Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence

Recognising excellence in multicultural Victoria

The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence (MAEs) honour outstanding individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to strengthening multiculturalism in Victoria.

Now in its 24th year, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) proudly coordinates the MAEs to celebrate those who champion cross-cultural understanding and support Victorians from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to thrive and fully participate in all areas of life.

This year, 14 award categories were available for nomination, reflecting the diverse ways our communities are enriched by multicultural contributions.

The 2025 ceremony featured the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, recognising local champions of diversity who have played a vital role in keeping our communities safe, connected, and strong.

The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2025 ceremony streamed live on Thursday 4 December.

Booklet

Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2025 Program

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Photos

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2025 award recipients

Arts Award

Dr Anindita Banerjee

Dr Anindita Banerjee is a multidisciplinary artist, curator and arts leader whose work empowers multicultural communities through inclusive storytelling, public art and participatory exhibitions. By centering diverse voices and fostering collaboration, Dr Banerjee creates lasting impact across Victoria’s civic, cultural and community landscapes.

Winner

Asamina Theatre Company

The Asamina Theatre Company is a Melbourne-based arts organisation dedicated to amplifying multicultural voices through theatre. Its productions and acting academy empower artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to explore complex cultural narratives and foster empathy, dialogue and social cohesion across communities through bold, inclusive storytelling.

Highly Commended

Business and Employment Award

VicReturn

VicReturn, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for coordinating Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, developed a groundbreaking multicultural engagement strategy. Through partnerships, multilingual campaigns and grassroots outreach, the organisation empowered culturally diverse communities to participate, driving environmental impact, community fundraising and inclusive behaviour change across the state.

Winner

CAVAL Ltd.

CAVAL Ltd. is a leading library services organisation that delivers books in over 50 community languages across Australia and New Zealand. Its multilingual Language Resources team curates and catalogues community language materials from around the world, supporting access, diversity and cultural inclusion. CAVAL Ltd. fosters belonging, celebrates diversity, and strengthens multicultural engagement across Victoria’s library sector.

Highly Commended

Emergency Services Award

Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership

The Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership (MEMP) brings multicultural leaders and emergency agencies together to strengthen safety and resilience. Through trust-building, co-designed resources and culturally inclusive practices, MEMP ensures diverse communities across Victoria are empowered, prepared and supported before, during and after emergencies.

Winner

Ahmad Jahfar

Ahmad Jahfar is a firefighter with Clyde Fire Brigade and a multilingual community leader. With over eight years of service and more than 800 incident responses, he was awarded the National Emergency Medal and named Australian Muslim Volunteer of the Year in 2025 for his multicultural engagement efforts. Ahmad champions cultural inclusion, delivering multilingual fire safety education and building trust with diverse communities across Melbourne’s southeast.

Highly Commended

Local Government Award

Greater Shepparton City Council

Greater Shepparton City Council’s Emergency Management and Resilience Team partners with multicultural organisations to co-design programs that build community resilience. Their inclusive approach ensures all residents, regardless of background, have the knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare for and recover from emergencies.

Winner

Abbas Sheikh

Abbas Sheikh is a Multicultural Youth Engagement Worker at Wyndham City Council, leading inclusive programs that empower newly arrived and refugeebackground youth. Through sport, cultural events and partnerships, Abbas fosters belonging, leadership and civic participation. This creates safe spaces and builds stronger, more connected communities across Wyndham.

Highly Commended

Media Award

The Philippine Times

The Philippine Times connects Filipino-Australians through trusted reporting and cultural storytelling. By amplifying migrant voices, celebrating Filipino heritage and embracing digital platforms, the online newspaper fosters cross-cultural understanding and empowers communities. This ensures Filipino contributions are recognised as part of Victoria’s vibrant multicultural landscape.

Winner - Organisation

Dellaram Vreeland

Dellaram Vreeland is a freelance journalist and Australian-born Iranian living on Wadawurrung Country. Based in Ballarat, Dellaram has spent 15 years telling stories across print and digital media, with a focus on multiculturalism, regional affairs, education and mental health. Underpinning Dellaram’s coverage is her passion to encourage visibility, inclusivity and change for multicultural communities.

Winner - Individual

Mental Health and Wellbeing Award

Centre for Muslim Wellbeing

The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing is a community-led organisation improving mental health, spiritual wellbeing, and social inclusion for Muslim communities in Victoria. Grounded in lived experience and guided by evidence, the organisation delivers cultural and faith-informed care through partnerships, advocacy and programs that promote healing, belonging and resilience.

Winner

GenWest

GenWest’s Multilingual Health Education program delivers inclusive, in-language health education to migrant and refugee women in Melbourne’s west. Led by bicultural educators, the organisation fosters mental wellbeing, cultural safety and community resilience, empowering women to navigate sensitive issues, seek care, and build confidence through trusted, culturally responsive support.

Highly Commended

Police Awards

Police Annual Multicultural Award
Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnson Joining Victoria Police in 1987, Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnson is the Multicultural Liaison Officer for the Greater Shepparton area. Of Pacific Islander heritage, Leigh brings a vast understanding of policing and an innate appreciation of multiculturalism and diversity. Working closely with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District and the VMC Regional Advisory Council, Leigh’s work epitomises community-based policing at its very best.	Winner
Sergeant Rajesh Sambamurthy A police officer for eight years, Sergeant Rajesh Sambamurthy has helped Indian community members gain an understanding and better relationship with Victoria Police. Originally from Southern India, Rajesh’s language skills in Tamil and Telegu have been advantageous: he has provided safety and security presentations to international students; and worked with SBS to deliver radio broadcasts in Tamil on various safety and security issues.	Winner
Sergeant Verity Newport Sergeant Verity Newport serves in the Whitehorse Local Government Area at the Forest Hill Police Station, as the Whitehorse Youth Resource Officer. With her commitment to cultural inclusion, Verity has worked tirelessly in schools, challenging racial bias and social isolation, particularly with newly arrived African and other multicultural students. Many of these schools have reported a very positive impact on student communities as a result of her work.	Winner

Police Annual Multicultural Award

Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnson

Joining Victoria Police in 1987, Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnson is the Multicultural Liaison Officer for the Greater Shepparton area. Of Pacific Islander heritage, Leigh brings a vast understanding of policing and an innate appreciation of multiculturalism and diversity. Working closely with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District and the VMC Regional Advisory Council, Leigh’s work epitomises community-based policing at its very best.

Winner

Sergeant Rajesh Sambamurthy

A police officer for eight years, Sergeant Rajesh Sambamurthy has helped Indian community members gain an understanding and better relationship with Victoria Police. Originally from Southern India, Rajesh’s language skills in Tamil and Telegu have been advantageous: he has provided safety and security presentations to international students; and worked with SBS to deliver radio broadcasts in Tamil on various safety and security issues.

