2013 Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence presentation

Victoria’s MulticulturalAwards for Excellence

2013

Contents

Meritorious Service to the Community Awards 2

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Awards 7

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony 14

Business Awards 16

Media Award 18

Ambassador Awards 20

Education Awards 22

Local Government Award 25

Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards 27

2013 Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll 31

Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 1

Message from the Premier

Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations, whose leadership and efforts promote community harmony and collaboration, and secure the reputation of Victoria as one of the most successful and cohesive multicultural societies in the world.

Every recipient listed in this booklet has demonstrated selfless commitment to the best ideals of multiculturalism and, in doing so, has enriched and advanced not only their own community but the community-at-large.

The Victorian Government recognises these contributions with admiration.

I commend and congratulate each and every one of this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence recipients. I thank them for all they do on behalf of our community.

The Hon Dr Denis Napthine MP Premier of Victoria

Message from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

Victoria is proudly home to one of the most culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities in the world. We are fortunate to live in a rich and harmonious multicultural state built on the contributions of people from across the globe.

Around 46% of us were born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas. We speak 260 languages and follow more than 130 faiths.

Our success and harmony would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of so many people, community organisations, groups and service providers.

Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence are a celebration of these achievements. All 2013 recipients have contributed significantly to making Victoria, a prosperous and peaceful place to live.

I congratulate the 2013 Award recipients and thank them for their tireless and often voluntary contributions to our multicultural success story.

The Hon Nicholas Kotsiras MP Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Minister for Energy and Resources

Meritorious Service to the Community Awards


Recognising the achievements of a person who has demonstrated outstanding voluntary commitment to the service of Victoria’s multicultural community, promoted cultural diversity and improved community relations and programs in a governance role for at least 10 years.

Mr Francis Acquah For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s African communities.

Mr Abdulhakim Adus For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Ethiopian, and especially

Harari, communities.

Ms Sefika Altintas For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Turkish community.

Mr Antonio Bentincontri For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Italian community.

Mr Frank Cheng For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Teo Chew Chinese community.

Mr Chris Christodoulou For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Mill Park’s Greek Cypriot community.

Ms Antonietta Cozzo For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Italian community, and especially women.

Ms Erminia Del Papa For her outstanding voluntary contributions to elderly multicultural communities in the

City of Whitehorse.

Mr Michele Delle Vergini For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s elderly Italian community.

Mrs Raja Dib For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Maronite community.

Mr Giuseppe Ferlauto For his outstanding voluntary contributions to elderly Italian communities in Kyabram and

surrounding district.

Mr Simon Grilj For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Slovenian community.

Mr Pandelis Hatzipantelis For his outstanding voluntary contributions to the elderly Greek community in Frankston and

the Mornington Peninsula.

Mr Binh Huynh For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Indo-Chinese communities.

Mr Giuseppe Iannantuono For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Gippsland’s Italian community.

Dr Alexis Keskevich For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Russian community.

Dr Marina Keskevich For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Russian community.

Mr David Kong For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Sudanese communities in Frankston

and surrounding district.

Ms Theodora Koufopoulos For her outstanding voluntary contributions to the elderly Greek community in

Whittlesea and surrounding district.


People

4 Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence

Mrs Emilia Kubic For her outstanding voluntary contributions to St Kilda’s Polish community.

Mr Zbigniew Leman For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Polish community.

Mr Jog Limbu For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Nepalese community.

Mr Jin Xin Ma For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Chinese Buddhist community,

especially in Springvale.

Mrs Marija Maljanek For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Slavic communities, and

especially women.

Mrs Etelka Mihaljevic For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Slavic communities, especially

in Preston and Prahran.

Mr Mohamed Shums Dean Mohamed

For his voluntary outstanding contributions to Victoria’s Sri Lankan Muslim community,

especially in the City of Monash.

Mrs Teresa Muto For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Tatura’s Italian Catholic community.

Mrs Sulochana Naidu For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Indian and Triveni communities in the

City of Casey.

Mrs Anna Nichola For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Greek community.

Mrs Nellie Nikoloudis For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Greek community, especially

in the City of Yarra.

Mr Marian Pawlik For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Polish community.

Mr Gennaro Petrucelli For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s elderly Italian community.

Mr An Cong Pham For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Vietnamese and Chinese communities

in Melbourne’s north west.

Ms Nalini Pulaparti For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Indian, and especially Telugu, community.

Mr Giovanni Randello For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Wyndham’s elderly Italian community.

Mrs Maria Rosochodska For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Glenroy’s elderly Polish community.

Dr Sunila A Shrivastava For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Indian and Hindu communities.

Mrs Maria Sidur For her outstanding voluntary contributions to the elderly Russian community in Melbourne’s

bayside region.


People


Mrs Jessiee Kaur Singh For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s interfaith and multicultural

communities, and especially women.

Dr Kathiravelu P Sivakumaran

For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Tamil community.

Mrs Maria Sotriou For her outstanding voluntary contributions to elderly women in Frankston’s Greek community.

Mr Vasan Srinivasan For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Indian community, especially in the

City of Manningham.

Mr J. R. (Fei) Teng For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Chinese community.

Mr Vi Minh Tran For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Indo-Chinese community.

Mr Ivan Valencic For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Slovenian community.

Mrs Maria Vlachodimitropoulos

For her outstanding voluntary contributions to the elderly Greek community in Clayton

and surrounding district.

Ms Jane Volkov For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Russian community.

Mr Van Hoa Vuong For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Richmond’s elderly Chinese community.

Mr William Wai For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Chinese community, especially

in the City of Knox.

Mr Mark Wang For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Melbourne’s Chinese community.

Mr Ranjith Wickramasinghe For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Sri Lankan community, and

especially elders.

Mrs Elizabeth Williams For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Whittlesea’s Greek Orthodox community.

Mr Neil Yip For his outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Cambodian and Chinese communities.

Mrs Romana Zetko For her outstanding voluntary contributions to Victoria’s Slovenian community, and

especially elders.


