In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit, Newcastle volunteer Prabesh Paudel has received his second consecutive Newcastle Volunteer Award, cementing his status as one of the Hunter Region's most dedicated community advocates.
From Himalayan Roots to Hunter Coast
The prestigious award was presented on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 by Federal MP for Newcastle and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sharon Claydon, during a ceremony at Souths Merewether. This remarkable achievement marks Paudel as the first Nepalese recipient to win the award two years running.
Paudel's journey to this moment of recognition began when he arrived in Australia in March 2017 as an international student with minimal resources. "I came to Australia with just a few hundred dollars in my pocket," he reflects, determined to build a new future from humble beginnings.
Building a Life Through Education and Service
Paudel's early years in Australia were characterized by resilience and hard work. He started as a kitchen hand, gradually progressing to cook and eventually head cook positions. "Those years taught me resilience," he recalls. "They made me who I am today."
His educational achievements are equally impressive, having completed:
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Business Administration
- Qualifications in real estate and finance
Today, Paudel works as a senior credit analyst at Seven Finance and Home Loans, where his team assists families across the Hunter and Australia in securing their first homes. He also contributes to Click Consulting in Newcastle, helping international students build careers in accounting, IT and engineering.
Transforming Community Through Leadership
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paudel's true passion lies in community service. In 2021, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Nepalese Community of Newcastle (NCON), the first registered Nepalese not-for-profit organisation in the region. As secretary, he helped launch a Nepali language school at Plattsburg Public School, providing second-generation Nepalese children with opportunities to connect with their cultural heritage.
His volunteer work extends to the Hunter Multicultural Communities (HMC), where he joined as an active volunteer member in 2022 and now serves as a board member - the first person of Nepalese background to hold this position. Every Thursday, residents can find Paudel assisting elderly community members on day trips, providing transport, meal assistance and companionship.
"I believe in giving back not for recognition, but for inner peace and self-satisfaction," Paudel explains when discussing his motivation for volunteering.
When asked how he balances corporate work, family life and extensive volunteering commitments, Paudel offers a simple yet profound answer: "Everything is a priority."
The volunteer remains deeply grateful for his support network, stating: "I'm always thankful to my community, friends and especially my beautiful wife, who supports me in every step."
For Newcastle's Nepalese community and the broader Hunter region, Prabesh Paudel stands as a powerful symbol of how hard work, education and genuine compassion can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.
