In a week where immigration has yet again been thrust into the national spotlight, Ms Moulden said the refugees have had a positive impact on the fabric of society.

Ms Moulden said she didn’t realise at the time what a privilege it would be to work with new arrivals in the community. 

“We supported families placed in Griffith, Leeton, Albury and Wodonga and Wagga,” she said.

“Not many people will get to do what I was able to do.

“They were so easy to love, they were beautiful people who came from shocking trauma and they have just blossomed here in Wagga.” 

Ms Moulden spent 12 years working on the humanitarian projects: two years as a volunteer coordinator and 10 years as manager of the program. 

“Everywhere I have seen some amazing transformations of individuals and families,” she said.

“They will be in my life forever, there is no escaping. I was given a gift.” 

Ms Moulden went above and beyond in her role. She often worked 12 hours, visited many families experiencing problems ‘settling in’ and made sure to visit hospital each time a new baby was born, her cor-workers said. 

“The job really wasn't a 9am to 5pm job,” Ms Moulden said. 

“There were things that needed to be done and I spent a lot of time being a guest speaker advocating for the new arrivals.

“People had an interesting view about the refugees.” 

Ms Moulden said she wholeheartedly believes refugees have had a positive impact on the fabric of the Riverina. 

“They have made a contribution to their new homes,” she said. 

“I used to say to them ‘you have dreams and they will come true’ and they worked so hard to be a part of their communities.

“I have always believed that good settlement is about being with the people, no one was a number here.”

Ms Moulden said the effort to settle the refugees was the work of many people, with 400 volunteers in the Riverina and 235 in Wagga.

“Through a massive effort with a massive amount of people we have seen some wonderful results,” she said. 

Ms Moulden said said she knows all the names of the people she has worked with to settle here.

“There is some interesting names,” she said. 

“They know that we genuinely loved them. Someone looked down on me and gave me this amazing experience.

“I believe in people getting a fair go and I believe in no judgement and I believe in welcoming strangers.” 

Ms Moulden said overtime acceptance has grown and the broader community of Wagga has been welcoming.

Ms Moulden also worked with Wagga Takes Two.

“It was incredible to be able to use my voice to fundraise for causes,” she said. 

“I was in that for 10 years and I was able to help raise money for our broader community.” 

Ms Moulden has been nominated for the the Rotary Inspirational Women's Award by the Sunrise Rotary Club. She is a finalist in the rural category. 

Former president of the club, Deidre Tome, said Ms Moulden is a highly respected, compassionate humanitarian well-loved by the refugee community across the Riverina. 

“She was nominated for her commitment to the well-being of refugees settling locally and the extensive hours beyond work time she has given to the community of Wagga,” she said. 

Ms Moulden was touched by the nomination but emphasised, it was not just her who had made incredible contributions to the community.

“I was speechless I couldn't believe Deidre Tome meant me,” she said.