Rosemary Kariuki (OAM)

Rosemary Kariuki is a Multicultural Liaison Officer with the NSW Police Force who has been recognised for her extensive work with the African diaspora and communities across New South Wales, specialises in helping migrants who are facing domestic violence, language barriers and financial distress

Rosemary is passionate about supporting women of African descent, founding the African Women’s Group NSW and holding executive membership with other groups including the African Australia Advocacy Council, African Health Australia and Kenya Organisation in NSW.

In 2012, Rosemary was awarded Parramatta Citizen of the Year and a year later she was named African Australian of the Year by Celebration of African Australians Inc, a not-for-profit advocating for African performing artists and promoting social change and social justice.

In 2021, Ms Kariuki was awarded Australian of the Year awards Local Hero and in the same year, she was also awarded The Community Fellowship by Western Sydney University and Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.

In 2022, Rosemary’s dedication to advancing the rights of African Australians was recognised with her receiving the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

Ms Kariuki’s warmth, courage and kindness inspire all who meet her. Her work was the subject of the documentary ‘Rosemary’s Way’ and also told her story in the Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe Documentary and has written a book A JOYFUL Life.