Kenyan-born Sydney Swans star Aliir Aliir presented a prestigious medal to Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner on Thursday night, recognising the Indian’s significant free-of-charge contribution to refugee and migrant women in NSW.

Aliir, who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp to Sudanese parents and has played 28 games for the Swans, awarded Dr Subramaniyan the Stepan Kerkysharian AO Harmony Medal.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian praised the substantial, all-important work of Dr Subramaniyan on the night.

“Chandrika has devoted herself to helping migrants and women, particularly as a tireless advocate seeking to reduce violence against women,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“As well as giving pro bono advice to women from culturally diverse backgrounds, Chandrika regularly holds domestic abuse, child protection, elder abuse and legal education community forums.”

Dr Subramaniyan, who’s worked in the Australian migrant resource and legal sectors for 20 years, said the welfare of women had long been a strong passion of hers.

“I was inspired to study law after working in the migrant resource sector where I met many refugee and migrant women that desperately needed legal support,” Dr Subramaniyan said.

“Violence against women is a big issue and can be difficult to navigate by women from diverse cultures – and they need to know their rights.”