Winner

Sergeant Verity Newport

Sergeant Verity Newport serves in the Whitehorse Local Government Area at the Forest Hill Police Station, as the Whitehorse Youth Resource Officer. With her commitment to cultural inclusion, Verity has worked tirelessly in schools, challenging racial bias and social isolation, particularly with newly arrived African and other multicultural students. Many of these schools have reported a very positive impact on student communities as a result of her work.

Winner

Police Community Exemplary Award
Dr Jennie Barrera OAM Dr Jennie Barrera OAM is CEO of the Wyndham Community and Education Centre (WCEC), which, among other initiatives, provides support to immigrant and refugee communities – including Burmese, Karen, Congolese and South Sudanese communities. Dr Barrera has played a pivotal role in the relationship between WCEC and Victoria Police – especially since 2023, when an escalation in serious crime in the City of Wyndham lead to trauma and heartbreak for many in the community. A stronger relationship with Victoria Police has ensured greater community engagement, trust and support.	Winner
Board of Imams Victoria, Sheikh Moustapha Sarakibi The Board of Imams Victoria and, in particular, Executive Director Sheikh Moustapha Sarakibi, have played a central role in countering religiously-inspired violent extremism, through the Community Integration Support Program. The success of this program, aimed at individuals in both community and correctional facilities who show signs of radicalism, has provided the model for countering violent extremism in other countries such as the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.	Winner
Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra A senior lecturer in engineering at Federation University, Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra is also a leader at the Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar in Officer, Cardinia. This is an inclusive, accessible and welcoming place of worship that offers free meals and various support programs. Dr Kandra has worked closely with Life Saving Victoria to tackle the high incidents of drowning within multicultural communities – and with the Multicultural Liaison Unit in the Southern Metro Police region to provide educational sessions aimed at a better understanding of the Sikh and wider Indian community.	Winner
Rabbi Shmuel Karnowsky Rabbi Shmuel Karnowsky, Chief Rabbi at Central Shule Melbourne in Caulfield, has been a dedicated Victoria Police Chaplain for many years. An amiable presence at police station visits, Rabbi Karnowsky works hard to build relationships, attend local policing events, and provide guidance and pastoral support. Through his efforts, Rabbi Karnowsky fosters understanding and intercultural exchange – bridging, especially, the gap between police and Jewish young people.	Winner

Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award
Senior Protective Service Officer Ali Kalim Senior Protective Services Officer, Ali Kalim, has shared his Islamic faith in efforts to forge greater understanding and respect between his fellow Protective Services Officers and local Islamic communities. Ali has accomplished this by arranging visits to Mosques for Protective Services Officers as well as attendance at various Islamic religious festivals. Ali’s exemplary work has helped provide a positive image and greater understanding of Islam in his workplace.	Winner

Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award

Senior Protective Service Officer Ali Kalim

Senior Protective Services Officer, Ali Kalim, has shared his Islamic faith in efforts to forge greater understanding and respect between his fellow Protective Services Officers and local Islamic communities. Ali has accomplished this by arranging visits to Mosques for Protective Services Officers as well as attendance at various Islamic religious festivals. Ali’s exemplary work has helped provide a positive image and greater understanding of Islam in his workplace.

Winner

Police Multicultural Media Award
Senior Constable Ding Cai Multicultural Liaison Officer for the Police Eastern Division, Senior Constable Ding Cai, demonstrates a longstanding commitment to creating meaningful relationships between Victoria Police and multicultural communities. Given his fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese, Senior Constable Cai focuses especially on media presentations to Chinese communities – and regularly visits primary and secondary schools to bridge the gap between educators and Mandarin-speaking parents.	Winner
Sarah Vanin When a spate of drownings occurred last summer, Victoria Police Senior Media Advisor Sarah Vanin took action to save lives. Developing a comprehensive media strategy in partnership with the Victoria Police’s Priority and Safer Communities Division, Sarah’s initiative included a series of targeted, informative stories to raise water safety awareness – especially among Chinese and Indian communities, which were over-represented in drowning incidents. Sarah’s water safety efforts ran successfully for several weeks across the high-risk January period.	Winner

Police Multicultural Media Award

Senior Constable Ding Cai

Multicultural Liaison Officer for the Police Eastern Division, Senior Constable Ding Cai, demonstrates a longstanding commitment to creating meaningful relationships between Victoria Police and multicultural communities. Given his fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese, Senior Constable Cai focuses especially on media presentations to Chinese communities – and regularly visits primary and secondary schools to bridge the gap between educators and Mandarin-speaking parents.

Winner

Sarah Vanin

When a spate of drownings occurred last summer, Victoria Police Senior Media Advisor Sarah Vanin took action to save lives. Developing a comprehensive media strategy in partnership with the Victoria Police’s Priority and Safer Communities Division, Sarah’s initiative included a series of targeted, informative stories to raise water safety awareness – especially among Chinese and Indian communities, which were over-represented in drowning incidents. Sarah’s water safety efforts ran successfully for several weeks across the high-risk January period.

Winner

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer

Established in 2019, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND), Officer, is a Sikh community organisation providing a platform for multicultural collaboration, interfaith dialogue, health access, crisis response and community development across Victoria. SGND delivers inclusive, measurable initiatives that foster cultural understanding, strengthen social cohesion and support vulnerable groups, expanding access to health, safety, education and environmental programs.

Winner - Organisation

Ruchi Sharma

Ruchi Sharma is a member of Knox Council Advisory Committee, and former Secretary, Australia India Society of Victoria. Ruchi is an active community leader whose work fosters multicultural harmony through media, arts and civic engagement. She founded the Hello Zindagi Radio Show on Radio Eastern 98.1 FM, creating an inclusive platform that connects people across cultural, generational and faith backgrounds. Ruchi also established HuHaHo (Human Happiness & Hope), a wellbeing initiative that promotes inclusivity and collaboration.

Winner - Individual

Prevention of Family Violence Award

Luba Tanevski

Luba Tanevski has spent over 35 years supporting migrant and refugee women fleeing family violence. A migration agent and advocate, Luba helped shape life-saving legislation and has empowered thousands to rebuild their lives. Her lived experience, cultural insight and tireless leadership have transformed Victoria’s response to family violence in multicultural communities.

Winner

Benevolence Australia Inc.

Benevolence Australia Inc. is a community-led organisation fostering spiritual wellbeing and social cohesion. The organisation’s flagship program, ‘Good Beginnings’, empowers Muslim couples through faith-aligned relationship education, promoting respectful marriages, preventing family violence and strengthening multicultural communities with culturally safe, values-driven tools for emotional literacy and equity.

