Zomi Frankcom was born in Narwee, a suburb in Sydney’s West, but according to her closest family and friends, she was always destined to fulfil her potential in ways that transcend her local community and touch lives around the world.

“Zomi always seemed wise and beyond her years. Whichever group she was in, she naturally became the leader and (was) more than happy to make decisions on anyone’s behalf, (whether) we asked for help or not,” says Paul Costello, Zomi’s childhood friend and neighbour, who attended Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s unveiling of a memorial plaque, which took place on December 4, 2024, at Leslie Muir Reserve in Canterbury – a place where Zomi shared cherished moments with family and friends.

Zomi’s family and friends can now honour her memory as they pass through the park, sharing stories of her courage, compassion, and love for others within the Canterbury-Bankstown community.

Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Bilal El-Hayek, commented on Zomi’s legacy and the influence it will have on the next generation of locals, who will grow up knowing of her contribution to humanitarian efforts in North Palestine – a cause close to the heart of many residents with roots in the country and in the neighbouring country of Lebanon.

“Zomi’s family reached out to the office about the plaque, and I saw it as an opportunity to honour Zomi’s humanitarian efforts and her life,” says Bilal El-Hayek, who was moved by the family’s and community’s efforts to remember her life, and love for others – an ultimate sacrifice she made in her work as an aid worker, typically considered protected personnel during times of conflict, earlier in April this year during the 2023/2024 Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Zomi’s aunt, Leonie Frankcom, knows how important it safeguard her legacy and share her story on a bigger platform so that those in the community can take inspiration from her life and compassion for others.

“Zomi knew what hardship was like. She had the ability to see how hard it is for certain people. If the community can learn about humanity and compassion, as Zomi did, then we will all be better off.

Her life taught me that no matter where you come from, you can show humanity to others,” says Leonie, who was one of the key people responsible for pushing local efforts to have Zomi’s life remembered.

Zomi’s cousin Georgie Brewer said the unveiling of the plaque brought about mixed emotions for family and friends.

“It’s wonderful to honour Zomi in this way, but at the same time, it brings back the bitterness of the loss. We hope that this memorial marks a legacy to help remember her and remember her contribution,” says Georgie.

The plaque and memorial tree in honour of Zomi Frankcom can be found at Leslie Muir Reserve in Canterbury.