Recognising the achievements of an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding voluntary commitment to the service of Victoria’s multicultural community, promoted cultural diversity and improved community relations and programs for at least 10 years.

Australian Croatian Community Services

Dating back to the 1950s, the Australian Croatian Community Service opened under

its current name in 1994 and is based in Footscray. Its bilingual staff provide settlement

services; home, community and aged care; adult community and further education; and

gambling and family violence programs to more than 350 clients, often in partnership

with other multicultural organisations.

Chabad Youth Based in East St Kilda, Chabad Youth’s programs have enriched the spiritual, social and

educational wellbeing of Jewish young people for over a decade. They celebrate Jewish

festivals with more than 3,000 people from the Jewish and broader community, run camps

attended by hundreds of young people and recently gained a centre that will become

‘home’ for Melbourne Jews of all backgrounds.

Federation of Indian Women’s Associations in Australia

Founded in 2002, the Federation of Indian Women’s Associations in Australia is the

only Victorian organisation focused on the interests and welfare of women with Indian

backgrounds. From two Melbourne locations, it runs workshops for women’s empowerment

in health, employment, parenting and social networking, assists newly arrived migrant

women and their families settle in Australia and runs events supporting and celebrating

women of all ages.

Nepalese Association of Victoria Inc

The Nepalese Association of Victoria was established in 1997 as representative body for

more than 12,000 Nepalese Victorians, and to promote and preserve their diverse cultures,

languages and heritage. They establish relationships with other communities, organise

cultural events, are a contact point for residents and visitors. They also run a newsletter,

community radio program, community benevolent fund, awards program and sports

activities for young people.

Singh Saba Sports Club Inc With a handful of families and a soccer team, Singh Saba Sports Club began in 1994 to

help the Punjabi community settle into Australian sport and culture while maintaining their

traditions. Now with 400 members, their netball, soccer, volleyball, cricket, bhangara, giddha

and kabbadi teams include male and female players from five years old to seniors. The

club has contested more finals than any other club and hosted two Australian Sikh Games

attracting 31,000 people each.

THE-HE Vietnamese Language Centre

Established in 2002, this Springvale Vietnamese school focuses on early childhood education

and revived Trac dance; a traditional Vietnamese art form. They received funding and awards

for their use of iPad and other technologies in the classroom and their Australian Identity

project featured in festivals and events around Victoria, including the AFL Multicultural

Round and the Indian Diwali festival.

Yeti Soccer Club Inc This club is led by 30 volunteers and since 2001 has developed Nepalese soccer by

complementing successful teams with music and cultural events. Their Brunswick based club

is a ‘home away from home’ for young Nepalese people from more than 800 families, and

they recently welcomed young Bhutanese refugees from Melbourne’s north. The Yeti Soccer

Club helps prevent involvement in drugs, alcohol and inappropriate behaviour and actively

fundraise for those in need.


Organisations

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria

Awards


Recognising excellence in a specific service area by people who work professionally with culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, actively participate in projects designed to improve services and establish good relationships.

Mr Rasiah Balasri: Music and Education

Born in Sri Lanka and migrating to Australia in 1992, Rasiah is celebrating 20 years of

service to classical Indian music and cross-cultural explorations and almost 20 production

seasons at the Arts Centre Melbourne. For eight years he was key musician for the Bharatam

Dance Company; reproducing musical scores, creating new music and collaborating with

contemporary musicians. In 1993 he was appointed Mridangam (percussion) Master for

the Chandrabhanu Bharatalaya Academy and established his Mridangam school where he

trains and mentors a new generation. Rasiah plays solo nationally and internationally and

brings respected musicians to Melbourne to teach and perform, such as the UK’s Grand

Union Orchestra. He regularly contributes to the Tamil Educational Cultural and Charitable

Association, Australian Tamil Broadcasting Corporation and Starlight Children’s

Foundation Australia.

Mrs Jing Cheng: Language Education

Jing has been teaching Chinese for 23 years, and since 2005 has contributed greatly to

VCE at the Chinese Fellowship Chinese School. The curriculum she develops and implements

raises students’ enthusiasm to learn Chinese and aims to deepen understanding of Chinese

culture. Jing uses a range of activities to engage learning, including Smart Boards and iPads.

She has taught at the Centre for Adult Education, Victorian School of Languages, Melbourne

Girls College and Collingwood Secondary College. Jing prepares students for Chinese VCE

studies and helps them understand Chinese culture. Her non-judgemental and adaptive

teaching methods ensure that student needs are met and any frustrations learning a

second language are minimised.

Mr Sisay Dinku: Employment and Community Services

Sisay demonstrates passion and commitment to serving Victoria’s multicultural communities

in his extensive work assisting newly arrived refugees gain access to education, training

and employment. Former Community Management Member for the Horn of African

Communities Network, Sisay works at Adult Migrant Education Services and is an AFL

Community Ambassador and member of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

He uses his legal background to volunteer with young people in the justice system at

Jesuit Social Services and to develop and deliver programs such as an intensive service for

employers and disadvantaged job seekers through the Victorian Government’s Workforce

Participation Program. Sisay also co-organised the Celebration of African Australians; an

event that successfully brought together diverse communities in Melbourne’s west.

Ms Doris Frank: Language Education

Throughout Doris’ 20 year career in education, she has helped German families maintain

their language and collaboratively led colleagues building a dedicated school community.

A German language teacher at Bayswater Primary School, Doris enthusiastically became

Knox Area Network Leader of Victoria’s Association of German Teachers; organising

meetings, presentations, professional development and newsletters. She includes teachers at

the Bayswater Boronia Templer German School where she volunteers after-hours as treasurer,

curriculum consultant, teacher trainer and administration coordinator. Doris incorporates

heritage units and developed a culture trail showcasing the contributions of German

speaking migrants across Victoria. A digital language learning expert, in 2005 she completed

the German Fairy Tale Road, a stunning online resource that attracted international acclaim

from the Global Classroom Project.

