Community Events

CYCDO Establishes Executive and Management Leadership Team for 2026–2028

Reported by Suprovat Sydney
The Community Youth & Citizen Development Organaisation Inc. (CYCDO), a nonprofit volunteer-driven organaisation dedicated to community empowerment and social development, has officially established its Executive and Management Leadership Team for the next two-year term. CYCDO has been working tirelessly across multiple sectors to support vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community. The organaisation continues to provide numerous free services, including assistance for refugees and asylum seekers, support for newly arrived migrants, employment guidance for job seekers, domestic violence support services, and free counselling initiatives.

On 28 February 2026, CYCDO formally announced the formation of its new leadership structure, aimed at strengthening governance, expanding community outreach, and enhancing service delivery.

Board of Advisors
Shibly Abdullah — Senior Academic & Former Program Coordinator Charles Sturt University
Dr. Fazle Rabbi — Deputy Head of the School of Business & Senior Lecturer (CIHE)

Executive Committee
President — Md Abdullah Yousuf
Secretary — ANM Masum
Treasurer — Zamilur Rahman

Management Leadership Team
Program Manager — Mohammed Golam Mostafa
Website & Digital Coordinator — Nozaina Qayyum
Advocacy & Policy Officer — Sohel Rana
Volunteer Coordinator — Dr. Faroque Amin

The event was attended by prominent community leaders and journalists, including Rtd Major Dr Maruf Ahmed, Dr Shah Muhammad Faijullah, Saad Ahmed, and other distinguished guests. CYCDO looks forward to continuing its mission of community service, inclusion, and empowerment under the guidance of its newly appointed leadership team.

Community Media Workshop Sparks Dialogue on Grassroots Journalism

In an era where mainstream narratives often overshadow community voices, the Sydney Press & Media Coalition (SPMC) hosted a transformative Journalism Workshop on Saturday 29 November 2025 at Zaman Australia HQ in Auburn. The theme, ‘Why Independent Media Matters’, resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the urgency of ethical, grassroots storytelling. The event commenced with Acknowledgement of Country and a soulful Qur’an recitation by Abdullah Yousuf, Editor-in-Chief of Suprovat Sydney, setting a reflective tone. The first keynote, delivered by seasoned journalist and documentary filmmaker Shahana Bashir, dissected the dangers of concentrated media ownership and political influence.

“Independent media,” she emphasised, “asks uncomfortable questions, amplifies marginalised voices, and safeguards truth from distortion.” Educator and community leader Mehar Ahmad, President of Seena Inc, publishers of Australasian Muslim Times AMUST followed with practical strategies for sustaining grassroots journalism. Her talk underscored trust-building, ethical storytelling, and innovative funding models—crowdfunding, memberships, and NGO partnerships—as pillars for long-term viability. A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Taufeeq Ahmed Sheikh, brought together Abdullah Yousuf, Fazal Ul Haq (The Indus Post), Sami F (media entrepreneur), and Shahana Bashir. The conversation explored accountability, governance, and the future of independent platforms in an age of digital disruption. Panelists addressed pressing challenges: defamation risks, sourcing credible stories, and attracting talent while maintaining editorial integrity. Fazal Ul Haq stressed the need for platforms that challenge dominant narratives, while Sami F highlighted the role of multimedia and social media in amplifying diverse voices globally. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks, urging participants to stay engaged and contribute to initiatives that champion ethical journalism. The workshop’s success was made possible by the warm hospitality and teamwork behind the scenes. Zaman Australia’s Editor-in-Chief, Enes Cansever, and volunteer Mehmood welcomed guests and ensured smooth coordination at the venue. Hospitality & refreshments was overseen by writer and poet Shweta Sheikh, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Design, communications, and technical support—including online hosting—were expertly managed by digitial marketing expert & SPMC Volunteer Hassan Jalil, ensuring the event ran seamlessly both in-person and digitally. As global examples—from the Vietnam War to the Gaza conflict—illustrate, unchecked narratives can reshape societies. This workshop reaffirmed that independent media is not just an alternative; it is a cornerstone of democracy, social cohesion, and justice.

COVID-19 (Food Hamper Distribution)

The Community Youth & Citizen Development Organization Inc (CYCDO) is a well-known name among those who recently provided food hampers to COVID-19 victims in Sydney. Dollar A Day, an Australian registered charity, assisted CYCDO in all three of its food hamper distribution campaigns. Multicultural NSW supported the whole distribution endeavor.

"We are thrilled to be able to come out to serve the community with the backing of Multicultural NSW," said CYCDO President Md Abdullah Yousuf, and added, "Everyone in the community, including the local council, has lent a helping hand to the best of their abilities. We are pleased to contribute a large number of food hamper boxes to Lighthouse Community Support. Dollar A Day has assisted us in ensuring that this distribution goes off without a hitch. I am appreciative of everyone's support including Dollar A Day's unwavering support."

Jihad Dib, Member of Parliament for Lakemba, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Honorable Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown City Council, Clr Khal Asfour, former Deputy Mayor Clr Bilal El-Hayek, NSW police officer and great community worker Gandhi Sindyan, and other members of the Lighthouse Community Support were also present at this event. From 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the distribution took place. The community was overjoyed to witness CYCDO's efforts to support COVID-19 victims in Australia, as well as Dollar A Day's assistance in completing CYCDO's efforts.

In Lakemba, the "White Tent" is well-known for providing relief. On September 9, CYCDO distributed their third relief in this White Tent. Residents of different groups residing in Australia get food hampers from here, in addition to Bangladeshis impacted by COVID-19. These food baskets are also distributed by the CYCDO and Dollar A Day to different houses in the Canterbury-Bankstown region.