HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 127 January 2026 | Page 11

LOCAL LIFE

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Ubah Gabris

by Lorna Gordon

Ubah arrived in Australia from Somalia with her sister’ s and mother as a child. Growing up through the challenges of civil war and resettlement, she learned early how much difference the kindness of others can make. That understanding drives her passion today.

She always knew she wanted to give back and began volunteering once she was out of university and had set herself up in a steady corporate career and she had more time to dedicate to causes which spoke to her. Ubah decided to try out a few different organisations before she came across the Rotary, and she explained why it’ s way of working resonated with her.

“ Everyone’ s a volunteer. The money raised goes to the causes. I didn’ t have to worry about whether the help I was providing reached the right people.”

She started visiting different clubs, looking for a group whose meeting schedule suited her and whose values aligned with her own. What she found was a vibrant, service-driven community and within months, she was deeply involved.

One of Ubah’ s proudest achievements is establishing a Rotary Club at a local high school. Within just two months, the students had organised a major stationery drive for children in South Asia, all on their own initiative.

“ These were kids from Years 7 to 11. They took leadership roles, made

decisions, and saw the real impact they could have.”

The club has since launched projects supporting water purification, improved digital health, and youth wellbeing. Many students have gone on to regional Rotary youth programs, returning with renewed confidence and a sense of purpose. At graduations and youth nights, Ubah has witnessed remarkable transformations.

“ You see kids who were isolated because of Covid and were shy or withdrawn, suddenly laughing, connecting, speaking with confidence. One boy with mental health challenges created a project to help others. Those moments are what make a difference.”

Though she joined Rotary only three and a half years ago, Ubah has quickly risen through leadership roles. She began by assisting the board, then moved into youth programs, before becoming involved in district-level governance across 54 clubs and, eventually, the regional council.

“ It’ s much bigger than I expected— 1.5 million members internationally,” she says.“ But it’ s solution-focused, nonreligious, non-political. That draws people in.”

Through Rotary, she supports projects addressing homelessness, domestic violence, women’ s housing, disaster relief, and support for older women experiencing abuse or homelessness.

“ We look after our own,” she says.“ During droughts, floods or fires

Australians rally. Once people start volunteering, they want to do more.”

Ubah also plays a significant role in the annual Reclaim the Night event in the Hills. Inspired by Rotary’ s district domestic violence initiatives and encouraged by fellow member Mayor Michelle Bynes, she stepped in to help organise the safetyfocused walk when Mayor Bynes became busy with council commitments.

“ The first year I helped with logistics. The second year, I took over organising the whole Hills event,” she says.“ It’ s powerful seeing people come forward for help, seeing young people learn what healthy relationships look like.”

For Ubah, volunteering doesn’ t require a huge commitment just a willingness to begin.

“ For me family comes first, work second, volunteering third. Some weeks you give two hours, some weeks zero.

Ubah finds volunteering a way to give back to the community.

For anyone thinking of volunteering, just start. Visit different groups. Learn what they do. You gain friendships, community, a fuller life.” Top of Form

You can find out more about what Rotary offers and where your nearest club is at www. rotary. org

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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 127 // JANUARY 2026 9