26/09/2026
Congratulations to Neil Para on being named Ballarat’s Emergency Services and Frontline Volunteer Hero for 2026! 👏
Anyone who knows Neil’s story will understand why this one means so much.
For the past 10 years, he’s volunteered with the Ballarat SES, turning up to help at emergencies and searches for missing people while juggling work, family, and plenty of other community commitments.
In 2023, he walked 1000 kilometres to Sydney to speak up for migrant families stuck waiting for permanent residency.
Neil knew that uncertainty firsthand. He came to Australia as a refugee and has spoken about how much it meant when Ballarat welcomed him and his family.
True to form, Neil used his acceptance speech to thank the people around him, including volunteers whose work often goes unnoticed.
He’s also putting the $5000 award towards the Ballarat SES and people affected by floods in Nepal. Even his prize money is going straight back to helping others.
The timing makes the award especially touching. Neil recently shared that he’s moving to Shepparton for work, where he’ll support migrants and refugees as a Wellbeing Navigator.
His family will continue to call Ballarat home, and he says he’ll be back. As he put it, Ballarat is where he found home.
Well done, Neil. You’ve given a hell of a lot to this community, and it’s lovely to see the community recognise you for it. ❤️
