‘Not enough time in the day’

City of Ryde Deputy Mayor Sarkis Yedelian is a well-known local figure thanks to his long list of services and achievements.

In this year’s honours he has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the Armenian community through the promotion and development of multicultural integration initiatives, as well as his service to local government.

The Armenian born immigrant has been a Ryde resident for over 26 years and said he is the first and only councillor of Armenian ancestry to be elected in Australia.

He has devoted much time and effort to improving media access for multicultural and non-English speaking communities.

In 1980 he founded the ‘Armenia Weekly’ magazine and served on the editorial board for many years.

During the 1980s he also started the Armenian Community Radio Hour at 2NSB-FM and was the co-ordinator and anchor.

In 1994 he established the first Armenian television broadcast service.

He transformed his workplace and home into a TV studio and created over 1000 hours of culturally diverse programming for 15 years.

Clr Yedelian is a member of many organisations and clubs. He is involved with the Cities for Climate Protection Committee, Community Harmony Reference Group, Lane Cove Tunnel Ryde Consultive Working Party and City of Ryde Bicycle Advisory Committee.

He is president of the Ryde Multicultural Centre, catering for local minorities, especially seniors.

Ryde’s first free community bus service between Gladesville and West Ryde was a result of his campaigning.

He has volunteered with the 2000 Paralympics and also the SES.

Despite this busy schedule Clr Yedelian still wishes he could do more for the community: “I wish I had more than 24 hours in a day,” he said.

TWT locals have been recognised for their outstanding contributions and services to the nation with 20 residents receiving Australia Day honours.

| TOP |