Highly Commended

Refugee Awards

Refugee Achievement Award
Peter Cinzah Peter Cinzah is a proactive community leader fostering unity and inclusion across Victoria. His work supports refugees, asylum seekers and diverse communities through youth sports, education, women’s programs and cultural events. Peter builds strong crosscultural connections and promotes diversity through advocacy, training, and research. As a multicultural ambassador with the Migrant Worker Centre, Peter delivers work rights awareness workshops and contributes to bilingual resources in Burmese and English.	Winner
Sarah Birara Nega Sarah Birara Nega is a community leader and advocate supporting newly arrived migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Through her work at Drummond Street Services, she has broken down barriers to access, built inclusive programs and empowered marginalised communities with compassion, resilience and a deep commitment to human rights and social justice.	Highly Commended

Refugee Achievement Award

Peter Cinzah

Peter Cinzah is a proactive community leader fostering unity and inclusion across Victoria. His work supports refugees, asylum seekers and diverse communities through youth sports, education, women’s programs and cultural events. Peter builds strong crosscultural connections and promotes diversity through advocacy, training, and research. As a multicultural ambassador with the Migrant Worker Centre, Peter delivers work rights awareness workshops and contributes to bilingual resources in Burmese and English.

Winner

Sarah Birara Nega

Sarah Birara Nega is a community leader and advocate supporting newly arrived migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Through her work at Drummond Street Services, she has broken down barriers to access, built inclusive programs and empowered marginalised communities with compassion, resilience and a deep commitment to human rights and social justice.

Highly Commended

Refugee Leadership Award
Parsu Budathoki Parsu Budathoki is a former refugee and community leader whose work spans education, health and cultural inclusion. Parsu founded two Nepali language schools, advocates for inclusive healthcare, and empowers Bhutanese-Nepali communities through service, mediation and leadership. These efforts build lasting pathways for cohesion, wellbeing and multicultural harmony across the state.	Winner
Mabor Majur Chadhuol Mabor Majur Chadhuol is a clinical epidemiologist, public health expert and educator. As Founding Director of the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, Mabor leads trauma-informed programs that empower refugee and multicultural communities. His work in multicultural health, policy and education continues to shape equitable systems and inspire future leaders across Victoria.	Highly Commended

Refugee Leadership Award

Parsu Budathoki

Parsu Budathoki is a former refugee and community leader whose work spans education, health and cultural inclusion. Parsu founded two Nepali language schools, advocates for inclusive healthcare, and empowers Bhutanese-Nepali communities through service, mediation and leadership. These efforts build lasting pathways for cohesion, wellbeing and multicultural harmony across the state.

Winner

Mabor Majur Chadhuol

Mabor Majur Chadhuol is a clinical epidemiologist, public health expert and educator. As Founding Director of the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, Mabor leads trauma-informed programs that empower refugee and multicultural communities. His work in multicultural health, policy and education continues to shape equitable systems and inspire future leaders across Victoria.

Highly Commended

Refugee Young Leader Award
Yuwaluxshayan Kannan Yuwaluxshayan Kannan is a young leader and advocate from a refugee background. As a member of the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia, Yuwaluxshayan has championed refugee youth empowerment at policy levels. Through school leadership, mentoring and advocacy, he has created opportunities for participation, contribution and belonging across Victoria’s multicultural communities.	Winner
Harambee Homework Club The young tutors of Harambee Homework Club consists of 12 secondary and university students from refugee backgrounds in Bendigo. Through mentorship, cultural leadership and educational support, they empower younger peers to thrive academically and socially, building confidence, connection and inclusion across South Sudanese, Karen and Hazara communities.	Highly Commended

Refugee Young Leader Award

Yuwaluxshayan Kannan

Yuwaluxshayan Kannan is a young leader and advocate from a refugee background. As a member of the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia, Yuwaluxshayan has championed refugee youth empowerment at policy levels. Through school leadership, mentoring and advocacy, he has created opportunities for participation, contribution and belonging across Victoria’s multicultural communities.

Winner

Harambee Homework Club

The young tutors of Harambee Homework Club consists of 12 secondary and university students from refugee backgrounds in Bendigo. Through mentorship, cultural leadership and educational support, they empower younger peers to thrive academically and socially, building confidence, connection and inclusion across South Sudanese, Karen and Hazara communities.

Highly Commended

Refugee Business Award
Arabic Welfare Incorporated Arabic Welfare Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation empowering Arabic-speaking communities across Victoria. Through culturally responsive casework, education, advocacy and group programs, individuals are supported to overcome settlement challenges, build social connections and participate fully in Australian society. The organisation promotes wellbeing, inclusion and long-term independence.	Winner
Mohammad Jamshid Mohammadi Mohammad Jamshid Mohammadi is a business leader and mentor who empowers refugees and migrants through employment, training and inclusion. Through his company ‘Remarkable Construction’, Mohammad has supported dozens of individuals to gain trade skills, achieve financial independence and launch their own businesses, strengthening multicultural communities across Victoria through opportunity and leadership.	Highly Commended

Refugee Business Award

Arabic Welfare Incorporated

Arabic Welfare Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation empowering Arabic-speaking communities across Victoria. Through culturally responsive casework, education, advocacy and group programs, individuals are supported to overcome settlement challenges, build social connections and participate fully in Australian society. The organisation promotes wellbeing, inclusion and long-term independence.

Winner

Mohammad Jamshid Mohammadi

Mohammad Jamshid Mohammadi is a business leader and mentor who empowers refugees and migrants through employment, training and inclusion. Through his company ‘Remarkable Construction’, Mohammad has supported dozens of individuals to gain trade skills, achieve financial independence and launch their own businesses, strengthening multicultural communities across Victoria through opportunity and leadership.

Highly Commended

Sport Award

Bachar Houli Foundation

The Bachar Houli Foundation empowers young Australian Muslims and multicultural communities through sport, leadership and education. The Foundation’s culturally inclusive programs promote participation, representation and social cohesion, creating pathways for personal growth, community connection and mutual respect, while transforming sport into a platform for unity and opportunity across Victoria.

Winner

Diana Lin

Diana Lin is a community leader advancing cultural diversity in the AFL through her role on the Box Hill Hawks Board. Diana fosters inclusion by engaging Chinese communities, diversifying sponsorships, and creating culturally inclusive events. This bridges sport and multiculturalism to strengthen participation, representation and community connection in Victoria’s eastern suburbs.

Highly Commended

Victorian Public Sector Diversity and Inclusion Enhancement Award

Northern Health

Northern Health delivers inclusive, culturally responsive care across Melbourne’s outer north. Guided by it’s Cultural Responsiveness Plan, it embeds equity in clinical practice, workforce development and governance. Northern Health co-designs services with multicultural communities to ensure safe, respectful and accessible healthcare that reflects the region’s rich cultural diversity.

Winner

VETASSESS

VETASSESS supports multiculturalism in Victoria by recognising migrant skills and qualifications across hundreds of occupations. As Australia’s leading assessment authority for skilled migration, the global business empowers diverse communities to access employment, contribute to the workforce, and thrive. VETASSESS advances equity, inclusion and social cohesion through fair, merit-based recognition.

Highly Commended

Youth Leadership Award

COOK4CALD

COOK4CALD is a youth-led charity addressing food insecurity in Melbourne’s South-East through culturally inclusive meal programs. Founded by young people, it empowers multicultural youth to lead with purpose, delivering halal, vegan-friendly meals and hosting community events that foster connection, celebrate diversity and strengthen social inclusion.

