Community Award recipient, Deng Thiat Adut

Deng Adut

Deng is one of the few, if not only, Sudanese born solicitors practising in the Greater Western Sydney.

Deng has an incredible history. He was forced to be a child soldier in Sudan from the age of just 10 years old. From age 10 to 13 he was seriously wounded 3 times before his brother could smuggle him out of the country.

Deng arrived in Australia in 1998 and had to learn English. He then finished high school, and then went on to complete a law degree at the University of Western Sydney.

Today, you will find multilingual Deng spending every second Wednesday assisting members of the Sudanese community at Blacktown Court free of charge. He has a weekly ‘think tank’ meeting with the local police every week, discussing cultural integration issues and how to assist all involved.

In addition, Deng runs a free workshop every Sunday for Sudanese nationals who have to go to court the following week. Deng helps with and explains both civil and criminal matters to members of his community, also on a completely free of charge ongoing voluntary nature.

Deng is a valuable member in our community who makes a real difference in the lives of others by way of giving back to the community through his life experience and educational expertise.

 

Return to New beginnings for UWS spring graduates

Photos: Sally Tsoutas