Ngatuaine Hosking OAM

Ngatuaine (Nga) Hosking’s hard work, community spirit and generosity have been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.

After moving to Australia from the Cook Islands in 1986, Nga has devoted her time to helping the multicultural community in Victoria. She has sat on a range of committees for the Kingston City Council and the Monash City Council, and was the first Monash Councillor from a Cook Islands background.

Since attending a Multicultural Women’s Leadership Course in 2005, she took the journey of helping immigrant and refugee women and youth through advocacy, lobbying and training. In her current voluntary roles as Board member of The Silent Witness Network (TSWN) and President of the Cook Islands Women’s Federation and as a paid Youth Support Worker in Youth Justice and various Residential Care Units, Nga brings with her a wealth of community development skills gained from working at the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition (VIRWC) and Women's Association South East Melbourne Australia (WASEMA).

Nga was overwhelmed with the news of her award but also found it very humbling.

“Really surprised because I wasn’t expecting it. I am just working at the grass root level with the hope of connecting, empowering and supporting the community," she said.

“It’s the work of the community that has made it possible – I’m only a receiver of what they have already contributed in regards to the actual award itself. I’m not saying I did it by myself, it was done because of the work of everyone else around me through my journey.”

“I think one of the highlights of my career is lobbying for a Cook Islands Consulate Office in Australia. We are still in the lobbying process but hope to have an outcome soon.”

Nga believes there are a large number of women out there doing outstanding work at the grassroots level who are not being recognised.

“I would support anyone in making a nomination – help them recognise those that deserve to be awarded for their great work.”

Recipients such as Ngatuaine are recognised because someone noticed the good work they do. If you know someone who should be recognised for what they do, consider nominating them for recognition.