Winner

Adriel Abinav Appathurai

Adriel Abinav Appathurai is a medical student and youth advocate committed to health equity, multiculturalism and empowerment for young people. Through lived experience and leadership, Adriel influences policy and programs at all levels, creating pathways for young people to thrive and ensure their voices are represented in health, education and community decision-making.

Highly Commended

Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll

Cristina Ponce Abela	Eugenia Mitrakas OAM
Dr Raju Adhikari	Cecilia Rabecca Mphande
Dr Ponniah Anandajayasekeram	Selliah Nalliah
Achol Arow	Tammy Nguyen
Suzy Bourdamis	Kifarkis Nissan
Bhakta Dasa	Rev Deacon George Piech Meat
Dr Teresa De Fazio OAM	Pavan Kumar Rangaraju
Nyaruon Deng	Silvana Raydan
Vedran Drakulić OAM	Roxanne Sarthou
Sukhvinder (Sunny) Singh Duggal	Nilaufer Singh
Cora Fuentes-Mahnic	Salvatore Sposato
Dr Adolfo Gentile	Junxi Su
Berhan Ismael Jaber	Anna Thimyoe Takluem
Rana Shahid Javed	Ali Agha Wali Zada
Helen Kalimniou	Dr Bruce Wong
Angelos Terrence Kenos	Ali Yaghobi
Eleftheria Lalopoulos	Mohammed Yassin
Feifei Liao	Xiaobei Ye

Award recipients

2024 award recipients

Arts Award

Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, City of Greater Dandenong Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre (WSG) is Dandenong’s hub for contemporary art. WSG’s latest project, HOME24, is a transformative exhibition that celebrates refugee and asylum seeker artists. By encouraging intercultural dialogue, WSG promotes social cohesion through art, culinary experiences and collaborative events that connect the multicultural community in Dandenong.	Winner
Albanian Moslem Society Shepparton The Albanian Moslem Society Shepparton celebrates and preserves Albanian culture through annual events, language classes and community support. By fostering social cohesion and establishing the first mosque in Victoria, the society enriches Shepparton’s multicultural fabric and empowers future generations.	Winner
L2R Dance L2R Dance is one of a handful of youth arts organisations in Australia that provides authentic opportunities and employment pathways for children and young people traditionally underrepresented or absent from mainstream arts and culture.	Highly Commended

Business & Employment Award

Mohammed Alebrahimi Mohammed supports and promotes culturally appropriate care: its ability to improve the health outcomes of elderly migrants and refugees; its success in providing training and employment opportunities to younger migrants; and its capacity to create better social connections for the entire community.	Winner
Multicultural Consulting Services Multicultural Consulting Services (MCS) is a certified social enterprise dedicated to empowering diverse communities in Victoria. Through tailored employment services, training, and ongoing support, MCS fosters inclusion and economic participation for migrants, refugees and other priority jobseekers – helping them overcome barriers and achieve long-term success in the workforce.	Winner
MiCare Ltd MiCare’s mission and vision is founded on the provision of services that meet the diverse needs of people living in multicultural Australia. Services include aged residential and home care, retirement living and migrant and settlement services, supporting migrants and refugees as they transition to a new life in Australia.	Highly Commended
Niti Bhargava With over 15 years of finance experience and a strong focus on financial literacy and awareness, Niti has helped many migrant families take control of their finances. Last year, she was recognised in the Victorian Parliament by local MP Luba Grigorovitch for her contributions to financial literacy.	Highly Commended

Emergency Services Award

Fire Rescue Victoria - Multicultural Liaison Officers

Fire Rescue Victoria Multicultural Liaison Officers help multicultural communities reduce fire and emergency risks. By bridging the cultural divide, fostering trusted relationships, addressing knowledge gaps and connecting with communities, they empower multicultural Victorians to collaborate for a stronger, more prepared future with reduced risk of the impacts of fire events.

Winner

Local Government Award

City of Melbourne – International Education Team

The City of Melbourne has made significant contributions to multiculturalism by supporting international students from over 160 countries. Through diverse programs like My Melbourne and The Couch, the City has engaged over 50,000 students, offering social activities, food relief, employability workshops and volunteering opportunities. These initiatives have reinforced Melbourne's position as Australia's best student city for 10 consecutive years.

Winner

City of Greater Dandenong Council Festivals and Events

The City of Greater Dandenong Council Springvale Snow Fest event is the biggest winter street food festival in Victoria. The event highlights multicultural communities and provides entertainment, activities and delicious food from around the world – even delivering snow to the centre of Springvale!

Highly Commended

Media Award

Lakshmi Ganapathy

Early-career journalist and theatre-maker Lakshmi Ganapathy voices thought- provoking, overlooked perspectives through her work. Currently the Melbourne Content Creator for Indian Link, an award-winning publication empowering the South Asian diaspora, she was part of ArtsHub’s inaugural Amplify Collective, and has made content for RMITV, La Trobe University and Channel 31.

Winner

Voice of West Papua Radio

Voice of West Papua has been on air for 11 years and is presented by West Papuan community members who voice the aspirations of West Papua’s culture, share songs, interviews, music and stories.

Winner

Steve (Sotiris) Hatzimanolis

For five decades, Sotiris Hatzimanolis has been a tireless advocate for independent Greek Australian media. His journey began in the 1970s with Greek Australian radio and continued with Neos Kosmos, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the publication from a Greek-language newspaper into a bilingual Greek and English platform.

Highly Commended

Mental Health & Wellbeing Award

Dr Senem Eren

Dr Eren is a trusted psychologist with 20 years of expertise in trauma, positive psychology, and the impact of cultural influences on mental health. Dr Eren – one of the first Australian Muslims to hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology – co-founded the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing and Green Crescent Australia.

Winner

Associate Professor Iraklis Harry Minas

Associate Professor Iraklis Harry Minas is the the Head of the Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health at The University of Melbourne. His areas of expertise include psychiatry, global mental health, mental health system development, disaster mental health and multicultural mental health – mental health of immigrants and refugees.

Winner

Mental Health and Well-being Foundation

The Mental Health and Well-being Foundation, led by Dr Francis Acquah, aims to transform mental health care through global advocacy, culturally- tailored training, and impactful research. The Foundation’s commitment to education and community engagement fosters a more inclusive approach, enhancing mental health support for diverse populations globally.

