Queensland Multicultural Awards recognise outstanding achievers

Arts icon QPAC, a high school with a 30-year record of inclusion and the founder of the Council for Young Africans Living Abroad are among the winners of the Queensland Multicultural Awards 2018.

While presenting the trophies at a gala lunch, Multicultural Affairs Minister Stirling Hinchliffe congratulated the winners on their outstanding efforts to make Queensland a more cohesive and welcoming place.

“These eight incredible individuals and organisations are truly inspiring. Their hard work and positive attitude is helping to build a prosperous, fair and harmonious Queensland,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
 
“I am also delighted that the Townsville City Council’s Construction, Maintenance and Operations team is the recipient of the Minister’s Multicultural Award.
 
“This council is committed to employing people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is a council leading the way and shows what can be done at a local level to bring the Multicultural Queensland Charter to life.”
 
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) won the Government category for its new arts-based programs created in collaboration with people of diverse backgrounds.
 
The judges noted QPAC’s work has fostered new opportunities to learn and create alongside other Queenslanders as well as national and international collaborators.
 
Yeronga State High School won in the Education category. It is one of the most culturally diverse schools in Queensland with over 70 cultural groups represented by 64 countries. Its programs over 30 years have had outstanding results. The judges said it was an outstanding example of a school leading the way in inclusive education.
 
23-year-old Nkosana Mafico was awarded the Outstanding Young Achiever as the Founder of the Council for Young Africans Living Abroad. The judges said Mr Mafico’s entrepreneurship contributed to building a positive image not only for Queenslanders from diverse cultural backgrounds, but the whole community.
 
Queensland Multicultural Award winners 2018

Minister's Multicultural Award

Townsville City Council, Construction, Maintenance and Operations - targeting the full participation of Queenslanders from diverse cultural backgrounds, in particular Work Skills Trainees, funded under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.

Outstanding Young Achiever - Sponsored by International Education Services

Nkosana Mafico is a 23-year-old African Australian change maker and scholar passionate about advancing humanity through business. He is the Founder of the Council for Young Africans Living Abroad, a leading professional development organisation for young Africans who are aged 18-28.

Outstanding Individual Achiever - Sponsored by Queensland Rail

Ms Faiza El-Higzi who is Sudanese-born, is an active campaigner for human rights and cultural diversity. The judges noted Ms El-Higzi is an influencer due to her involvement in many councils and committees and her growing public profile.

Community – Sponsored by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

‘Belong’ (formerly Acacia Ridge Community Support Incorporated) Belong’s Active Citizenship program enhanced participation in the recent Queensland elections in nine communities, and has raised knowledge, understanding and awareness in a further 29 communities. The judges said Belong’s program was helping create a climate where all voices are honoured and respected equally.

Business – Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank Australia

Ms Amy Chien-Yu Wang (SBS Radio Mandarin and Embodi Media) co-produced a cutting-edge journalism video project in 360-degree view about Brisbane’s annual Festival of Tibet held at the Powerhouse. The judges said the impressive collaboration highlighted the cultural integration of Tibetans in Queensland and multicultural harmony.

Government (local and state) – Sponsored by Telstra

QPAC is a winner for its collaborative arts-based programs including We all Dance, Songs of Hope and Healing which supported a 70-voice refugee choir and the popular BrisAsia Festival.

Education, Training and Skills – Sponsored by Sarina Russo

Yeronga State High School won for its proactive work in advocating for and developing culturally inclusive practices for more than 30 years.

Multicultural Queensland Ambassador - Sponsored by QSuper

Football Queensland scored again for its delivery of the Welcome to the Game program, using the power of sport to promote the benefits of cultural diversity.Football Queensland has eliminated a number of barriers that limit participation of people seeking asylum and recently arrived refugees by adapting competition fees and payment structures to suit the needs of the participants and organising kick off times to accommodate teams during the month of Ramadan. The judges acknowledged its success in bringing people together through a shared passion for sport.

For further information on Queensland Multicultural Month visit www.qld.gov.au/QMM

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548