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Awards

People


Mrs Arhet Geberat: Health and Community Services

Arhet speaks four languages and is a clinical social worker who arrived in Australia as a

refugee in 1996. For seven years Arhet has held the unique role as Mercy Hospital Mental

Heath’s only African bilingual case manager and accredited mental health first aid instructor.

Arhet creates a culturally sensitive workplace and clinical environment, delivers training to

African community and faith leaders, provides cultural consultations to clinicians and raises

awareness about mental health while reducing its stigma. Her private practice provides a

range of mental health support including African women’s groups and she was previously

a resettlement case worker, community engagement worker, advocate and project officer.

Arhet has travelled the resettlement journey with many new arrivals and made them feel

welcome in their new home.

Ms Eugenia Grammatikakis: Community Services and Local Government

Eugenia has been Monash City Council’s Social Policy and Program Coordinator since

2007, where she promotes multicultural, interfaith and advocacy initiatives. She facilitates

committees, is Chairperson of the Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network

and conducts ongoing reviews of council’s multicultural, Indigenous and disability policies

and plans; ensuring they represent and address community needs. As Multicultural Policy

Advisor at the Municipal Association of Victoria in 2006–07, Eugenia addressed system and

sector issues to increase local government’s responsiveness to cultural diversity. Eugenia

liaises closely with the Greek community, and since 1987 has held governance roles in eight

cultural organisations. She is a member of the SBS Community Advisory Committee and was

recently elected to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia National

Executive as a Senior Deputy Chair.

Ms Linda Huang: Language Education

A veteran Taiwanese educator born in 1935, Linda is an Honorary Principal of the Chinese

Fellowship Chinese School, having been principal from 1982 until she retired seven years

ago. Inspired by Chinese cultural education, she emphasised the Australian environment and

promoted lively education over memory based methods. Linda was skilled at passing on her

teaching and technical expertise and sparking student interest in listening, talking, reading and

writing Chinese. She enriched children’s lives through education and humour and made them

feel individually important. While principal, Linda further supported her community by practicing

Chinese medicine and since 2009 has promoted and conducted health, teaching and positive

ageing seminars. Linda undertakes governance roles in eight organisations in Springvale, Kew

and Fitzroy, including as Founding President of the Wenzhou Association of Victoria.

Mrs Joy Sawiche Juma: Health and Community Services

Joy was among the first who came to the Wimmera under Australia’s Skilled Migration

Program eight years ago. An associate nurse manager at Wimmera Base Hospital and casual

worker in Ballarat Base Hospital’s nursery, Joy increases access to health services for people

with migrant and refugee backgrounds, particularly women. She builds bridges between

maternal and child health and other nurses, doctors and patients; helping families navigate

the health system and training workers and students in cultural sensitivity and translating

and interpreting services. Joy participates in Wimmera Health Care group’s CALD Committee

and Team Midwifery Project, the Wimmera Settlement Program, and was key to Ballarat Base

Hospital’s cultural diversity advertising and staff training campaign. Outside work, Joy is an

active member of the Horsham Islamic Welfare Association and Oasis Wimmera, and with

her welcoming manner regularly speaks to community groups such as Probus, generously

sharing her background and skills.


Mr Arthur Karaviotis:Language Education

Two years after arriving in Australia in 1971, Arthur identified the need for Greek schools

and established the Platon Teaching School, which today operates from Clifton Hill, Reservoir,

Lalor and Mill Park. As school principal, Arthur has taught Greek language and culture for

more than 40 years; bringing his passionate teaching style to generations of children and

adults. While the school community evolved, Arthur changed methods to welcome other

multicultural communities. His school’s ethos is to learn in an engaging way; through more

than standard reading and writing. Students participate in National Day marches at the Shrine

of Remembrance and Arthur leads community celebrations showcasing traditional Greek

dance, poetry, song, sketches and plays. He is particularly proud of the end of year concert,

where families fill the community hall. Arthur’s schools are not only for language, but offer

students immersion in Greek culture.

Ms Jenny Penfold: Community Education

Jenny is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Yarraville Community Centre and

for 20 years has tangibly assisted the learning and settlement of newly arrived residents. Her

invaluable resources are designed for students who could be vulnerable due to their English

skills. They include Looking Outside the Square resources to meet teacher needs for materials

for pre-literate students and Learning the Ropes; a kit addressing problem gambling. Jenny

helped develop a bank of ESL assessment tasks to assist teachers in the thinkWest cluster

meet student learning outcomes and Listen Up; a set of listening and speaking tasks.

In 2009 Jenny wanted to overcome the community’s distrust of government services and

increase understanding of water bills and the benefits of safe drinking water. Like all of

Jenny’s work, the subsequent resource developed with City West Water is locally relevant,

affordable and demonstrates her understanding of daily issues faced by new residents.

Mrs Narmatha Ravichandhira:Performing Arts and Education

Narmatha migrated to Australia in 1993 and is a teacher, performer, composer,

choreographer, and collaborator in Indian and intercultural arts. Recognised for contributing

to Indian vocals and violins, she was key to developing the world’s first laser harp with pitch

bender and in 1993 was the first artist to headline Melbourne’s International Women’s

Festival; becoming known for incorporating different cultures into one performance.

Narmatha provided sound-scapes broadcast in Federation Square and Sydney’s Olympic

Village and performed internationally and nationally at premier venues, Victoria’s

Immigration Museum and for universities.

Narmatha founded Victoria’s Sruthi Laya Kendra School of Indian Classical Music and

Bharatha Choodamani School of Indian Dance, and teaches Victorian College of Arts

and Australian Arts Orchestra students. She consistently involves students in charitable

performances for World Vision, Oxfam, Lions Club, JET Foundation, Parliament of World

Religions, places of worship, senior citizen groups. .

Ms Dalal Samaan: Community Services and Local Government

Since 1983 Dalal has been a community development leader in Victoria and Lebanon,

planning and implementing projects and social justice strategies. She works closely with

migrant and refugee women to improve their work and health education experiences and

understands issues facing young Victorians with multicultural backgrounds.

