RELUCTANT SUPER DAD THE REAL DEAL
ROBERT KENNARD
Cumberland Courier Newspapers
July 27, 2011
Australia
A SPIRIT of generosity and tireless good deeds is what made Silva
Yostikian nominate her dad, Hayik as NSW Community Father of the Year.
“I thought it was time I gave back a little recognition for all the
work he does,” she said.
Mr Yostikian, 60, migrated to Australia from Turkey almost 30 years
ago and has since been involved in a number of non-profit community
initiatives through local Armenian churches.
Yesterday, The Northern District Times paid a surprise visit to the
Yostikian household in Ryde and found Mr Yostikian unaware of his
recent nomination.
“Mum didn’t think he would do it willingly so I thought we better
surprise him with the photo,” Silva said. “He deserves it but knowing
his personality he will refuse it if he is aware.”
Although a jeweller by trade, Mr Yostikian in recent years has been
forced to take up the position of produce assistant at Macquarie
Woolworths to support the family.
“It was a bit tough with financial crisis but my dad has always
remained a generous giver.”
Mr Yostikian has networked with Armenian churches in Northbridge,
Chatswood and Ryde, giving up the family four-wheel drive as a taxi and
his house as a community meeting place for many of the church members.
Reverend Khachigian from the Armenian Evangelical Brotherhood Holy
Trinity Church in Ryde said Hayik was committed to the church and
the wider community.
“(Hayik) has opened his house for a prayer meeting every week for a
women’s group in the church,” he said.
Silva also said her father was as generous to outsiders as his own
kids. “Just the other week my dad woke up at 4am because it was
raining and drove me all the way to work at Star City.”
“He never asks for petrol money or anything in return, I couldn’t
have asked for a better dad!”
# The Shepherd Centre and Cumberland Courier Newspapers are searching
for a father who works hard to support children and invest in their
future.
There are some great prizes on offer including Taronga Zoo tickets.
Nominations close on Friday, August 5.
Visit or send your nomination to Community
Father of the Year, PO Box 662, Parramatta CBD DC, NSW 2124.