Torquay's Hutch Hussein says the costs are negligible and the rewards immeasurable helping people to be and feel included.
"It is really important that everyone feels a sense of belonging in our society, and it doesn't cost anything to make people feel included," she says.
"It doesn't take away anyone else's rights. It doesn't impact anyone else for others to feel included and respected in our community.
"So we should all make the effort to make sure that we are doing our bit, and collectively that can take many shapes and forms.
"All those little bits collectively have a big impact."
Inclusion and social justice have been central passions in Hutch's life since childhood days growing up in a migrant family in Melbourne, and have shaped career and volunteer choices along her altruistic journey.
Now her contributions to inclusion and diversity since shifting to Torquay have qualified her as a Surf Coast Shire Local Legend.
The award recognises her contributions to First Nations reconciliation through volunteer leadership and creation of the Surf Coast Reconciliation Group.
The group's hundreds of members have worked to raise awareness of Indigenous disadvantage and seek ways to take steps nationally towards reconciliation.
As a mother of two boys, Hutch is also the founder of the Surf Coast Rainbow Families group which has been organising social gatherings for families since 2019 – "for people to know that they're not the only gays in the village, and for kids to meet other people with two dads or two mums".
She has just concluded two terms on her son's school council, serves on the board of Dyslexia Support Victoria and mentors young women interested in politics.
"I'm someone who is passionate about social justice, who cares about the community they live in and seeks to leave the world a better place for the next generation," she says.
"To me it's not about complaining about things you don't like in the community, but actually putting your hand up and trying to partner with others to achieve a solution."
Hutch has stepped back to an advisory capacity with the Surf Coast Reconciliation Group but her passion remains undiminished.
"The group is now in its next phase, focusing on working on local reconciliation with local Traditional Owner groups," Hutch says.
"At a local level there are always things we can do. Locals should follow our social media pages to know the role they can play in reconciliation as our nation will be healed and better for it."
