Melbourne’s Zoroastrian community has reason to celebrate as Dilnaz Billimoria was recognised with the Promotion of Multiculturalism Award at the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards, held at Government House on October 22, 2025.
Image: Victorian senior Dilnaz Billimoria (in purple sari) recognised for community leadership and advocacy (Source: LinkedIn – Daniele Noel)
A proud Indian Australian of Persian background and Zoroastrian faith, Dilnaz has spent over two decades empowering older Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to feel heard, welcomed, and celebrated. Her life’s work has focused on breaking down barriers and building bridges between communities through dialogue, inclusion, and compassion.
As a founding member of the Whitehorse Interfaith Network (WIN) and a former board member of both the Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (CCOEI) and Women’s Health East, Dilnaz has been instrumental in bringing together leaders across faiths and languages for meaningful community engagement. Beyond advocacy, she supports seniors’ groups by mentoring older women, assisting with grant applications and reports, and providing interpreter services—ensuring that multicultural seniors have access to the tools and platforms they need to thrive.
“Dilnaz’s boundless energy and dedication have created lasting, practical change and strengthened community resilience,” noted the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria in recognition of her award.
Her commitment reflects the Zoroastrian values of service, truth, and community upliftment, exemplifying how faith and civic engagement can together inspire positive change.