Speaking English, Arabic and Assyrian and arriving in Victoria in 2000, Dalal manages events,

conferences and cultural celebrations and applies excellent advocacy skills to run successful

campaigns. Since 2008 she has been Community Development Officer at Hume City Council

where her work includes coordinating the Hume Interfaith Network and their projects. She is

a member of the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Multicultural Committee, Victorian Local

Government Multicultural Issues Network’s Leadership Committee and has held governance

roles in seven cultural organisations.


People



Organisations

Recognising excellence in a specific service area by organisations who work with culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, actively participate in projects designed to improve services and establish good relationships.

Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) Multicultural Hub: Community, Education and Employment Services

On behalf of the Melbourne City Council, AMES manages the Multicultural Hub and

professionally delivers culturally, linguistically and religiously relevant services. Together, its

120+ volunteers speak 33 languages and last year supported almost 80,000 people and almost

4000 events. The Hub provides free community spaces and English classes, a job club helping

people get their first job in Australia and a volunteering program giving many their first taste

at Australian work experience. AMES has worked hard to build the hub’s reputation as a venue

with quality customer service, friendly staff and reliable equipment. A survey of users in late

2012 showed that 81 per cent met people from other cultures and 92 per cent felt free to

express their faith and culture. The hub opens its doors to groups across Victoria and their

commitment to intercultural dialogue and community engagement has positioned it as an

example of best practice in the delivery of place-based services to multicultural Victoria.

Australian Polish Benevolent Association Inc:Aged Care

Based in Bayswater and celebrating 20 years of service, the Australian Polish Benevolent

Association is one of a kind. Popularly known as the Polish Retirement Home, it is one of only

20 ethnic specific aged care facilities in Victoria, and the only one dedicated to people with

Slavic backgrounds. Initially established by the Polish community, it now caters for Czech,

Lithuanian, Russian, Slovak and Ukrainian communities.

The Polish Retirement Home consistently overachieves in quality audits and, unlike many

other aged care facilities, they accept elders who can’t pay bonds or are without regular

income. The community based and community managed facility has an strong track

record of engaging other multicultural organisations and a reputation for excellent staff

development and resident lifestyle.

Celebrate India Inc: Arts and Community Services

Celebrate India raises Victoria’s understanding of Indian culture and its diversity by

celebrating major festivals. Beginning in 2006 with a fireworks display, their Diwali festival

firmed itself in the hearts of Victorians and created history by adorning and illuminating

major landmarks. Over the years they extended Diwali to a 10 day festival that in 2012

attracted more than 184,000 people and involved schools, councils, businesses and

restaurants. Thanks to Celebrate India, Melbourne’s Diwali festival includes an acclaimed

film festival, lighting competition, exhibition, lectures, a boat on the Yarra and Chinese,

El Salvadorian, Greek and Indigenous artists.

In recent years they raised funds for disadvantaged international students, breast cancer

sufferers in South Asian communities, and helped prevent violence against women with

White Ribbon. They brought Diwali to Ballarat and Melbourne Airport and participate

in the AFL’s International Cup and Multicultural Round.


Chinese Fellowship of Victoria, Chinese School: Language Education

The Chinese Fellowship of Victoria was established in 1971 as a liaison between China and

Australia, and immediately created the Chinese school to give young Chinese Victorians a

place to understand their language and cultural heritage and they are now based in Kew and

Templestowe. In 1991 they became the first weekend school registered to teach Victorian

Certificate of Education (VCE) level Chinese. Their elite team of teachers recognise that in

Australia, the Chinese social context varies widely from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia,

Singapore and Vietnam and that this can make it difficult to teach Chinese language and

culture. Their objectives include improving Chinese students’ English skills, ensuring mutual

benefits between cultures and participating in cultural and educational initiatives. The school

values the sustainable and meaningful partnerships they build with other language schools

and the opportunities they provide for their students to appreciate other cultures and

contribute to Victoria’s multiculturalism.

Croatian Cultural Artistic Association, H.K.U.D Lado, Geelong: Performing Arts

Geelong’s Croatian Cultural Artistic Association H.K.U.D ‘Lado’ formed in 1972 as a natural

extension of the traditional music, dancing and singing activities that already brought the

Croatian community together. Their mission is to instill a love of Croatia’s diverse culture and

traditions into the hearts of its members and the wider community. For decades, their 100

dancers and 30 musicians have completed this mission by regularly performing at community

events such as Harmony Day and Australia Day, and even internationally. Through conserving,

promoting and celebrating Croatian culture and fostering greater cross-cultural awareness,

the association has made a significant contribution to multicultural arts in Victoria and

broader community harmony.

JET Australia Foundation, Victoria: Community Services

Founded by His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji with university students, JET Victoria

was launched in 2002 with a major event in Clayton to promote peace and harmony in

multicultural communities and serve people in need. Since then it has run moral and cultural

education workshops for children and young people among multicultural communities and

community events with visiting Vedic scholars. Their extensive charitable work includes

annual walkathons and raises funds and awareness for vision impairment, cancer, deaf and

blind children, organ donation, the Save Earth campaign and victims of Victoria’s bushfires

and Japan’s tsunami. Together with Monash City Council, they organised two charity dinner

and Indian cultural events. The events raised funds for the Cancer Council of Victoria,

Epilepsy Foundation, Best Chance and INSIGHT (Insight Education Centre for the Blind

and Vision Impaired).

