I congratulate Zaheer Shah Khan on his retirement from TAFE after 35 years in the hospitality department.

Unfortunately, Zaheer retired during the COVID-19 pandemic and was unable to be recognised in the usual way for someone with such a long career.

In January 1980 Zaheer moved permanently from Iran to Australia, where he worked at several prestigious Sydney restaurants and hotels before joining Mount Druitt TAFE as a teacher.

Throughout his long career he worked at TAFE campuses at Mount Druitt, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Nepean and Ryde. Zaheer also served as acting head teacher at Mount Druitt and Ryde campuses.

His legacy continues with the hundreds of students he taught who are now thriving in the hospitality sector across our State.

Now in his retirement, Zaheer continues to volunteer every day as a justice of the peace at Lalor Park Library, providing services to those in need.

I again congratulate Zaheer and thank him for his wonderful service to the community.