Highly Commended

Police Awards

Police Annual Multicultural Award
Detective Senior Constable Andrew Turton Detective Senior Constable Andrew Turton was instrumental in the investigation and successful prosecution of a case involving a faith leader and multiple victims. Andrew is to be commended for pursuing this case with great determination and professionalism – and for his tenacity and empathy on behalf of the victims and their families.	Winner
Senior Constable Andrew Moreton The nomination of Senior Constable Andrew Moreton is to be applauded because it highlights the need for Victoria Police to reach out to all young people, including those at risk. Andrew has used his soccer playing and refereeing skills to reach out to youth in the City of Darebin and beyond. Particularly impressive is the successful encouragement of young males and females to undertake Football Victoria’s referee program. Also impressive is Andrew’s work with Somali and Arab youth. Senior Constable Moreton has truly won the respect of the community, service providers and his police colleagues. Andrew has also helped schools deliver cyber safety training programs, an initiative that helps protect young people.	Winner
Senior Sergeant Stylianos (Steve) Spyrou Senior Sergeant Steve Spyrou has been a member of Victoria Police for almost four decades. Steve has played a central role in the formation and work of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association, through events such as the St. Artemious Day celebrations and the annual Greek National Day march. Steve has encouraged and mentored younger Greek Australians to join Victoria Police – and delivered personal and home safety initiatives for elderly Greek groups.	Winner
Senior Sergeant Alasdair Farrell Senior Sergeant Alasdair Farrell has played a central role in liaising with community leaders, including dealing with a community crisis triggered by overseas events that impacted heavily on Jewish and Palestinian Muslim and Christian communities in Melbourne. Alasdair liaised with community leaders and helped solve digital and technological challenges, giving Victoria Police access to areas of significance, minimising risks and generating a sense of community safety and support. He devised a system for event notification and risk assessment, including for religious festivals. He has risk- assessed over 150 events and attended 500-plus engagements to support event planning.	Winner
Sports COPPS - Detective Sergeant Vincent Manno Detective Sergeant Vincent Manno instituted Sports COPPS in 2001. This outstanding police/youth project has engaged over 14,850 young people across Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, reducing youth crime, building trust between police officers and multicultural communities, reducing historical tensions and establishing partnerships with community groups, schools and sports clubs. This positive program delivers on its mantra: Life Skills through Sports.	Winner
Senior Constable Rana Khan Originally from Pakistan, Senior Constable Rana Khan became a PSO in 2013, before becoming a police officer in 2017. Fluent in five languages, he has the capabilities to reach out to Gippsland multicultural communities. He has demonstrated community leadership by creating an Islamic prayer centre in Drouin – and educated local Islamic community members about Victoria Police and the law, not least in the family violence area. Also commendable, he set up a prayer room in the Warragul police station.	2023 Winner

Police Community Exemplary Award
Weda Mohseni Weda Mohseni is a key member of KOMAK, a Uniting initiative in Dandenong that supports the Afghan and other Muslim communities. KOMAK is the Dari word for ‘help’ and ‘support’. In addition to her case work in the community, Weda has been instrumental in advising police in the south-eastern corridor on youth crime, family violence, forced marriage and public safety. Weda has arranged and helped deliver community information sessions, especially to newly arrived immigrants and refugees, and has been particularly supportive of Victoria Police officers.	Winner
Major Events Human Rights Guide Team The preparation of the Major Events Human Rights Guide provided Victoria Police with a chance to examine its own approach to human rights – especially in the context of their adoption and implementation at major events (including major sporting events). The preparation team – Alena Hetsch, Anthony Abate, Keely Kontaxis and Darren Kenos, working with John Croker as the Principal Solicitor for Human Rights – are to be commended for this Human Rights initiative.	2023 Winner

Police Community Exemplary Award

Weda Mohseni

Weda Mohseni is a key member of KOMAK, a Uniting initiative in Dandenong that supports the Afghan and other Muslim communities. KOMAK is the Dari word for ‘help’ and ‘support’. In addition to her case work in the community, Weda has been instrumental in advising police in the south-eastern corridor on youth crime, family violence, forced marriage and public safety. Weda has arranged and helped deliver community information sessions, especially to newly arrived immigrants and refugees, and has been particularly supportive of Victoria Police officers.

Winner

Major Events Human Rights Guide Team

The preparation of the Major Events Human Rights Guide provided Victoria Police with a chance to examine its own approach to human rights – especially in the context of their adoption and implementation at major events (including major sporting events). The preparation team – Alena Hetsch, Anthony Abate, Keely Kontaxis and Darren Kenos, working with John Croker as the Principal Solicitor for Human Rights – are to be commended for this Human Rights initiative.

2023 Winner

Police Multicultural Media Award
A/Sgt Kevin Dong This nomination highlights the increasing presence within Victoria Police of Chinese officers – and highlights the officers who have facilitated this welcome development. In his five years at the Oakleigh Police Station, A/Sergeant Kevin Dong has established close links with Chinese-speaking communities, especially through his appearances on Chinese media. He has conducted information sessions in Mandarin for Chinese residents, and supported activities during Chinese Lunar New Year. Kevin has addressed student groups at two universities and provided a mentoring role for new Chinese Australian recruits into Victorian Police. He represents a vibrant bridge between law enforcement officers and various Chinese communities.	Winner

Police Multicultural Media Award

A/Sgt Kevin Dong

This nomination highlights the increasing presence within Victoria Police of Chinese officers – and highlights the officers who have facilitated this welcome development. In his five years at the Oakleigh Police Station, A/Sergeant Kevin Dong has established close links with Chinese-speaking communities, especially through his appearances on Chinese media. He has conducted information sessions in Mandarin for Chinese residents, and supported activities during Chinese Lunar New Year.

Kevin has addressed student groups at two universities and provided a mentoring role for new Chinese Australian recruits into Victorian Police. He represents a vibrant bridge between law enforcement officers and various Chinese communities.

Winner

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

Wyndham Central College Link Centre Community Hub

The Wyndham Central College Community Hub fosters engagement with diverse local and national organisations. Located in a disadvantaged area, it serves over 1300 students, with 48 per cent from migrant or refugee backgrounds. The Hub offers various programs for adults (e.g. English language, digital literacy) and youth (e.g. cultural groups, support services). It aims to build family capacity, improve student outcomes and deepen community partnerships.

The Hub has become integral to the school, providing culturally safe support and promoting cross-cultural connections. It serves as a Tier 2 support system, offering targeted assistance to students and families while strengthening school-wide family and community engagement capabilities.

Winner

Prevention of Family Violence Award

Whittlesea Community Connections

Whittlesea Community Connections has been working with local multicultural communities for over 50 years, providing a range of services and opportunities. Since 2021 the Phase 2: Whittlesea CALD FV project has improved life outcomes for women at risk or experiencing family violence.

Winner

AMES Australia - Prevention of Violence Against Women Leadership Program

AMES Australia’s Prevention of Violence Against Women Leadership Program is aimed at empowering community leaders and equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle the scourge of domestic violence in culturally appropriate ways.

Highly Commended

Ajsela Siskovic

Under the leadership of Ajsela Siskovic, the inTouch Women’s Legal Centre provides vital support to migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence. Ajsela leads a dedicated team that offers culturally-responsive legal and migration services, empowering women to attain safety, stability and independence.

