Victoria Honors More Than 200 For Multicultural Service

More than 200 people were recognised for their outstanding service to promoting diversity and multiculturalism in Victorian communities at a special ceremony at Government House tonight.

Honouring recipients at the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence, Premier John Brumby said it was important to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of those who had contributed so much to help strengthen cultural diversity and respect in Victoria.

“Victorians take great pride in our diverse multicultural heritage and that’s why it is important we honour the individuals and organisations that both support and promote our culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse communities,” Mr Brumby said.

“We come from more than 200 countries of origin, speak over 200 languages and dialects and follow more than 110 faiths and these prestigious awards further enhance Victoria’s reputation as a harmonious, vibrant and multicultural community.”

The event, hosted by Governor of Victoria David de Kretser, was attended by more than 600 members of Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith community.

Awards were provided across nine categories, including Meritorious Service to the Community, Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria, Media, Local Government, Education, Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Award and a Business category.

The Premier’s Community Harmony Award was awarded to the Parliament of the World’s Religions Board of Management for the significant work done promoting community harmony in the lead-up to the world’s largest interfaith gathering in Melbourne from 3-9 December.

“The Board, its patrons, staff and volunteers were commended for engaging people of all faiths and cultures to work together to deliver a cohesive and illuminating program of events,” he said.

Wilbert Mapombere of Ballarat was recognised in the Ambassador Award category, which recognises individuals and organisations for showing exemplary leadership in the promotion of cultural diversity, for his outstanding work in inspiring new migrants to contribute to the wider Australian community and be responsible citizens.

Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs James Merlino said the awards were established in 2002 to recognise and reward the contributions of individuals and organisations that promote the social, political, economic and cultural benefits of our multicultural community.

“Like these wonderful Victorians and their efforts in the community, the Brumby Labor Government is committed to strengthening our multicultural communities and encourage them to maintain and share their unique identities and diversity,” Mr Merlino said.

For more information and for a full list of award recipients, contact the Victorian Multicultural Commission on 9208 3184 or go to www.multicultural.vic.gov.au .

Topics: Australia, cultural diversity, diverse communitities, diversity, Governance, Government House, human rights, multiculturalism, society, tolerance, Victoria

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