The Australian Football League (AFL), a regional Queensland meat processor and a WA migrant resource centre are among a diverse group of committed and innovative organisations and individuals honoured in the 2015 Migration and Settlement Awards.
MCA Chief Executive Carla Wilshire said the strength of the list of finalists and the qualities of the winners showed the positive impact migration and multiculturalism was having across Australia.
“The quality and spread of shortlisted finalists – across geography and industry sectors – shows us that diversity is becoming more important and relevant to Australians,” Ms Wilshire said.
“This year’s list is a wonderful advertisement for the benefits of migration and the richness of that cultural diversity brings to all our lives,” she said.
The third Australian Migration and Settlement were held in the Great Hall tonight, celebrating the work and support of individuals and organisations who build belonging and welcome for new migrants.
Keynote speaker George Megalogenis called upon history to guide a path forward for migration for the 21st century. When Australia has been open to migration, prosperity has followed.
Eight individuals and organisations were recognised for their contribution to Australia’s migration story. Former MP Petro Georgiou was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award for his unique contribution to Australian multiculturalism and support for settlement services.
Award winners include:
- Settlement Innovation: Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre WA for their ‘sharing stories’ program
- Case Worker of the Year: Mr. Ali Faraj, Community Engagement Manager at the Greater Western Sydney Giants
- Diversity and the Law: Women’s Legal Centre ACT for their CALD advice program
- Journalism Excellence: Mr. Peter Mares from Inside Story for his piece, ‘Living at the wrong end of the queue’
- Business Inclusion: Teys Australia in Biloela for their community employment initiatives
- Sports Leadership: The Australian Football League for ongoing commitment to multicultural engagement
- Empowering Women Award: The Islamic Women’s Association of Queensland for fostering independence and resilience in refugee women.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Petro Georgiou for his contribution to multiculturalism.
The Migration Council Australia would like to thank the generous support of our sponsors, many of whom have been with the awards since the start. These include Australia Post, Virgin Australia, Santos, the Sussan Group, Navitas English, AMES and Access Community Services. Special thanks also to Opera Australia and the National Archives Australia.