Jewish Aid Australia: Community Services for Sudanese Communities

Since starting small in 2005, Jewish Aid Australia (JAA) has become an important service

provider for Sudanese communities in the Dandenong, Darebin, Brimbank and Shepparton

areas. A 2008 event brought Jewish, Darfur and Nuba Mountain communities together

and sparked a refugee support program targeting women and young people for social and

study groups and holiday and scholarship programs. Their Encounters Partnering Program

matches people with a volunteer for tutoring, outings, service access advice and specific

skills – such as guitar. The Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy and Development Program

teaches community leaders how to run organisations and communicate causes and connects

them with government. To raise awareness of food security and refugee issues, train their

substantial volunteer pool and inform their programs, JAA partners with schools, businesses,

AMES and local legal, settlement and homelessness services. By delivering programs based

on consulting community leaders, assessing needs and ongoing monitoring, JAA help

Sudanese communities take ownership of projects and reach their potential.


Organisations


The Salvation Army, The Couch: Community Services for International Students

The Couch was established in 2009. It is a one-stop shop for international students

irrespective of country, institution or age. The team take referrals and work with students

suffering serious mental health, addiction and social poverty issues or who are homeless

or risk becoming so. This immediate relief is crucial to ensure students are supported

and includes:

> a free, safe, non-commercial space to rest, study and connect with support providers,

> information on issues including housing, employment, counselling and legal services, and

> affordable and culturally appropriate meals.

The Couch contributes to students’ positive experience in Melbourne and facilitates cultural

exchange between them and local young people. It hosts cultural and birthday celebrations,

English classes, film nights and visa, health, volunteering and employment workshops. The

Couch maintains sustainability through partnerships and their events draw up to 250 local

and international students. Student volunteers influence change in others and themselves;

gaining confidence and filling a service gap in the international education industry to

complement existing services, especially for Melbourne’s 36,000 international students.

Yuvatha: Performing Arts

Meaning ‘youth’ in Telugu, Yuvatha is a group of 50 people aged between 15 and 30 years

who are passionate about celebrating their culture through music. Each year, the group unites

to organise and perform in a spectacular showcase with live band, actors and dancers. Shows

sell out to diverse audiences; starting in 2010 with 150 people and growing to more than

500 people in 2013. Based in Glen Waverley, Yuvatha voluntarily organise the show from end-

to-end with no external support or guidance. Rehearsals start four months beforehand and

the show unites elements of Indian culture in humorous and respectful ways. Differences

are highlighted, while similarities are beautifully explored through stories narrated in English.

Yuvatha raise themes relevant to today’s young people, are inspired by music from across

India and promote a strong sense of Indian-Australian values. While most grew up in

Australia, their backgrounds represent different Indian regions and languages and the

shows motivate audiences to appreciate diversity.

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony


Recognising the outstanding achievements of a person or organisation that has developed programs, strategies or activities which furthered cross-cultural and cross-religious harmony in Victoria, and has initiated activities involving different cultural or religious groups working together on a project that demonstrates or promotes harmony and increases mutual understanding.

Mr Frank Di Blasi Frank arrived in Australia in 1962. For over 40 years he has supported elderly and frail

Italians and been professionally and voluntarily involved in dozens of worthwhile community

projects. He continues to spend 30 to 40 hours a week generously donating his talents and

resources to build a harmonious life for fellow Italians and the broader community.

From 1977, Frank established Italian senior citizen clubs in Moonee Ponds. In 1983, he

founded the Association of Senior Italian Citizens Clubs of Victoria, which under his

directorship represented 97 clubs and had a membership of more than 26,000 people.

Expanding his work outside the Italian community, Frank helped establish two organisations.

He was the inaugural President of the Kensington United Soccer Club in the early 1970s, and

in 2000 he founded the Avondale Heights and East Keilor Resident’s Association, where he

remains president. Frank has also participated in many government committees.

A music lover, in 1990 Frank became President of the Banda Musicale Italiana ‘Vincenzo

Bellini’, who perform for seniors across Victoria and featured in two Peace and Harmony

Symphonic Concerts Frank organised at the Flemington and Carlton housing estates.

The concerts involve performers from other cultures, attract more than 500 people

and have also been held at St Martin de Porres Catholic Parish.

Frank initiated campaigns raising funds for people with disability, children, World Vision and

victims of earthquakes, and has organised 120 seminars across Victoria. He currently helps up

to 23 Melbourne Catholic community groups organise annual festivals and concerts and is

a member of the Moonee Valley Interfaith Network.

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

Business Awards


Victorian Multicultural Marketing AwardRecognising a business that uses a multilingual workforce and innovative marketing and communication strategies to engage multicultural audiences and who use their brand or reputation to promote the benefits of cultural diversity.

Language Partner, trading as eTranslate

eTranslate has been at the forefront of multicultural marketing since 2000. An Australian first,

eTranslate’s resources include social media workshops, translated scripts and online tutorials

that show people with multicultural backgrounds how to set up social media networks.

They empower marketers to interact with multicultural communities by providing user

profiling, blog analysis and social media reporting. Marketers use eTranslate to customise

their products and services, particularly in the tourism industry.

Based in Camberwell, eTranslate has a culturally diverse team and invite bilingual language

specialists, consultants, desktop publishers and IT specialists to research and develop their

resources, run campaigns and evaluate their success. Since its launch, eTranslate has created

more than 400 new social media networks in more than 60 languages with an audience of

over 200,000 and growing.

Corporate Innovation AwardRecognising a businesses that implements effective practices to increase the number of people with diverse backgrounds in their workplace and whose innovative internal practices promote cultural diversity.

Gouge Linen and Garment Services

Run by the Priestly family for 25 years, this business and the 135 staff supply linen and

garment services to hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, restaurants and manufacturers.

As business expanded, the Priestly family recruited people from newly arrived communities

in their laundry operations.

Afghans, Congolese, Iraqis and Sudanese people now represent a third of employees at their

Mooroopna plant in a range of different positions. The Priestly brothers regularly speak at

events and forums about their employment of people with multicultural backgrounds, and

set an example to other regional businesses.

The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District has formed a sound relationship with

Gouge; supporting them and their diverse workforce and encouraging their inclusive business

practices. Gouge believe that their cultural diversity is an asset to the company’s harmonious

nature, and the ongoing employment of new arrivals is a key part of their business planning.

