HE MAY have a big heart but Peter Perera has the tiniest ego imaginable.

The Cairnlea resident has dedicated his life to helping others but can’t understand what all the fuss is about.

When Mr Perera was crowned Brimbank’s Citizen of Year last week, the humble volunteer could not contain his surprise.

“I was shocked,” Mr Perera said.

“I really didn’t expect to win it because there were so many people who were more deserving.

“When my friends told me they were going to nominate me I tried to talk them out of it because I didn’t want publicity.

“Whatever I do, I do from the heart, not for any personal gain.”

Although he may be reluctant to speak of his own achievements, Mr Perera’s kindness has won the respect and admiration of the Brimbank community.

Since arriving in Australia from Sri Lanka in 1990, Mr Perera has worked tirelessly to provide support to fellow immigrants.

When a devastating tsunami struck Asia in 2004, Mr Perera provided support to families who lost friends and family in the disaster.

He raised money to help Sri Lankan children who had been orphaned in the tragedy and made arrangements for their ongoing maintenance and education.

Mr Perera was instrumental in setting up Brimbank’s Sinhalese Language School and has devoted much of his own time to help children improve their grasp of Sri Lanka’s language.

A father-of-three, Mr Perera is a devout Buddhist, and has been president of the Western Victorian Buddhist Association for the past six years.

Although the position is voluntary, Mr Perera says the job satisfaction is worth its weight in gold.

“Much of my work involves trying to help put people on the right path,” Mr Perera said.

“It really makes me happy to help others.

“You’ve only got one lifetime to make a difference and if I can help one person, it’s better than nothing.”

Mr Perera was honoured at Brimbank’s Australia Day celebrations, which were held in the Kevin Wheelahan Gardens last week.

Also honoured were Brimbank’s Young Citizen of the Year recipient Monika Pilekic and Autism Angels, which received the Community Well-being Award.

Ms Pilekic said she had been a little nervous leading up to the ceremony but was “incredibly proud” to receive her award.

“It was so exciting. I felt as though I was at the Oscars,” Ms Pilekic said.