In a major coup for the Lower Mountains and Penrith, NSW Australian of the Year Deng Adut will be special guest speaker at Lower Blue Mountains Rotary at Emu Plains Sports Club on December 6.
The recent announcement of the former child soldier and refugee and now defence lawyer as NSW Australian of the Year has been acclaimed across the wider community.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary President Pamela Noal has issued a general invitation to members of the public to book with club event co-ordinator Heather Chourlianis on 0424 002 314 or email hjc2010@optusnet.com.au.
“We have booked the Emu Sports Club’s double function room but anticipate a capacity crowd of some 120 people so be sure to book early. Deng’s address will be of real interest to high school and university students,” she said.
Deng Adut’s story is one of personal triumph. He saw tragedy and suffering at age when most Australians are learning to read and enjoying sport and friendships in their own backyard.
Taken from his family’s banana farm in South Sudan at the age of six and conscripted into the army, Deng witnessed child soldiers like himself holding guns to their own heads in despair.
Deng was one of the lucky refugees. He was settled in Western Sydney after being rescued by the United Nations. He taught himself to read whilst working night shift at a Blacktown petrol station and later graduated with a law degree from WSU.
Co-founder of AC Law Group, Deng works with the Sudanese community and assists troubled youths in western Sydney through pro bono cases. He was awarded the Law Society president’s medal in October in recognition of his contribution to law and justice in the community.
