Community leaders recognised in special Multicultural Month finale

• Multicultural Queensland Awards recognise 7 winners and 12 highly commended nominees whose leadership and tireless efforts are building stronger and more cohesive communities across the State.  
• Minister’s Award presented to Mary Ngarongo Bartlett-Johnston for her services to Māori and Pasifika communities.
• Janeth Deen OAM recognised for more than 50 years of service and leadership with the Lifetime Achiever Award.
• The Crisafulli Government is bringing people together across Queensland, during Multicultural Month and beyond, after Labor stoked fear and created division amongst culturally diverse communities. 

The Crisafulli Government has recognised the extraordinary work of seven outstanding Queenslanders and community organisations at the prestigious Multicultural Queensland Awards, rounding off an incredible month of celebrations. 

The winners were honoured at a special ceremony at the Logan Entertainment Centre on Friday night and commended for their contributions to bringing people from culturally diverse backgrounds together across Queensland. 

The annual Awards recognise people and organisations whose leadership, volunteering, entrepreneurship and grassroots work help to create stronger and more connected communities across the State. 

The 2026 Multicultural Queensland Award recipients are: 

• Minister’s Award: Mary Ngarongo Bartlett-Johnston 

• Volunteer of the Year: Dr Ram Mohan 

• Entrepreneur of the Year: Tautua Group 

• Women’s Economic Empowerment Award: Ms Saba Abraham OAM 

• Social Cohesion and Community Impact Project of the Year: Belong in Hockey (BIH), Toowoomba Hockey Association 

• Grassroots Not-for-profit Organisation: LatinOZ Queensland 

• Lifetime Achiever: Janeth Deen OAM 

A further 12 nominees received Highly Commended awards, recognising the exception depth and diversity of nominations received from across the State. 

The Crisafulli Government is bringing people together across Queensland, during Multicultural Month and beyond, after Labor stoked fear and created division amongst culturally diverse communities. 

Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said her choice for the Minister’s Award, Mary Ngarongo Bartlett-Johnston, was a deserving recipient from an exceptionally strong field of candidates. 

“Mary has dedicated herself to supporting Māori and Pasifika communities across Queensland through tireless service and leadership,” Minister Simpson said. 

“She has helped to unite people from various cultural backgrounds and created opportunities for young people through mentoring and structured programs that empower them to become the very best version of themselves. 

“Across the board, our winners and nominees are outstanding Queenslanders whose incredible contributions have strengthened mutual respect and shared understanding across their communities. 

“These community leaders and unity champions have dedicated countless hours to uplifting people around them and creating more opportunities for them to fully participate culturally, socially and economically. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to celebrating and building bridges between our culturally diverse communities, and we congratulate our Multicultural Queensland Awards recipients for sharing our vision.” 

Lifetime Achiever Award recipient Janeth Deen OAM was recognised for more than 50 years of pioneering work and leadership in strengthening intercultural understanding, promoting social cohesion and improving community wellbeing across generations. 

Ms Deen said the Lifetime Achiever Award was a deeply meaningful honour. 

“I accept this award with heartfelt gratitude and remain committed to building a more caring, connected and inclusive Queensland for everyone,” Ms Deen said. 

“Community service and volunteering are important to me because they allow us to make a positive difference, support those in need, and bring people together with compassion and respect. 

“I believe that when we give our time, knowledge and heart, we strengthen not only individuals and families but the broader community as a whole.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Toby Crockford, 0421 632 396