STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY CARMODY
In search of a better life, Macedonian-born Azem Elmaz, 63, fondly remembers the day his 23-year-old self stepped off a plane in Melbourne with just a few dollars to his name.
The exact elements of the ‘better life’ he yearned for at the time remained unclear. However, he discovered precisely what he was searching for in a remarkably short period.
“I came to Australia with nothing, and the country gave me a fresh start and a future,” Azem said.
“I found what I was looking for – happiness.”
Moments of joy and fulfilment swiftly unfolded for Azem. Within a few months of his arrival in Melbourne, he met the love of his life, Jehien, and they soon married.
For five years, they immersed themselves in the hustle and bustle of city life before feeling a magnetic pull toward the tranquillity of the countryside, prompting them to move to Shepparton.
“There is something special about country people,” Azem said.
“It’s also a great place and community to raise a family.
“We have never looked back.”
Never looking back, never looking over your shoulder, and always looking up are affirmations Azem stands by.
He is passionately driven by his faith, the upbringing from his parents and has a unique kindness that always reaches out to help others.
In 1989, despite having no business experience, Azem, armed with culinary knowledge passed down from his mother over time, took a leap of faith.
And together with his wife, they opened Lutfiye’s Shish Kebab in Shepparton and were welcomed with open arms.
Their traditional Albanian cuisine quickly gained popularity within Shepparton’s multicultural community.
While many patrons came in to taste their menu, one individual engaged in a quiet conversation over the counter that forever altered the trajectory of Azem’s life.
The individual was a man who quietly inquired about the cost of a meal. Azem swiftly realised that this man could not afford to pay, prompting him to offer it for free in an act of kindness.
“It was hard for him to ask for help, and I could see that,” Azem said.
“After this, I really started to notice how many people were struggling in our community, and it went from one meal to 10 quickly.
“The more people found out I was helping, the more people who needed help came in.
“Many people do it tough for many different reasons, and I felt the need to help and give. We’re all born with the ability to reach out and help each other, so without question, I did.”
Azem continued to support the community by offering free meals through his restaurant for many years.
Additionally, he extended his generosity to provide blankets and essential items to people experiencing homelessness, earning a reputation for his selfless services. Some of these services remain in place today.
However, after an Easter service at church, while sharing a lamington with Monsignor Jeffrey, a master plan was conceived, and the ‘People Supporting People’ non-profit organisation came to life.
“Monsignor Jeffrey told me about his dream to create a soup kitchen that could help people in need in our community,” Azem said.
“We approached the council and got the okay pretty quickly, and the soup kitchen ran at the lake and in other towns for nearly 20 years and helped many people.
“Unfortunately, the soup kitchen stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic for a few different reasons. However, the onset of COVID and lockdowns ignited a further demand for assistance.”
People Supporting People relies on the generous support and dedication from other kind volunteers and businesses within the region.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns in Shepparton, the volunteer-run organisation cooked an impressive 13,750 meals within two weeks, all of which were delivered to the doorsteps of people in need.
Azem expressed his amazement at the community’s response, highlighting State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe’s initiative in launching a clever campaign that allowed people to buy meals for others.
The efforts resulted in the cooking and delivery of 550 to 700 meals daily.
“The sense of community was incredible as people joined forces to lend a helping hand,” Azem said.
“Kim was a real goer and nothing got in her way. I think she was even on crutches at the time.
‘What a wonderful community we have. I am so proud to be an Aussie; bloody Aussies are great people.”
Today, the organisation continues its active role in supporting the community by setting up a food truck every Saturday morning in front of Kmart.
Fresh meals, burgers, sausages, and cakes are sold at affordable prices, with every cent earned being reinvested into the community.
Azem, the father-of-four and grandfather to seven grandchildren also continues to play an equally active role and works beside and with around 320 volunteers.
When questioned about the future of his continued commitment to volunteering as the founder for the People Supporting People organisation, his response was heartfelt.
“As long as I am walking, there will be no retiring,” he said.
“Volunteering is my life, for all my life, and someone will have to push me around in a wheelchair one day, but I’ll keep going.
“I am blessed in this country. Today is a beautiful day, and the next will be even better. It feels really good to give back, and to see the way some people have grown is a priceless feeling.
“I’m just going to keep helping and never look back over my shoulder. If the community is benefiting, then I am happy too.
“God bless Australia.”
If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities with People Supporting People, please visit their Facebook page.