She’s known as only Malika to the women of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre (Illawarra WHC) and the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre (Women’s TRC), where she fills the air with her music.
Now, however, Malika Elizabeth Reese has been named Wollongong’s Citizen of the Year at the City of Wollongong Awards.
Malika received the city’s highest citizen honour for her efforts in various creative and community service fields. Her passion for music, storytelling, and education informed her work as an advocate for victims and survivors of violence.
Malika has been a tireless campaigner for an end to violence against women and children and has performed at countless local and national vigils for victim-survivors.
As a long-term supporter of the Illawarra WHC she performed at our inaugural Australian Recovery and Healing Conference dinner and runs our singing group at the Women’s TRC.
“Malika has always given so generously to our Centres. She is a wonderful friend, an incredible advocate and a very special woman who brings light and joy to all who cross her path,” said Illawarra WHC executive director Sally Stevenson.
“She played a key role in the inaugural Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery and Healing Conference in Wollongong and has worked extensively with the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and Women Illawarra.”
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Malika’s many passionate endeavours warranted the city’s highest recognition.
“Malika’s desire to utilise her many creative talents in social advocacy and community service makes her a special individual and worthy recipient of this honour,” Cr Brown said.
“Her tireless efforts in supporting and empowering victim-survivors of violence is to be truly admired, as is her passion for her many artistic endeavors and contribution to the Wollongong Arts community.”
There were 11 awards presented. Illawarra Women’s Health Centre’s Monthly Women’s Palestinian breakfast partner, Wollongong Friends of Palestine, was nominated in the community group category, which was awarded to Need a Feed.
Kirsty Thomas, Centre Manager at Coomaditche United Aboriginal Corporation and treasurer on the board of Waminda South Coast Women’s Health, was honoured with the Diversity and Inclusion Award.
