Paul Moussa – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Parramatta Mission Meals Plus Coordinator Paul Moussa was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community. Under Paul’s guidance, Meals Plus has grown into far more than a food service. People experiencing homelessness, social isolation, and hardship find not just meals, but a welcoming community and genuine care.

So, what is the Order of Australia?

The Order of Australia is one of the highest civilian honours in the country, established to recognise Australian citizens and others for outstanding achievement or service. The awards are announced twice a year: on Australia Day and the King’s Birthday. The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is one of several levels within the Order, awarded to individuals whose service or achievements deserve special recognition for their contributions to the community, public service, or other significant achievements.

Click here to view  short-clip from Sunrise News.

Who is Paul?

Paul is the man behind our Meals Plus program, where he serves not just as a coordinator – but as an advocate for those who may be vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. Among other activities, Paul connects our local community to services, meals and facilities at all hours of the day and night. Before joining the Mission, Paul spent many years working as a butcher. However, he made the selfless decision to leave that career behind and dedicate his life to serving others. He is the very heart of our operations, ensuring that vulnerable members of the community have access to meals, services, and essential support – often going beyond expectations to care for those in need.

History with Parramatta Mission

Paul began at Parramatta Mission in 2009, initially working as a Support Worker at Hope Hostel (A Crisis Accommodation Service), where he helped vulnerable and disadvantaged residents at risk of homelessness. In 2016, he stepped into his current role at Meals Plus, bringing with him years of frontline experience and a deep understanding of the community’s needs.

Paul continues to serve as the Coordinator of Meals Plus, ensuring that individuals facing homelessness, food insecurity, and hardship have access to daily meals, support services, and access to a safe, welcoming environment. He coordinates all aspects of the program, including organising meals, liaising with service providers, and coordinating volunteers during meals service – while always prioritising the dignity and wellbeing of every person who walks through the door.

His Impact within our community

Paul’s impact is both practical and personal. He regularly goes above and beyond his duties, often working beyond regular hours to ensure no one is left behind. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional service models, Paul quickly implemented a takeaway system that allowed over 150 people per day to continue receiving essential meals safely. He also plays a critical role in leading and mentoring volunteers, instilling in them the same compassion and integrity that he lives by.

Since he joined this team, Meals Plus has grown & developed in many, many ways. Over the past eight years, we’ve more than doubled our impact – growing from 35,000 to 75,000 meals served annually. We’ve partnered with Uniting to deliver daily outreach services and are a trusted Community Partner Service Organisation (CPSO) for Services Australia. We also continue to support the community through bi-monthly hub days. Paul embodies inclusivity and offers care to so many in our community and we are grateful for his service.

We congratulate him on this award and recognition.