She worked in various administrative roles through her 20s and 30s from Carnival Australia,to Telstra,to the Commonwealth Bank before finally deciding to return to her studies.

She was intrepid – even before World Central Kitchen,she had a desire to see the world and explore.

2018 was the year she moved to Guatemala and began as the year she dubbed,her year of “stopping giving so many shits”. Ironically,this was also the year when she found her calling as she commenced her volunteer work with World Central Kitchen following the Volcán de Fuego eruption. This later evolved into her brilliant career with the organisation. To her,there was no other organisation like World Central Kitchen. She was so passionate about it.

Following her first taste of volunteering,her work took her to Florida,where she volunteered following Hurricane Michael. She was stationed in Tijuana later where she became involved in helping with the US-Mexico migrant crisis. She worked on activations including,but not limited to:Bangladesh,Morocco,Turkey,Ukraine,Guatemala,Navajo Nation (COVID) and Gaza.

After she left for Guatemala,she would regularly return home to Australia to visit family and friends. Every night with Zom was characterised by shouts of belly-aching laughter,witty banter,and rich,meaningful conversation where she shared her stories and how they informed her beliefs and opinions. She always made sure her nieces and nephews were showered with love and affection as well as videos and stories that appealed to their varying interests.

Since her death,we have been flooded with messages of support and condolence from people whose lives were touched by Zomi from all over the world. Whether it was feeding people in troubled parts of the world or bringing fun and laughter to her friends and family,she brought joy to all who knew her.

She always said she was in the right place at the right time to help.

She put her own misgivings and fears to one side in order to help others,fiercely following the belief that there were people in Gaza who desperately needed help,and it was her calling.

And to the many humanitarian aid workers like her out there even now,we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your tireless work.

Zomi would be heartbroken if this incident,as tragic as it is,prevented aid from being given to those in need by organisations such as WCK. They all need to be protected and championed.

This piece was provided by Zomi Frankcom’s family after she died in Gaza this week.