Business Awards

Media Award


Recognising excellence in the reporting of multicultural affairs and acknowledging the outstanding efforts of a person or organisation that highlighted issues of social importance and contributed to community awareness.

Ms Manpreet Kaur Singh Manpreet migrated to Australia in 1991 and in 1993 began at the Special Broadcasting

Service (SBS) where she is Executive Producer on the Punjabi radio program. She also works

in newspaper, magazine, television and online media; helping preserve the history of Indian

arrival in Australia and assisting newly arrived Indians build their Australian Indian identity.

Her program showcases Australian Indians while highlighting their challenges and she often

sets the agenda for mainstream media in Australia and India. In January, Manpreet was

one of three people worldwide to be specially recognised for community service by the

Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin, and collaborated with Victoria’s Immigration

Museum on their exhibition, Identity: Yours. Mine. Ours.

Over six episodes in December 2012, Manpreet’s radio documentary ‘The Enemy Within’

explored family violence in the Australian Indian community through the voices of victims,

experts, police and the court system. Through the stories of six victims and four experts

from the Australian Indian community, the documentary challenged stereotypes around

Indian culture and the victims and perpetrators of family abuse.

Media Award

Ambassador Awards


Recognising a person and organisation who have shown exemplary leadership by implementing a vision that promotes cultural diversity and benefits the whole community, and whose contributions are outstanding, inspirational and positively influence cultural awareness in the general community.

Mr Ahmed Dini Born in Somalia and raised in a Kenyan refugee camp, Ahmed and his family arrived in

Australia in 1996 when he was eight years old. Now aged 25, Ahmed is an advocate and

role model for young people in his community. He is Founder, Event Manager and Chairman

of the Australian Somali Football Association and led the Unite Football Club to the 2011

Mediterranean International Cup and 2012 Madrid Cup.

Ahmed shared his story for the Victorian Department of Justice’s ‘Knives Scar Lives’

campaign and developed a Local Hero Leadership Program for African and Indigenous youth

in Melbourne’s west. He works closely with Victoria Police and housing estate residents, is a

board member for Flemington’s Neighbourhood Renewal program and led the Kynnections

Project which brings together secondary college students of different faiths.

Ahmed was instrumental in securing funding for the Sustainable Employment and Economic

Development program which provides training and employment to disengaged young people

across Melbourne’s western region.

Africa Day Australia Inc In May 2013, Africa Day Australia organised a celebration of the diversity, success and

potential of African Australians. Africa Day commemorates the 1963 founding of the African

Union and African Liberation Day. The dates recognise that many African countries fought

hard for their freedom and are celebrated worldwide with the United Nations.

The committee extended the day to a week-long celebration involving communities from

many of the 54 African Union states and including:

> the Emerge in the West Street Festival with Multicultural Arts Victoria

> the African Women’s Forum ‘The Australian Experience: New African/Australian Women

and Families

> the first Annual Africa Day Friendship Cup with North Melbourne Football Club including

soccer and basketball tournaments and a football clinic

> a Melbourne University forum on human rights and social justice issues for Australian

Africans with the Australian Human Rights Commission

> the inaugural Africa’s Got Talent competition attended by 350 young people with judges

including Deni Hines and prizes including five days in a recording studio, a CD and a mentor

> an Africa Day Gala Dinner at North Melbourne Town Hall showcasing African performing

arts, fashion and food.

Other than the Gala Dinner, events were free and open to all community members.

They attracted large media attention, confronted stereotypes and supported positive

images, stories and ambitions of African Australians.

Africa Day Australia demonstrated a strong stance and used every available opportunity

to actively promote cultural diversity, increase awareness and develop enduring partnerships

with around 40 participating organisations and hundreds of Australians. The committee

has continued to meet and are expanding their work.

Ambassador Awards

Education Awards


Recognising teaching that incorporates global and multicultural citizenship, initiatives that support the educational and settlement needs of diverse communities and programs that build the intercultural understanding of educators.

Yarra Primary School: Unity Through Diversity

Global and multicultural citizenship is an ongoing process at Richmond’s Yarra Primary School

where students from 27 nations speak an array of languages and practice diverse religions.

A range of initiatives are embedded in the curriculum across all year levels through their

Unity Through Diversity program.

The program raises awareness and support for the needs of migrants and refugees and

develops the students’ sense of community. They identify their own cultural heritage and are

encouraged to ask questions and explore their beliefs. Students learn from visiting cultural

artists and an annual Yollywood production promotes their newly learnt talents to

the wider community.

Students have acquired knowledge and developed empathy for others, especially refugees

and migrants. Yarra’s English as a Second Language curriculum includes an induction program

and parents are linked with the local community and support agencies.

Over the past three years, the school has made a clear commitment to building the

intercultural understanding of staff, particularly in Asian Studies. Staff audit their practices,

curriculum units and school resources and identify their professional development needs.

Lyndhurst Secondary College: Multipride

From 2008, Cranbourne’s Lyndhurst Secondary College has had an increase in students

with migrant and refugee backgrounds. With previously less than five per cent of students

born overseas, the school began experiencing racially motivated incidences and

took swift action.

Using a youth participation model, they supported a group of students wanting to form

a working group with those who were involved in the incidents. Staff and the group met

weekly to discuss what they could do to make a change; and Multipride was born. The

passionate and motivated group speak with one voice while representing most of the

school’s cultures. The students run lunchtime activities, participate in leadership programs

and have developed partnerships with the Centre for Multicultural Youth and the

Casey City Council.

With huge success, students speak at their own and other school’s assemblies, regularly

visit a local primary school and participate in camps where they network with students in

other schools about achieving school community harmony. Lyndhurst has enjoyed a change

in student behaviour, and is promoting the Multipride model to other schools and some

settlement services agencies are hoping to roll out the program to primary schools

around Dandenong.

