Traditional values shape Ali
Being born into a traditional Muslim family dictated that Ali Al Mousawy would from a young age learn respect for his parents, his culture and his religion.
Respect, however, goes much further — to his friends, people he meets, those he works with and customers he serves when working part-time at IGA in Cobram, where his broad, happy smile and genuine interest in people is obvious.
After completing school at Cobram Anglican Grammar School, Ali, 19, was uncertain about his career path and while he gave plumbing and electrical work a try, it was not to his liking.
However, this young man loves helping people, particularly older folk such as his customers at the supermarket, where he has worked casually since 2019, and the idea of a role in aged care formed.
It felt right.
“People feel lost without having somebody come to visit and I would like to help make their lives better,” Ali said.
Testimony to his caring attitude, upon learning several weeks ago that one of his favourite elderly customers was ill, Ali wrote her a letter letting her know he was thinking of her. Unfortunately, she passed away not long after.
Early this month, Ali began what he hopes will be a meaningful career when he started studying online with the Warner Institute to obtain a Certificate III in aged care individual support, which he will complete in December. Hopefully it will enable him to secure a placement locally.
In the meantime, he is a busy young man focusing on his studies while also ensuring his customers at IGA continue to be looked after.
Ali’s parents and two older brothers arrived in Australia as refugees from Iraq in 2000, initially living in Shepparton before embarking on a new life in Cobram.
While language was something of a barrier for the family, it was the boys, Mohammed and David, who adapted well and were able to help Ali, who was born in Cobram, their two sisters and two brothers.
While the family of seven children speak Arabic at home, when the younger children attended school they quickly became accomplished in English.
After tumultuous years of difficulty and uncertainty as refugees, today the Al Mousawy family is safe and happy in its new country, with eldest son Mohammed studying medicine, second son David a plumber and Ali about to embark on his career.
“I want to have a good career and help to look after my family. Family is priority, it is how I was raised by my parents through our culture and religion,” acknowledges Ali, who is determined to make his way in the world.
Active sewing group supports Copulos centre
Cobram’s Very Active Ladies Sewing Group (VALSC) will present more than 25 much-needed after surgery breast-care kits to breast care nurse Michelle Parish from the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre in Shepparton.
The group has to date provided the centre with more than 65 of the kits and many more have been requested by patients after undergoing radical treatment to fight this insidious disease, which in 2020 was the fifth most common cause of cancer death in Australia.
Ms Parish will visit the group at Cobram Senior Citizens Club on Tuesday, May 9, at 11am to receive the new kits and to discuss the role the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre plays in combating cancer in the region.
Visitors will be warmly welcomed.
Elite 35s strutting their stuff on the soccer pitch
This year, Cobram Roar is fielding a team in the Albury Wodonga Football Association Elite 35s for the first time and the ‘oldies’, who range in age from 35 to 60, appear to be loving it.
Coach Josef Ballerini, the youngest in the team at 35, is pleased with his side.
“We are going okay, but we need to put in more at training. But we’re improving,” he said.
Although at 35 he is still young, perhaps on a hard running pitch, surrounded by fit young athletes, age does begin to show.
“It was getting hard trying to keep up with the younger players week after week,” Josef said when asked why he joined the 35s.
While some of the team have played for many years, others have had a longish break and are still building on their fitness levels, while 60-year-old Ian McKenzie, with great enthusiasm, is beginning to hit his straps at Roar.
In the pre-season, several players predictably suffered injuries. Finding they were without their chosen goalie for the start of the season, Albert Zito — reputedly the fittest in the oldies’ side — took on the role at age 50.
We will keep you posted as to how the boys are going throughout the season.
Expo impresses
What a spectacular sight at Federation Park last Saturday as nearly 60 groups and organisations showcased their roles of support and ability to provide for people living in the Cobram district at the community expo organised by the Rotary Club of Cobram.
On a magnificent sunny day, district people discovered a huge variety of diverse services and activities available to the youth, the elderly and everyone in between.
There was Cobram Family and Financial Services, aged care services, mental health services, Neighbourhood Watch, Moira Shire Council’s FReeZa, St Vincent de Paul, Cobram-Baroooga Apex Club, Cobram Lions Club, quilters and sewing groups, art groups, Landcare, crochet and golf clubs, Cobram Girl Guides and so much more.
Cobram police, SES, CFA and RSL, Cobram River Rockers, Berry Street, Cobram Community Cinema, Cobram Men’s Shed and the Royal Flying Doctor Service were also represented.
As a resident of Cobram, one could look about with great pride at the services available, predominantly through the efforts of hundreds of community-minded people determined to ensure everyone can enjoy a better quality of life.
There was also a free barbecue provided by the Rotary club, popcorn from the community cinema, musical entertainment from Cobram-Barooga Pipe Band and a small group of Solomon Island performers, plus rock ’n’ roll dancing by Cobram River Rockers.
Well done to Rotary for this fine initiative