Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence

Mohammed Alebrahimi

Mohammed supports and promotes culturally appropriate care: its ability to improve the health outcomes of elderly migrants and refugees; its success in providing training and employment opportunities to younger migrants; and its capacity to create better social connections for the entire community.

Multicultural Consulting Services

Multicultural Consulting Services (MCS) is a certified social enterprise dedicated to empowering diverse communities in Victoria. Through tailored employment services, training, and ongoing support, MCS fosters inclusion and economic participation for migrants, refugees and other priority jobseekers – helping them overcome barriers and achieve long-term success in the workforce.

MiCare Ltd

MiCare’s mission and vision is founded on the provision of services that meet the diverse needs of people living in multicultural Australia. Services include aged residential and home care, retirement living and migrant and settlement services, supporting migrants and refugees as they transition to a new life in Australia.

Niti Bhargava

With over 15 years of finance experience and a strong focus on financial literacy and awareness, Niti has helped many migrant families take control of their finances. Last year, she was recognised in the Victorian Parliament by local MP Luba Grigorovitch for her contributions to financial literacy.

Fire Rescue Victoria - Multicultural Liaison Officers

Fire Rescue Victoria Multicultural Liaison Officers help multicultural communities reduce fire and emergency risks. By bridging the cultural divide, fostering trusted relationships, addressing knowledge gaps and connecting with communities, they empower multicultural Victorians to collaborate for a stronger, more prepared future with reduced risk of the impacts of fire events.

City of Melbourne – International Education Team

The City of Melbourne has made significant contributions to multiculturalism by supporting international students from over 160 countries. Through diverse programs like My Melbourne and The Couch, the City has engaged over 50,000 students, offering social activities, food relief, employability workshops and volunteering opportunities. These initiatives have reinforced Melbourne's position as Australia's best student city for 10 consecutive years.

City of Greater Dandenong Council Festivals and Events

The City of Greater Dandenong Council Springvale Snow Fest event is the biggest winter street food festival in Victoria. The event highlights multicultural communities and provides entertainment, activities and delicious food from around the world – even delivering snow to the centre of Springvale!

Lakshmi Ganapathy

Early-career journalist and theatre-maker Lakshmi Ganapathy voices thought- provoking, overlooked perspectives through her work. Currently the Melbourne Content Creator for Indian Link, an award-winning publication empowering the South Asian diaspora, she was part of ArtsHub’s inaugural Amplify Collective, and has made content for RMITV, La Trobe University and Channel 31.

Voice of West Papua Radio

Voice of West Papua has been on air for 11 years and is presented by West Papuan community members who voice the aspirations of West Papua’s culture, share songs, interviews, music and stories.

Steve (Sotiris) Hatzimanolis

For five decades, Sotiris Hatzimanolis has been a tireless advocate for independent Greek Australian media. His journey began in the 1970s with Greek Australian radio and continued with Neos Kosmos, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the publication from a Greek-language newspaper into a bilingual Greek and English platform.

Associate Professor Iraklis Harry Minas

Associate Professor Iraklis Harry Minas is the the Head of the Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health at The University of Melbourne. His areas of expertise include psychiatry, global mental health, mental health system development, disaster mental health and multicultural mental health – mental health of immigrants and refugees.

Mental Health and Well-being Foundation

The Mental Health and Well-being Foundation, led by Dr Francis Acquah, aims to transform mental health care through global advocacy, culturally- tailored training, and impactful research. The Foundation’s commitment to education and community engagement fosters a more inclusive approach, enhancing mental health support for diverse populations globally.

Detective Senior Constable Andrew Turton

Detective Senior Constable Andrew Turton was instrumental in the investigation and successful prosecution of a case involving a faith leader and multiple victims. Andrew is to be commended for pursuing this case with great determination and professionalism – and for his tenacity and empathy on behalf of the victims and their families.