Highly Commended

Refugee Awards

Refugee Achievement Award
Mohammad Haroon Sayed Mohammad Haroon Sayed is a dedicated community leader and advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, driving projects that improve access to essential services, empower women and promote multicultural harmony. His efforts have created lasting change in Victoria, supporting vulnerable communities and inspiring future generations to build an inclusive society.	Winner
Jacqueline Aungminn Jacqueline is a passionate advocate for refugees, dedicated to empowering multicultural communities through education, support and community-building initiatives. Her volunteer efforts, work within MiCare and the community sector has transformed lives, fostered inclusion, resilience, and opportunities for marginalised groups to thrive and actively contribute to Australian society.	Highly Commended

Refugee Achievement Award

Mohammad Haroon Sayed

Mohammad Haroon Sayed is a dedicated community leader and advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, driving projects that improve access to essential services, empower women and promote multicultural harmony. His efforts have created lasting change in Victoria, supporting vulnerable communities and inspiring future generations to build an inclusive society.

Winner

Jacqueline Aungminn

Jacqueline is a passionate advocate for refugees, dedicated to empowering multicultural communities through education, support and community-building initiatives. Her volunteer efforts, work within MiCare and the community sector has transformed lives, fostered inclusion, resilience, and opportunities for marginalised groups to thrive and actively contribute to Australian society.

Highly Commended

Refugee Business Award
Reliable Community Care (RCC) RCC, founded by recently- arrived former Bhutanese refugees, empowers newly arrived refugees through employment pathways, culturally sensitive services and by fostering social inclusion. RCC’s refugee-led approach creates lasting change, building a more unified and diverse society in which refugees are empowered.	Winner
Bendigo Community Health Services (Emergency Preparedness program for former refugees) Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) is a not-for- profit community organisation funded through various government health programs, community donations and sponsorships. With a strong connection to community, and over 45 years of local health experience, BCHS understands local health issues and responds to consumers through a range of services and partnerships.	Highly Commended

Refugee Business Award

Reliable Community Care (RCC)

RCC, founded by recently- arrived former Bhutanese refugees, empowers newly arrived refugees through employment pathways, culturally sensitive services and by fostering social inclusion. RCC’s refugee-led approach creates lasting change, building a more unified and diverse society in which refugees are empowered.

Winner

Bendigo Community Health Services (Emergency Preparedness program for former refugees)

Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) is a not-for- profit community organisation funded through various government health programs, community donations and sponsorships. With a strong connection to community, and over 45 years of local health experience, BCHS understands local health issues and responds to consumers through a range of services and partnerships.

Highly Commended

Refugee Leadership Award
Rasha Khalid Abbas Rasha Abbas, founder of Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) and CEO of inTouch, champions the rights and wellbeing of Palestinians and vulnerable migrant communities. Her leadership drives impactful support services, enhances cultural integration and fosters opportunities, making a profound and positive difference to multicultural Australia.	Winner
Hazara Shamama Association of Victoria Inc. The Hazara Shamama Association of Victoria Inc. (HSA) is a leading advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, offering vital support through English classes, citizenship preparation, employment workshops and leadership development. HSA empowers individuals to integrate, succeed and contribute to Victoria’s vibrant multicultural community.	Highly Commended
Hsar Thein Ju Well known, hard-working and kind-hearted, Hsar has worked for Parks Victoria for 10 years and, through his work, made positive contributions to diverse communities.	Highly Commended

Refugee Leadership Award

Rasha Khalid Abbas

Rasha Abbas, founder of Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) and CEO of inTouch, champions the rights and wellbeing of Palestinians and vulnerable migrant communities. Her leadership drives impactful support services, enhances cultural integration and fosters opportunities, making a profound and positive difference to multicultural Australia.

Winner

Hazara Shamama Association of Victoria Inc.

The Hazara Shamama Association of Victoria Inc. (HSA) is a leading advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, offering vital support through English classes, citizenship preparation, employment workshops and leadership development. HSA empowers individuals to integrate, succeed and contribute to Victoria’s vibrant multicultural community.

Highly Commended

Hsar Thein Ju

Well known, hard-working and kind-hearted, Hsar has worked for Parks Victoria for 10 years and, through his work, made positive contributions to diverse communities.

Highly Commended

Refugee Young Leader Award
Nargis (Diba) Jalal Diba Jalal, a passionate woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), has made a significant impact through her roles with VASA and RMIT’s ASA. She has revitalised Afghan cultural events and inspired young engineers, including refugees. Her work in empowering youth and building connections has greatly enriched diverse communities.	Winner

Refugee Young Leader Award

Nargis (Diba) Jalal

Diba Jalal, a passionate woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), has made a significant impact through her roles with VASA and RMIT’s ASA. She has revitalised Afghan cultural events and inspired young engineers, including refugees. Her work in empowering youth and building connections has greatly enriched diverse communities.

Winner

Sport Award

Frankleen Muken Jeremiah Newah-Jarfoi

Frankleen is a passionate advocate for social justice and community cohesion. A personable, considerate and respectful young leader, he uses athletics as a platform to promote young multicultural people – and to advocate for equitable funding to ensure those young people might participate in the sport of their choice.

Winner

Her Run

Her Run empowers women from diverse backgrounds through inclusive sports and wellness programs that celebrate cultural heritage and promote physical and mental wellbeing. With over 2,400 members, HerRun fosters social cohesion, leadership and community engagement, making a lasting impact on Victoria’s multicultural landscape.

Winner

Teuila Hanalei Reid

Teuila is Executive Director at Helping Hoops and Director at Koorie Academy. She volunteers with numerous sports-based groups throughout Naarm. With a former career in the US Foreign Service, Teuila‘s global community development experience has equipped her with a diverse skill set which significantly adds to the running of Helping Hoops.

Highly Commended

Youth Leadership Award

Ali Agha Wali Zada

Ali is a dedicated youth leader from Geelong, committed to promoting multiculturalism and mental health awareness. Through his work with local and international communities, Ali has made a significant impact, fostering cultural understanding and supporting education. His leadership and advocacy inspire others to build a more inclusive society.

Winner

Avenue Productions Volunteers Team

The Avenue Productions Volunteers Team is a dynamic youth group empowering culturally diverse young people through the planning and delivery of creative events. By promoting inclusion, fostering intercultural dialogue, and amplifying the voices of youth, volunteers are building a more inclusive, vibrant and culturally aware community in Moonee Valley and beyond.

Highly Commended

Multicultural Honour Roll

Dr Francis Roger Acquah AM	Tony Le Nguyen
Associate Professor Josefine Antoniades	Professor Manjula Datta O'Connor
Dilnaz Homi Billimoria	Professor Nicholas John Papastergiadis
Fabiola Campbell	Miriam Silva AM
Maryum Aziz Chaudhry	Manpreet Kaur Singh
Wesa Wai-Sum Chau	Dalal Sleiman
Lyda Dankha	Shazia Syed
Derya Deniz Demirol	Costa Alex Vasili
Sivanthi Gurumurothy	Cecilia Lynn Nolasco Vence
Joseph Haweil	Deeptha Wickramaratna
Aayushi Khillan	Jijun (Jack) Yang
Gary Yew Foo Lee	Annisa Li Zhang
Dr Morley Akinbode Muse

For further information on the 2024 inductees to the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, view their biographies.

