Monday April 22 – Mr Chin Tan, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, has today called for nominations for the Victorian Refugee Recognition Record (VRRR).
The VRRR celebrates and documents the diverse contributions that people of refugee
background have made to their own communities and to the State of Victoria. Since its
inception in 2004, over 170 individuals have been inducted to the VRRR.
“Through the VRRR, the Victorian Government is able to officially recognise the
considerable contributions that people of refugee background are making within our
community,” said Mr Tan. “By acknowledging their achievements, we are also
encouraging respect and harmony within our society.”
Previous VRRR recipients have represented many different cultures and age groups, and
often dedicate many hours to voluntary work. A lot of them have taken on leadership roles
within their communities, and provide support to others who are marginalised or
disadvantaged. All of them hold a common commitment to bettering the lives of
themselves and those around them, often despite having suffered extreme hardship and
trauma.
Previous recipients have included: An 89-year old guide and educator at the Jewish
Holocaust Centre & Museum; a volunteer maternal and child health services officer,
working with Sudanese mothers; a year 11 student who is also a patrolling member of
Edithvale Lifesaving Club (and Australia’s only known Afghani lifesaver); a successful
musician who released a CD for children in the African community addressing issues of
drug-use.
To be eligible, the nominee is required to be: a refugee, former refugee or humanitarian
entrant; a current resident of Victoria; and recognised as having made an outstanding
contribution to their own ethnic community as well as to the Victorian community as a
whole.
For nomination forms and other information contact the Victorian Multicultural Commission on (03) 9651 0638.
Nominations close on Friday 17 May 2013.