Five Assyrian leaders were presented the outstanding Community Service Award on Wednesday 11 May, 2012. The Ceremony took place in the Jubilee Room of the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament House, Macquarie Street in Sydney. A Resolution authored by the Hon. Marie Ficarra MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of NSW, was passed unanimously by the Legislative Council of the Parliament of NSW in relation to the outstanding community service of certain Assyrian community leaders. Mr. David M. David, President of the Assyrian Australian National Federation, Mr. Hermiz Shahen, Deputy Secretary General of the Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA), Mr. Simon Essavian, president of the Assyrian Charity and Education Community, Mr. Yacop Barhy, member of the NSW Babylon Cultural Association, and Mr. Ninos Aaron, Chairman of the Young Assyrians. In a special recognition, a certificate of appreciation was presented to the grieving family of the late Mr. Nenos Nissan, acknowledging his many years of devoted service to the Assyrian community in Australia. The aims and objectives of these Community Awards are to acknowledge and pay tribute to individuals, and encourage communities and groups who are making a significant contribution to the welfare of Australia, said Marie Ficarra MLC when addressing the gathering. We put politics aside and say thank you to people who have put so much effort and worked tirelessly and voluntarily for so many years for their communities. "On behalf of the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Barry O'Farrell, I congratulate you all," said Mrs. Ficarra. Mr. Hermiz Shahen thanked Mrs. Ficarra on behalf of the Assyrian Universal Alliance and the Assyrian Australian National Federation for such a great honour. He said that he has no doubt these awards will contribute to the enhancement of the cause of social integration and mutual respect in NSW and Australia, and will encourage other community and organisation leaders to do the same. Mr. Shahen thanked Mrs. Ficarra for her continued support in the past years and for raising the Assyrian concerns in the Parliament of NSW.