2023 award recipients

Arts Award

Nandita Chakraborty	Winner
The Social Studio	Highly Commended

Business Award

Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd	Winners
All Ears Hearing	Highly Commended

Community Innovation Award

Wellsprings for Women	Winner
Theresa Sengaga Ssali	Highly Commended

Education Awards

Early Childhood Education
City of Casey Best Start Cultural Communication Improvement Team	Winner
ViêtSpeak	Highly Commended
School Education
River Nile School	Winner
Debney Meadows Primary School	Highly Commended
Pre-accredited community-based Education and Training
River Nile Learning Centre	Winner
BSL Cross Cultural Consultancy	Highly Commended
Vocational Education and Training Accredited Education & Training
VU Together Against Racism Working Group	Winner
Gordon Institute of TAFE	Highly Commended

Emergency Services Award

Victorian State Emergency Service Greater Dandenong Unit

Winner

Health Award

Program for Refugee Immunisation Monitoring and Education	Winner
Silva Nazaretian	Highly Commended

Justice Award

Northern Community Legal Centre and South-East Monash Legal Service	Winner
Eastern Community Legal Centre & Eastern Health	Highly Commended

Local Government Award

City of Greater Bendigo	Winner
SALDHIG project	Highly Commended

Media Award

iMPACT Magazine	Winner
Can We Talk About It?! Podcast	Highly Commended

Police Awards

Police Annual Multicultural Award
Detective Senior Constable Tana Griffiths	Winner
Inspector Dean Clinton	Winner
Leading Senior Constable Heath Williams	Winner
Police Community Exemplary Award
Ms. Brooke Harding – Ramadan Care Packages	Winner
Police Multicultural Media Award
Diversity Recruitment Program Media Campaign	Winner
Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award
PSO Sergeant Pushp Sidhu	Winner
PSO Sergeant Simarpal Kaur	Winner

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

Ian Green OAM	Finalists
Cultura Pako Festa 2023	Finalists
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman AM	Finalists
City of Whittlesea - Community Activation team	Finalists

Refugee Advocacy Award

Free to Feed	Winner
Bendigo Karen Youth Network	Highly Commended

Sport Award

City in the Community	Winner
Bendigo Community Health Services	Highly Commended

Youth Leadership Award

Rhea Werner	Winner
Bendigo Karen Youth Network	Highly Commended

Multicultural Honour Roll

Naba Masad Alfayadh	Dr Raj Khillan
Ayesha Bux	Manzoor Ahmad Mian JP
Giuseppe Cannata	Edward Joseph Micallef
Rana Ebrahim	Nawal Kishore Moudigal
Ruwangi Fernando	Mohamed Hadi Omer
Farhat Firdous	Asvin Phorugngam
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman AM	Nola Radiotis
Kyriakos Gold	Hadi Saab
George Gregorio	Helen Stamoulis
Bekim Hasani	Kaja Starinskas
Eva Hussain	Mannie Kaur Verma
Siegfredo M Jover	Deepak Vinayak OAM
Gurinder Kaur	Gloria Yuen
Arfa Sarfaraz Khan

2022 award recipients

Arts Award

Samuel Gaskin	Winner
Sivarubhini Kanagasabai	Highly Commended
Ryan Rezai	Highly Commended

Business Award

Metro Trains Melbourne	Winner
John Holland Group	Winner
Professional Migrant Women	Highly Commended
Multicultural Business Engagement Team, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions	Highly Commended
Multicultural Home Support Services, Spectrum MRC	Highly Commended

Community Innovation Award

Black Diasporas Naarm Project	Winner
Asian Australian Volunteers Inc.	Highly Commended

Education Awards

Early Childhood Education
Victorian Community Hubs	Winner
Monash Vale Early Learning Centre	Highly Commended
St Anthony’s Primary School Playgroup	Highly Commended
School Education
Harmony Champs – Greater Shepparton Lighthouse and Culture & Co	Winner
Abbotsford Primary School	Highly Commended
Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School	Highly Commended
Matthew Majur	Highly Commended
Vocational Education and Training (pre-accredited community-based training)
SisterWorks Inc.	Winner
Centre for Participation	Highly Commended
Winners – Vocational Education and Training (accredited training)
Chisholm Institute	Winner
Kowanj	Winner
Victoria University and Polytechnic	Highly Commended
RMIT University	Highly Commended
Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE)	Highly Commended

Emergency Services Award

Norieul Kinross

Winner

Health Award

Cohealth’s Bicultural Program	Winner
CALD Communities Taskforce Local Partnerships	Winner
The Water Well Project	Highly Commended

Justice Award

Akuch Kuol Anyieth	Winner
Women’s Legal Service Victoria – Migration Pilot	Winner
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission	Highly Commended
Marama Kuf	Highly Commended

Local Government Award

City of Ballarat	Winner
City of Melbourne	Highly Commended
Maribyrnong City Council	Highly Commended

Media Award

SAARI Collective	Winner
STEM Sisters	Winner
Catherine Jonathan	Highly Commended
Harrison Tippet	Highly Commended

Police Award

Police Annual Multicultural Award
Patti Hiras	Winner
Senior Sergeant Ron Klajnblat	Winner
Sergeant Amanda Fahey	Winner
Detective Senior Constable Edmond Shkembi	Winner
Police Community Exemplary Award
Victoria Police Multifaith Chaplaincy	Winner
KOMAK (Uniting)	Winner
Victoria Police and Jewish Community Day	Winner
Police Multicultural Media Award
“STOPIT” (The Public Transport Passenger Notification Project)	Winner
Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award
PSO Yasac Abdullahi	Winner
PSO Aamer Kiani	Winner

Premier's Award for Community Harmony

Maria Dimopoulos

Winner

Refugee Advocacy Award

Swan Hill Uniting Church Community Issues Group	Winner
Major Road Projects Victoria, Level Crossing Removal Project and Swinburne University of Technology	Winner
Helping Hand Refugee Youth Mentoring Project	Highly Commended
Bounce Program	Highly Commended

Sport Award

Karen Block	Winner
Chandramarakkalage Anton Roshan Sampath Silva	Winner
Hockey Victoria	Highly Commended

Youth Leadership Award

Zainab Abou-Eid	Winner
Altaf Hussein	Winner
Hashwina Vimalarajan	Highly Commended
Ali Al Battaat	Highly Commended

Multicultural Honour Roll

Azadeh Doosti	Maha Htoo Sein
Bianca Brijnath	May Red Zafra
Bosede Adetifa	Melvin Mata
Christina Chia	Mohajer Hameed
Christos Fifis	Myint Myint Wai
Donald Betts	Nasteha Mohamud
Elias Diacolabrianos	Nurcihan Ozturk
Emily Unity	Paul Singh Khumra
Fartun Farah	Rosita Vincent
Guosheng Yang Chen	Ruel de Leon
Harpreet Singh Kandra	Sam Atukorala
Hemant Ganesh Gokhale	Savindhi Perera-Jainudeen
James Henry	Sherlita Teope Hart
Jaya Manchikanti	Tammy Iliou
June Anderson