Education Awards


B’nai B’rith Victoria: Courage to Care

During the past 13 years, the travelling Courage to Care program has engaged more than

75,000 students from state, Catholic and independent schools in Victoria. It showcases

global and multicultural citizenship by exploring the stories of Jewish people and the villages,

families and people who risked their lives to save them from the Holocaust. Through film,

exhibition and discussion, students learn why viewing others as fellow humans is essential

to a multicultural and democratic society. Volunteer ‘Survivor Speakers’ share their stories

and a person or group from the local community is chosen as a ‘Local Hero’.

The program challenges students to consider their attitudes to prejudice, racism and bullying

by illuminating the potential consequences of such traits and empowering them to create

the kind of world they wish to live in. By focusing on a good aspect of a horrendous time,

students are introduced to the difficult Holocaust topic without being overwhelmed. While

focused on secondary students, Courage to Care has been modified for upper primary

students and those from special schools.

Teachers receive educational resources prior to their visit, and students are given a

workbook to continue their learning afterwards. Based in Caulfield North, Courage to Care

workers participate in teachers conferences and 70 Victorian teachers have benefited from

study grants offering a three-week professional development seminar in Israel. The program’s

key messages are ‘each person can make a difference’ and ‘never be a bystander’. Courage to

Care introduces the concept of being an ‘upstander’ and guides students to consider issues

in their own communities, and in the wider world.

Education Awards

Local Government

Award


Recognising a municipal council who made major improvements or developed initiatives that provide enhanced and culturally relevant services to culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, promote inclusive participation and engagement of those communities in civic life and enable greater access and communication between community and council.

Ballarat City Council In 2012, Ballarat City Council convened a Multicultural Summit to determine the status

of service delivery to new and existing communities with migrant and refugee backgrounds

to identify any gaps. After consulting with organisations involved in multicultural service

delivery, the summit organisers prioritised three key areas for action; employment and

training pathways for people from emerging and established multicultural communities,

a more integrated approach to settlement support and the creation of a multicultural

community hub.

Just three months later, council’s Multicultural Ambassadors spearheaded an initiative to

pilot a three month Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Careers Program based on a ‘one on

one’ model rather than typical classroom based models. With funding from the Australian

Government Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations, the program

ran again in 2013. Of the 61 participants who completed the training, 16 have gained

employment, four received vocational study placements and the council has registered

49 program supporters and 17 employers who are hoping to employ suitable participants.

Ballarat City Council recognised its role in advocating and providing leadership in the

settlement of newly arrived communities, and shortly after the summit moved its Cultural

Diversity team to the Ballarat Library. In this new location they can provide an integrated

approach to settlement support and staff are engaging more directly with community.

The council has introduced a Multicultural Information Place at the library, which is

providing impetus for the potential establishment of a multicultural community hub.

Ballarat City Council gave the community the opportunity to provide feedback on their

services, listened to the response and wasted no time in implementing actions that

addressed their needs to create greater access and improve civic participation.

Local Government Award

Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee (PACMAC)

Awards


Multicultural Awards Recognising officers with a sustained and outstanding record in policing in a multicultural community, and who positively contribute to enhancing understanding and trust between police and multicultural communities.

Sergeant Joseph Herrech A veteran officer with almost 20 years of service, Joseph has been at the forefront of police

and multicultural relations in southern metropolitan Melbourne for much of his career. Not one

to shy away from ‘thinking outside the square’ to develop innovative and meaningful multicultural

community policing strategies, Joseph, by his dedication, passion and knowledge has proven to

be a role model and mentor not only to police members but to many members of southern

metropolitan Melbourne’s diverse community.

Since early 2012, Joseph or “Joey” as he is affectionately known by local community members, has

been instrumental in establishing a new program in Dandenong and surrounding areas called Police

and Youth Leaders Engagement Team (PYLET). It is designed to bring police and community leaders

together to respond sensitively and appropriately with young people.

In PYLET, two community leaders and two police officers together conduct a mobile patrol

on Friday and Saturday nights in areas where young people congregate. The aim is to establish

relationships with local young people and encourage their involvement in activities such as

sport, arts and recreation.

By seeing local and well known community leaders working with police, young people are more

prepared to listen and consider their behaviours from a community perspective. The program has

many benefits, and assisted front line officers who identified a situation where young people may

have caused trouble, but which was quickly defused because of the community leader’s input

to a resolution.

Leading Senior Constable Nektarios Parissis

Nektarios, or “Nick”, has been the positive face of police and multicultural relations in the North

Melbourne area for many years. While his role is Community Liaison Officer, this title does not do

adequate justice to the phenomenal range of important functions that Nick undertakes in his

day to day activities.

Described by peers as a highly respected and tireless worker, Nick has truly made a difference in the

lives of many members of North Melbourne’s multicultural communities. He has been instrumental

in successfully establishing various programs that have greatly benefited the ever increasing

multicultural local community.

Nick is mindful that many new arrivals to Australia have negative perceptions of police due to

traumatic first-hand experiences with the police in their countries of origin. Much of his focus

is dedicated to breaking down barriers between police and new arrivals and developing positive

relations between the groups.

Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards


Police Multicultural Media AwardRecognising an officer who promotes policing issues to Victoria’s multicultural communities through effective communication strategies and multicultural outlets.

Senior Constable Ash Dixit

A Community Liaison Officer attached to Footscray Police, Ash’s efforts to distribute safety

and security advice and raise issues via multicultural and mainstream media are truly worthy

of recognition. His successful use of media is demonstrated by him receiving frequent invitations

to address multicultural communities in person to detail the important advice he gives through

the media.

Ash is regularly involved in media campaigns designed to recruit people from new and emerging

communities as Victoria Police officers. In particular, his work on SBS radio and print media in

explaining the role of various police units including Family Violence Officers and Crime Prevention

Officers has had a large impact on instilling confidence in multicultural communities to report

crimes to police.

Through his close and effective work with the media and multicultural communities, Ash inspires

police officers to use their initiative and make use of ethnic media to convey important messages

to their local community.

Protective Service Officer Multicultural AwardRecognising an officer who demonstrates active participation and innovation in enhancing understanding and respect between Protective Service Officers and multicultural communities.

