Mother, friend and helper is how Wagga's refugee and migrant community have described the city's newest Citizen of the Year.
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During Monday night's Australia Day Awards ceremony, Belinda Crain was honoured with the accolade for her outstanding contribution to multiculturalism in Wagga.
No one understands the work she has done more than those she has helped start a new life here in the city.
Hakimah Rahimi and her family moved to Wagga from Iran after living there for years as refugees from Afghanistan.
When they arrived, Ms Rahami said they knew no one. But, there was always one place she could go to for help - the Multicultural Council. And, it was there she met Belinda Crain.
"Belinda, especially for the refugees, is like a mother to everyone," Ms Rahami said.
"Especially for those people who cannot speak English, but she is amazing because she will try to communicate.
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"She is the perfect lady. Everybody loves her. Belinda is really kind and friendly and respects people; it doesn't matter their culture or their religion."
Ms Rahami said she was thrilled to learn Ms Crain had been awarded the Citizen of the Year award. She added that everyone at the Multicultural Council was like family to her.
Constance Okot, from South Sudan, arrived in Wagga with her husband and children in 2005.
She has said many times that Ms Crain and the rest of the staff at the Multicultural Council are their "shield".
"I don't know how we would have made it here in Australia without them," she said.
"I speak to my friends in Adelaide and Melbourne, and they don't have the support like we do here.
"Wagga has the best Multicultural Council centre."
Ms Okot first met Ms Crain when she became the manager of the Wagga Multicultural Council and the pair soon become great friends.
"She is like a mother to us all," she said.
"It doesn't matter how busy it is, she will greet you with a smile and ask how she can help.
"Belinda's funny, smart, kind and she deserved to be the Citizen of the Year."
Marina O'Donnell, one of the committee members for Wagga's Filipino community, said Ms Crain was always happy to find a solution to a problem.
"When I organise events in Wagga such as Philippine Independence Day, she is always there to help us," Ms O'Donnell said.
"She is very helpful and kind and she is our helping hand.
"I don't remember Belinda ever saying 'no' when you approach her for help, she always says 'yes'."