By Danielle Kutchel
Having migrated to Noble Park at the age of just 20, Roz Blades AM’s story is a familiar one: a migrant who came to Australia for a better life and devoted her time to making sure the community was the best it could be.
She dedicated her life to serving others, becoming a councillor at the City of Springvale in 1987 and eventually becoming mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong.
Ms Blades has long been one of Greater Dandenong’s best champions, promoting its diversity, multiculturalism and strength.
And on Tuesday 26 January, the city Ms Blades loves so much awarded her one of its highest honours: Living Treasure.