 records الشهادات والتطوير المهني
The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Google Digital Garage
Certificate of achievement
Performance and Development Module 1 for Education Support Staff
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Performance and Development Module 3 for Education Support Staff
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Accidents and Sickbay Overview
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Canteen, Uniform, Book Shop and Book Clubs
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Adding a Student Medical Condition
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Addressing Workplace Bullying
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Chemical Management
Victorian Government · education staff training
Certificate of completion
Certificate IV in Education Support (CHC40213)
Image Australian Modern Academy Pty Ltd
Qualification certificate
2018
↑ Browse yearsContribution Recognition Award
Recognition for community contribution, dated 22 March 2018.
Explore my volunteer service →2017
↑ Browse yearsMale Volunteer nomination · 2017
I was nominated in the Male Volunteer category of Greater Shepparton City Council’s 2017 Volunteer Recognition Awards. The Certificate of Appreciation recognises my contribution to the community and was presented during National Volunteer Week, 8–14 May 2017.
These photographs record receiving the certificate and sharing the occasion with others.
Learning that strengthens the work.
These certificates document my learning across cultural inclusion, community care, gardening and safety. Each entry records the course, provider and date shown in the original document. Select a certificate to read it at full size.
Explore the full certificate collection by field →
Inclusion & cultural understanding.
Professional learning connected with education, respectful relationships and culturally responsive community work.
Gardening & horticulture.
Course certificates covering garden design, soils and growing media.
Health & safety training.
Dated records of completed training in anaphylaxis awareness, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and infection control.
Volunteer & community recognition.
Recognition for volunteering, long service and contributions to community life.
Explore community recognition →More than a moment of recognition.
My Northern Health volunteer badge and pins are personal reminders of the relationships and service behind my community journey. Volunteering at Northern Hospital helped shape a commitment that I later carried into my work in Greater Shepparton.
Read about my hospital volunteering →
Shared with
my community.
I value these milestones as reminders of the people, collaboration and commitment behind the work. Explore the community journey →
Awards & Certificates photo albums.
Browse photographs by project, occasion and story.
