In this episode of Say Again, by The Cultural Brokers, we sit down with Mohammed Ali, Founder & Chair of HelpingACT, to unpack the human stories (and hard yakka) behind Canberra’s grassroots food-relief movement. A retired biochemist turned community leader, Mohammed shares how one small idea grew into a city-wide effort supporting refugees, international students, families doing it tough, and people experiencing homelessness.You’ll hear how HelpingACT mobilises volunteers, partners with local communities and faith groups, and takes hot meals to where they’re needed most, a simple, mobile approach with real impact.We explore why food insecurity has surged, what practical compassion looks like on the ground, and Mohammed’s conviction that it’s our shared responsibility to ensure no one in Canberra goes hungry.In this conversation:

• A founder’s journey — from international student, to the lab bench, to frontline service — recognised as the 2022 Canberra Citizen of the Year.
• Community dinners, Ramadan iftars, and on-the-street meal services across the ACT.
• Volunteer power: how consistent, small actions compound into big change.
• What policy, partnerships and everyday people can do next.

Why watch:Real talk, practical hope, and playbooks you can copy in your own community. If you care about social impact, multicultural leadership, and dignity in action, this one’s for you. And if something here moves you, share it. That’s how good ideas travel.About Mohammed Ali:Founder & Chair of HelpingACT; long-time advocate serving vulnerable Canberrans, including migrants and refugees, international students, people with disability, those affected by family violence, and people experiencing homelessness.