2021 award recipients

Arts Award

SalamFest Inc.	Winner
Cross Encounters	Highly Commended
Kimba Thompson Blak Dot Gallery	Highly Commended

Business Award

Liliana Bravo Quiroz - Casa Bonita Lifestyle	Winner
Australian Multicultural Community Services	Winner
Think HQ	Highly Commended
AGAPI Care Inc.	Highly Commended

Community Innovation Award

Latin Stories Australia	Winner
The Deakin Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education (CREATE)	Winner
Western Bulldogs Community Foundation	Winner
AMES Australia/Parks Victoria	Highly Commended
African Focus, St Paul’s African House	Highly Commended

Community Response and Recovery Award

Marwo Mohammed Salat	Winner
AfriAus iLEAC INC & LUVPACKS partners	Winner
West Welcome Wagon Inc	Winner
Moustafa Fahour OAM	Highly Commended
Tenants Victoria	Highly Commended

Education Award

Early Childhood Education
Bridge Road Kindergarten	Winner
Foundation House - Kinder to School Transition Project	Highly Commended

School Education
Hampton Park Primary School	Winner
Victorian School of Languages - South-East	Highly Commended

Pre-accredited community-based Education and Training
Wellsprings for Women - Shipra Plander	Winner

Vocational Education and Training Accredited Education & Training
Bendigo Kangan Institute	Winner
RMIT & The Social Studio	Highly Commended

Emergency Services Award

Foodbank Victoria

Winner

Health Award

Cabrini Outreach - Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health	Winner
The Harmony Study Team	Highly Commended

Justice Award

South-East Monash Legal Service	Winner
Sundeep Aulakh	Highly Commended

Local Government

Major Road Projects Victoria and Netflow	Winner
City of Whittlesea - International Student Wellbeing Hub Project	Highly Commended

Media Award

Channel 31 Melbourne	Winner
Neelima Choahan	Highly Commended
Radio Haanji	Highly Commended
Ranjodh Singh	Highly Commended

Police Award

Police Annual Multicultural Award
Inspector Jason Forster	Winner
Sergeant Mark Stephens	Winner

Multicultural Media Award
Detective Senior Constable Kenny Lin	Winner

Police Community Exemplary Award
Dandenong Primary School	Winner

Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award
Senior Protective Services Officer Pasko Zupan	Winner
PSO Senior Sergeant Serge Ruoppolo	Winner

Premier's Award for Community Harmony

Sikh Volunteers Australia

Winner

For further information on the 2021 award recipients, view their biographies.

2020 award recipients

Arts Award

Aseel Tayah	Winner
Te Pasifika Redevelop team and Immigration Museum team, Museums Victoria	Highly Commended
Amal Abou-Eid	Highly Commended

Business Award

CareerSeekers New Australian Internship Program	Winner
Christina Chia	Highly Commended
John Holland Group	Highly Commended

Community Innovation Award

Dr Michael Akindeju	Winner
Tim Lo Surdo	Winner
U3A Myrtleford and District	Winner
Rotary Club of Canterbury & M.A.T.E.S for Change	Highly Commended
Project Respect	Highly Commended
Nelson Xavier Kizhakkekunnil Sandhiyave	Highly Commended

Community Response and Recovery Award

Sukhvinder 'Sunny' Duggal	Winner
Vincenzo De Paolis, Gracie Lolicato and Katrina Lolicato	Winner
Islamic Council of Victoria	Winner
Residents of the North Melbourne Flemington public housing high rises	Winner
Carlton Communities Network	Winner
Professor John Catford	Highly Commended
Mubarek Imam	Highly Commended
InTouch Cultural Centre Against Family Violence	Highly Commended
Bendigo Food Relief Network	Highly Commended

Education Awards

Early Childhood
Merri Health, Ready Set Prep!	Winner
ECMS, Tarneit Central Kindergarten	Highly Commended
School Education
Sacred Heart Primary School, Fitzroy	Winner
B'nai B'rith Courage to Care Victoria	Highly Commended
Hampton Park Secondary College	Highly Commended
Vocational Education and Training accredited training
Victoria University Polytechnic – Youth Program, Western Melbourne English Program	Winner
Vocational Education and Training pre-accredited community-based training
Banksia Garden Community Services	Winner

Emergency Services Award

Veronica Canziani	Winner
Life Saving Victoria	Highly Commended
Colin Campbell	Highly Commended

Health Award

Bendigo Community Health Services	Winner
Alison Coelho	Highly Commended
Multicultural Centre for Women's Health	Highly Commended

Justice Award

Dr Stephane Shepherd	Winner
Joanna Abraham	Highly Commended

Local Government Award

Greater Shepparton City Council	Winner
Brimbank City Council	Highly Commended

Media Award

Stephanie Corsetti	Winner
National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters Council	Winner
Olivier Nzovu	Highly Commended
SBS Radio	Highly Commended

Multicultural Police Awards

Police Annual Multicultural Award

Sergeant Damian Lehmann

Leading Senior Constable Nektarios Parissis

Ansam Sadik

Leading Senior Constable Diana Quick

Acting Sergeant Greg Garrisson

Senior Constable Sara Coe

Acting Senior Sergeant Rowan Epstein

Senior Sergeant Andrew Gardner

Leading Senior Constable Ash Dixit

Police Multicultural Media Award

Senior Constable Kim Gammon and Senior Constable Travis Ellams

Police Community Exemplary Award

Chuol Puot

Saara Sabbagh

Pamela Kosij

Dilnaz Billimoria

Helen Jurcevic OAM

Preston Mosque

Whittlesea Community Connections

Victoria Police Cricket Club

Protective Services Officer Award

PSO Ratul Biswas

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

Sheikh Alaa Elzokm

Winner

Refugee Advocacy Award

Refugee Communities Association of Australia	Winner
Level Crossings Removal Authority	Winner
Gandel Philanthropy	Highly Commended

Sport Award

Centre for Multicultural Youth and Football Victoria	Winner
Doveton Football Netball Club	Highly Commended
Chris Hatzistavrou	Highly Commended

Youth Leadership Award

Sarah Ghassali	Winner
Aayushi Khillan	Highly Commended
Swathi Shanmukhasundaram	Highly Commended

For further information on the 2020 award recipients, view their biographies.

Communities

Updated 12 December 2025

Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence

On this page

Recognising excellence in multicultural Victoria

Booklet

Photos

2025 award recipients

Arts Award

Business and Employment Award

Emergency Services Award

Local Government Award

Media Award

Mental Health and Wellbeing Award

Police Awards

Police Annual Multicultural Award

Police Community Exemplary Award

Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award

Police Multicultural Media Award

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

Prevention of Family Violence Award

Refugee Awards

Refugee Achievement Award

Refugee Leadership Award

Refugee Young Leader Award

Refugee Business Award

Sport Award

Victorian Public Sector Diversity and Inclusion Enhancement Award

Youth Leadership Award

Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll

Award recipients

Early Childhood Education

School Education

Pre-accredited community-based Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training Accredited Education & Training