Arriving in Australia as a refugee from Vietnam in 1979, Be Ha turned the adversity of her journey into a lifelong commitment to help people facing similar challenges. She has dedicated over four decades to supporting refugee and migrant communities in Victoria and is widely regarded as a pioneering leader in community development, refugee settlement and multicultural advocacy.
As co-founder and president of the Springvale Indochinese Mutual Assistance Association (SICMAA), Be has worked tirelessly to support community members of all ages. SICMAA today is a model for migrant community organisations everywhere, delivering vital services to tens of thousands of people.
Be is a highly respected voice for her community at all levels of government on issues such as cultural inclusion, aged care reform and community health.
She continues to volunteer in her senior years with energy and compassion, maintaining a devotion to service that has touched the lives of countless people.