ANZ, Lifesaving Victoria and a former refugee are among a diverse group of committed and innovative organisations and individuals honoured in the 2017 Migration and Settlement Awards.

MCA Chief Executive Carla Wilshire said the strength of the list of finalists and the qualities of the winners showed the positive impact migration and multiculturalism was having across Australia.

“The quality and spread of shortlisted finalists – across geography and industry sectors – shows us that diversity is becoming more important and relevant to Australians,” Ms Wilshire said.

“This year’s list is a wonderful advertisement for the benefits of migration and the richness that cultural diversity brings to all our lives,” she said.

The fourth Australian Migration and Settlement Awards were held in the Great Hall last night, celebrating the work and support of individuals and organisations that welcome new migrants and build a sense of belonging in the Australia community.

Keynote speaker His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, discussed his incredible and harrowing boat journey to Australia, and the importance of Migration and multiculturalism within the Australian community.

Eight individuals and organisations were recognised for their contribution to Australia’s migration story. Maria Dimopoulos was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award for her tireless devotion to Australian multiculturalism and support for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse women.

Award winners include:

• Settlement Innovation: Settlement Services International – for their continual innovation in the settlement sector.
• Case Worker of the Year: Mr Adam Bujairami, from Settlement Services International.
• Diversity and the Law: InTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence for their work tackling family violence in culturally and linguistically diverse communities around Australia.
• Journalism Excellence: Ms Madeleine King, Saber Baluch and Elise Potaka, SBS, “First of her kind: Afghan refugee, Australian solider”.
• Business Inclusion: ANZ for their “Given the Chance” program.
• Sports Leadership: Lifesaving Victoria for the “Multicultural Inclusion” program.
• Empowering Women Award: Gail Ker, for her community leadership in the Logan area
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Maria Demopoulos

The Migration Council Australia would like to thank the generous support of our sponsors, many of whom have been with the awards since the start. These include Australia Post, Virgin Australia, Navitas limited, Ramsay Healthcare, AMES Australia, Settlement Services International, Ernst and Young and Access Community Services. Special thanks also to the National Archives Australia.

Media enquiries, contact Carla Wilshire on 02 6162 0361