Joe Tuazama: A voice for empowerment and unity in Western Australia
A former refugee from war-torn Liberia who grew up in Ivory Coast before migrating to Australia in 2008, Joe Tuazama was recognised as City of Perth’s 2025 Community Citizen of the Year, for committing more than decade to actively assisting the African community, migrants and minority communities, for helping others to engage with their community, and for being an inspiration for others to seek success and leadership.
“Australia has blessed me with a profound sense of hope and opportunity,” says Joe.
Establishing himself as a dedicated and trailblazing leader, Joe played an integral role in founding the Organisation of African Communities WA (OACWA), fostering a renewed era of cooperation among African communities. Additionally, he has been instrumental in forging partnerships with State Government agencies, local governments, and other culturally and linguistically diverse communities, to amplify the voices of African Australians and drive meaningful outcomes.
As a result of these efforts, he has earned the admiration and respect of WA’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities, business leaders, academics, and local, state, and federal politicians.
To effectively support migrants from African communities, Joe has developed programs aimed at engaging, educating and empowering individuals. These include Mentor Me, inspiring young people to become role models; Stop the Violence and Mentor Me Reconnect, which support disengaged African youths in reconnecting with their communities in healthy ways; and Women’s Leadership Program, an initiative to empower the next generation of female leaders within the African community.
Joe talks about his programs and impact in more detail
While Joe is no longer President of OACWA, he remains Chair of the Advisory Board. He is also a White Ribbon Ambassador, a Board Member of Girrawheen High School, Chair of the City of Wanneroo Multicultural Advisory Group, and a former Board Member of the University of Western Australia’s African Research Centre and Engagement.
“I have played a crucial role in formulating strategic policies to address the challenges faced by migrants and minority communities over the past 12 years,” says Joe. “My vision has never been about fame or wealth, but about supporting my fellow expatriate African community and other newly arrived migrants, helping them navigate and integrate successfully into their new environment.”
Nominate someone you know in the 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards. Nominations close Friday 31 October 2025.