Since her teenage years, Saba Abraham OAM has been a believer in freedom, with a deep passion for women’s rights.  

In 1992, she arrived in Australia as a political refugee from Eritrea with her 10-year-old daughter.  

“I felt immediately connected, supported and welcomed, from complete strangers in a new country,” she says.  

“I felt I had to pay that back by providing help and support to others arriving on refugee visas, and for any disadvantaged Australians.

“I want to play a role in continuing to build and grow Australia as a welcoming, inclusive, multicultural country.”  

Saba is founder and manager of Mu’ooz Eritrean Restaurant and Catering, a not-for-profit social enterprise serving African and Eritrean food, as well as president and co-founder of the Eritrean Australian Women’s and Families Support Network.  

She is also co-founder of the Eritrean Community Association in Queensland, the Queensland African Communities Council, the African Australian Women’s Association and the Multicultural Development Association. Saba is also a member of the Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma program in Queensland.  

For her expansive work, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Eritrean and African communities of Australia.  

Saba was also the Queensland Local Hero in the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards. She says she is always surprised when she receives recognition for her work.

“I am not doing this work for recognition … I have done these things because of what I have received from this country. That gives me a sense of responsibility to do more for others and to keep this country great,” she says.  

“The Australian honours system empowers changemakers, motivates people, values people for their efforts. It provides confirmation that what you are doing is good and valuable for this country.

“It is important to continue to recognise women and people from multicultural backgrounds. That inclusivity is important to this great country of Australia.

“I would like to thank my family for their unconditional support, care and love on my journey.”