Queensland Multicultural Awards finalists announced

Twenty-seven multicultural champions from across the state have been selected as finalists in the prestigious Queensland Multicultural Awards in recognition of their efforts to create more inclusive and harmonious communities.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Grace Grace said the award winners would be announced at a gala luncheon at the Logan Entertainment Centre on 20 August.

“The Queensland Multicultural Awards recognise the valuable work and volunteering efforts of Queenslanders who support and promote a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland community,” she said.

“The awards luncheon is one of the most prestigious events in the state’s multicultural calendar and will be the premier event of the inaugural Queensland Multicultural Month.

“It will bring together a range of community, corporate, business, service and other key representatives to celebrate and recognise finalists and award recipients who add immense value to the vast tapestry of multiculturalism in Queensland.

“I’m pleased that Queensland has such strong and deserving finalists and I wish them the best of luck at the gala luncheon next month (August).”

This year, close to 100 nominations were received across the following seven categories:

• Services and Communities- Individual
• Services and Communities- Organisation
• Business Excellence
• Employment, Education and Training Innovation-non government/private enterprise
• Employment, Education and Training Innovation-public sector
• Outstanding Volunteer
• Communications and Media Achievement

There is also a Minister’s Multicultural Award, with the winner selected from all nominations.

The Queensland Multicultural Awards Luncheon forms part of Queensland Multicultural Month which is being held for the first time in August 2016 and is the state’s largest celebration of multiculturalism.

Tickets for the Queensland Multicultural Awards are now available at www.qld.gov.au/multiculturalmonth.

Queensland Multicultural Awards 2016 finalists

Services and Communities- Individual

• Mr Tamba Thomas, Brisbane
• Mrs Regina Samykanu-Vuthapanich, Gatton
• Ms Gail Ker, Logan
• Ms Natalia Muszkat, Gladstone

Services and Communities- Organisation

• Pacific Communities Council of Far North Queensland, Cairns
• Logan City Police Citizens Youth Club, Logan
• The Friends of HEAL Foundation, Brisbane

Business Excellence

• Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville
• The English Family Foundation, Brisbane
• Diverciti Enterprise, Brisbane
• AES Building & Maintenance Solutions, Brisbane

Employment, Education and Training Innovation- non-government/private enterprise

• QPCYC (Queensland Police Citizens Youth Club) Redlands – Project Booyah, Redland
• The Multicultural Sports Club  - Access Community Services, Logan
• Global Learning Centre Inc. — Educating for a Cohesive Society program, Brisbane
• Multicultural Community Centre, Brisbane

Employment, Education and Training Innovation- public sector

• Mrs Maria Salcedo, Brisbane
• Queensland Police Service Academy- ROLE (Respecting Ourselves, Leadership and Education) Program, Brisbane
• Ms Peta Jordan, Logan
• Woodridge State School - Educating for a Cohesive Society program, Logan

Outstanding Volunteer

• Mr Muthualagan Ramasundaram, Brisbane
• Ms Melody Chiu-Yen Chen, Brisbane
• Mrs Noeline Clamp, Logan
• Ms Naseema Mustapha, Brisbane

Communication and Media Achievement

• 4CRM – Community Radio Assoc.  Mackay
• Reporting Islam Project Team, Brisbane
• Mr Ralph Smith, Brisbane
• Ms Christine Rossouw, Brisbane

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548