From Kitchen Hand to Community Leader: Prabesh Paudel's Double Honour
In a heartwarming ceremony at Souths Merewether on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, community champion Prabesh Paudel received his second consecutive Newcastle Volunteer Award, making him the first Nepalese recipient to achieve this remarkable back-to-back honour.
The award was presented by Federal MP for Newcastle and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sharon Claydon, who recognised Paudel's extraordinary contributions to the Hunter region's multicultural fabric.
A Journey of Resilience and Service
Paudel's story embodies the Australian immigrant dream. Arriving in Australia in March 2017 as an international student with just a few hundred dollars, he began his new life working as a kitchen hand before progressing to cook and eventually head cook.
"Those years taught me resilience," Paudel reflects. "They made me who I am today."
His determination saw him complete two master's degrees - Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Business Administration - followed by qualifications in real estate and finance. Today, he works as a senior credit analyst at Seven Finance and Home Loans, helping families across the Hunter and Australia secure their first homes.
Building Bridges Through Community Work
Beyond his professional achievements, Paudel's true passion lies in community service. In 2021, he helped establish the Nepalese Community of Newcastle (NCON), the first registered Nepalese not-for-profit organisation in the region.
As secretary, he played a pivotal role in launching a Nepali language school at Plattsburg Public School, giving second-generation Nepalese children the opportunity to connect with their cultural heritage.
His volunteering 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.
When asked how he balances corporate work, family and extensive volunteering, Paudel answers simply: "Everything is a priority."
He attributes his success to the support of those around him, saying: "I'm always thankful to my family, community, friends and especially my beautiful wife, who supports me in every step."
For Newcastle's growing Nepalese community and beyond, Prabesh Paudel stands as a powerful symbol of how hard work, education and genuine compassion can transform lives and strengthen communities.
