Martha’s pitch: United, we are stronger

This month’s Community Spotlight celebrates Latin American community leader Martha Samayoa, a much-loved figure in the multicultural and Spanish-speaking local community.
She is a warm-hearted advocate from Doolandella who has proudly called the area home since 1987.
Martha has never let language barriers, age, or health challenges stand in the way of helping others or raising her children in the community she loves.
Her life is deeply grounded in the values of family, empathy, generosity, and celebrating culture.
All principles shaped by her early years living in El Salvador, a country in Central America.
Martha says that she learned that it is far better to give and have little than to keep everything to herself.
Growing up in a country where people shared what little they had during a time of civil war made her see the power of one person’s actions.
Those years left a lasting impression. Yet, she cherishes the good memories too, always making the best of life and embracing change and opportunity.
For Martha, volunteering is not simply something she does, it is a way of life. She loves her local community, especially the flora and fauna, looking after her garden, her friends, and giving her time to bring joy to those around her.
NH: Tell us about your volunteer work
MS: My passion has always been helping seniors one-on-one and humanitarian work.
I volunteered with BlueCare for 11 years, cutting seniors’ hair for free, until their program ended.
I love hairdressing. Despite my language barriers I graduated as a hairdresser many years ago. I used to own my own salon and achieved the Australian dream to buy my own home.
Now, that I have been blessed with what I have, I’m always keen to give back.
I was over-joyed to be offering free haircuts to grandparents at the Christmas lunch for Grandparents later this year. I love making people feel beautiful inside and out.
Now, I serve as the President of Humanitarian Aid for Salvadorians QLD Chapter Inc.
We raise funds to support people in need back in El Salvador while also bringing our community together here in Brisbane through events and support services.
I love being part of our team because we can help both locals and people overseas who need support.
It warms my heart when someone tells me they have found a “home away from home.”
NH: What motivates you to give back unconditionally?
MS: My love for life motivates me to give back.
I have health problems, something many in our community can relate to but I don’t let that stop me from picking up the phone when someone needs support, cooking a meal to share, or putting the kettle on for a neighbour.
The pain I feel in my bones is nothing compared to the physical or emotional pain experienced by those I have helped and continue to help through volunteering.
Like many, I feel blessed to call Doolandella and Australia home.
Even though things are improving in El Salvador, I will continue to pray for those back home and anyone who has gone through similar experiences and help those in need here and my motherland.
I know I can’t change history, but I can help rewrite the future.
I love the motto: “Together, united, we are stronger.”
I remember what it was like to live through the civil war in El Salvador as a teenager. Sadly, this was a very uncertain and dangerous time.
You never knew if your life, or someone else’s was in danger. I know many Salvadorians who are still rebuilding their lives overseas and locally.
NH: What are you passionate about?
MS: I’m passionate about humanitarian work and cultural preservation.
I would love to see more free or affordable community halls where people can gather, run programs, and raise funds.
Latin American culture is so vibrant and full of life, and I want to see more accessible spaces where we can share it with the wider community.
One of my dreams is to find a place where we can offer Spanish classes.
I’m also pleased that the current state government has kept the 50-cent fairs going, and I really value council cabs, but we still need more incentives for groups to receive funding for buses or vehicles.
Day trips are the best for seniors. We would love to take our seniors out more on day trips.
I encourage anyone who needs a helping hand to find me at Simple Bliss Café. I’m always happy to share a cuppa and a chat with anyone who stops by.