Protective Service Officer Harminder Singh

Well known for his commitment and pride as a Victoria Police Protective Service Officer,

Harminder is a credit to the service. Keeping Victoria’s public transport centres safe is paramount

to his work and his dedication to safety inspires him to do the very best job that he can. Harminder

is proud of his multicultural background and has taken it upon himself to act as a role model and

‘recruiting advertisement’ for Victoria Police.

While he is renowned among peers for his multicultural liaison work, Harminder is equally

appreciated for the support that he shows fellow officers. Through his own initiative, he has often

provided counsel and support for other officers during the course of what are often dangerous

duties on behalf of the community, and has ensured their wellbeing and welfare. When discussing

Harminder’s influence on him, a fellow officer said, “I am proud to be a colleague of officer Singh,”:

a sentiment echoed by Victoria Police and PACMAC.


Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards

Probationary Officer Awards Recognising probationary officers who served as a police recruit in the past year and achieved excellence in the pursuit in meaningful multicultural and police engagement.

Probationary Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award

Protective Service Officer Recruit Mohammed Shabbir Alam

Mohammed exemplifies the very best attributes of the expression ‘community minded’.

When he arrived in Australia as an international student in 2004, Mohammed immediately

began contributing to his new community by volunteering with the Red Cross and State

Emergency Service.

Since then, Mohammed joined St John’s Ambulance, the Australian Army Reserve and a number

of other community organisations. He was involved in emergency responses to the 2009 Victorian

bushfires, 2011 Victorian and Queensland floods and many other tragic bushfire responses across

Australia. By joining Victoria Police as a Protective Service Officer, he has again found a meaningful

and vital avenue to serve and protect the community that he is proud to call home.

In the words of a PACMAC member, “it is as if from the very day that Mohammed arrived in

Australia he has just wanted to serve the community and give of himself. He is a true role model

and inspiration. I don’t think that I have ever heard of such a community minded person. Victoria

Police should consider themselves indeed fortunate to have an asset like this man. ”

Probationary Constable Multicultural Award

Constable Margaret Anderson

Margaret is a much respected and trusted member of Fitzroy Police. She is known as a very humble

and modest officer who has done much valuable volunteer work within the local multicultural

community and has never requested work shifts to help her undertake this work.

Prior to her work in Fitzroy, Margaret met with the Scouting Movement about a group trying to

find leaders within the community to fill roles and re-establish a Fitzroy Scouting Group that hadn’t

been operating for some decades. Constable Anderson volunteered for the role of Scout Leader

and was instrumental in re-establishing the 1st Fitzroy Scouts. The group operates from the local

public housing high-rises and is mainly attended by young people from the Sudanese community.

Margaret has worked tirelessly with local young people connected with 1st Fitzroy Scouts and wider

community and built many positive relationships. Acting as a bridge between police and local new

and emerging communities, Constable Anderson has achieved great outcomes both as a member

of police and a community volunteer.

Police Community Exemplar AwardRecognising a community member or organisation who demonstrates innovative strategies and initiatives that promote positive relations between police and Victoria’s multicultural communities.

Mr Nadeem Hussain, President of the Islamic Council of Victoria

Nominated by the Melbourne East Police, Nadeem has been an important part of forging

positive relationships and understanding between the local Muslim community and Victoria Police.

He initiated a number of cross-cultural programs which have been of immense educational benefit

to local police and the Muslim community alike.

Two direct quotes taken from police feedback relating to just one of Nadeem’s programs are that

“he has given us an insight into the workings of the Islamic Council of Victoria and has assisted in

training members throughout division 1 in relation to cultural awareness” and that “because of the

hard work of Nadeem, we have been able to increase the community’s confidence in police as well

as make police members more culturally aware of all communities”.

2013 Victorian Multicultural Honour

Roll Inductee


Recognising a newly arrived migrant or refugee who play outstanding leadership and volunteering roles, demonstrate cultural diversity values and contribute to making Victoria a harmonious multicultural community.

Mr Tha Wah Tha was born in Burma. At the age of 18 he moved alone to a refugee camp where for two years he

studied English and volunteered in the camp’s health clinic before gaining employment as a health

worker and reuniting with his family who had been hiding in the jungle. After 13 years living and

working in refugee camp health clinics, Tha and his family arrived in Australia in 2007 as refugees,

and a year later moved to Bendigo.

Having obtained qualifications in Aged Care, Tha volunteered at an aged care facility and now

works at Advent Care as well as fulltime as a Multicultural Education Aide for young Karen school

students. He plays an invaluable role at local primary schools and secondary colleges by providing

in-class support for students, translating notices, interpreting for families and liaising with teachers

to ensure student needs are met.

The school programs for supporting students with refugee backgrounds would not be as successful

without Tha’s knowledge and input. He is a vital link between school and family and is often trusted

with sensitive issues; showing respect, professionalism and dedication. He helps the Bendigo

community understand the refugee experience and effects of torture and trauma.

Earlier this year, Tha raised over $14,000 to help survivors of a fire at a Karenni refugee camp. Many

students lost family in the fire, and Tha worked tirelessly to help staff and the broader community

understand the impact of the tragedy on students.

Extending his work beyond education and aged care, Tha has been involved with the Baptist Church

Community for more than four years and is Secretary of a new Karen Baptist Fellowship (Htoo Moo

Plaw Church). He was instrumental in supporting the arrival of their pastor and ensures the church

can function in a traditional manner in a westernised world.

2013 Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll Inductee

The Governor of Victoria, Victorian

Government, Victorian Multicultural

Commission and Victoria Police thank

all who participated in Victoria’s 2013

Multicultural Awards for Excellence; the

presenters, nominators, referees and

most of all, the recipients.

Victorian Multicultural Commission

Level 3, 3 Treasury Place

East Melbourne VIC 3002

Telephone (03) 9651 0651

Facsimile (03) 9651 0612

Email [email protected]

multicultural.vic.gov.au

Documents

2013 Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence presentation