Senior Constable Andrew Moreton

The nomination of Senior Constable Andrew Moreton is to be applauded because it highlights the need for Victoria Police to reach out to all young people, including those at risk. Andrew has used his soccer playing and refereeing skills to reach out to youth in the City of Darebin and beyond. Particularly impressive is the successful encouragement of young males and females to undertake Football Victoria’s referee program. Also impressive is Andrew’s work with Somali and Arab youth. Senior Constable Moreton has truly won the respect of the community, service providers and his police colleagues. Andrew has also helped schools deliver cyber safety training programs, an initiative that helps protect young people.

Sports COPPS - Detective Sergeant Vincent Manno

Detective Sergeant Vincent Manno instituted Sports COPPS in 2001. This outstanding police/youth project has engaged over 14,850 young people across Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, reducing youth crime, building trust between police officers and multicultural communities, reducing historical tensions and establishing partnerships with community groups, schools and sports clubs. This positive program delivers on its mantra: Life Skills through Sports.

Senior Constable Rana Khan

Originally from Pakistan, Senior Constable Rana Khan became a PSO in 2013, before becoming a police officer in 2017. Fluent in five languages, he has the capabilities to reach out to Gippsland multicultural communities. He has demonstrated community leadership by creating an Islamic prayer centre in Drouin – and educated local Islamic community members about Victoria Police and the law, not least in the family violence area. Also commendable, he set up a prayer room in the Warragul police station.

Weda Mohseni

Weda Mohseni is a key member of KOMAK, a Uniting initiative in Dandenong that supports the Afghan and other Muslim communities. KOMAK is the Dari word for ‘help’ and ‘support’. In addition to her case work in the community, Weda has been instrumental in advising police in the south-eastern corridor on youth crime, family violence, forced marriage and public safety. Weda has arranged and helped deliver community information sessions, especially to newly arrived immigrants and refugees, and has been particularly supportive of Victoria Police officers.

Major Events Human Rights Guide Team

The preparation of the Major Events Human Rights Guide provided Victoria Police with a chance to examine its own approach to human rights – especially in the context of their adoption and implementation at major events (including major sporting events). The preparation team – Alena Hetsch, Anthony Abate, Keely Kontaxis and Darren Kenos, working with John Croker as the Principal Solicitor for Human Rights – are to be commended for this Human Rights initiative.

A/Sgt Kevin Dong

This nomination highlights the increasing presence within Victoria Police of Chinese officers – and highlights the officers who have facilitated this welcome development. In his five years at the Oakleigh Police Station, A/Sergeant Kevin Dong has established close links with Chinese-speaking communities, especially through his appearances on Chinese media. He has conducted information sessions in Mandarin for Chinese residents, and supported activities during Chinese Lunar New Year.

Kevin has addressed student groups at two universities and provided a mentoring role for new Chinese Australian recruits into Victorian Police. He represents a vibrant bridge between law enforcement officers and various Chinese communities.

Wyndham Central College Link Centre Community Hub

The Wyndham Central College Community Hub fosters engagement with diverse local and national organisations. Located in a disadvantaged area, it serves over 1300 students, with 48 per cent from migrant or refugee backgrounds. The Hub offers various programs for adults (e.g. English language, digital literacy) and youth (e.g. cultural groups, support services). It aims to build family capacity, improve student outcomes and deepen community partnerships.

The Hub has become integral to the school, providing culturally safe support and promoting cross-cultural connections. It serves as a Tier 2 support system, offering targeted assistance to students and families while strengthening school-wide family and community engagement capabilities.

Whittlesea Community Connections

Whittlesea Community Connections has been working with local multicultural communities for over 50 years, providing a range of services and opportunities. Since 2021 the Phase 2: Whittlesea CALD FV project has improved life outcomes for women at risk or experiencing family violence.

AMES Australia - Prevention of Violence Against Women Leadership Program

AMES Australia’s Prevention of Violence Against Women Leadership Program is aimed at empowering community leaders and equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle the scourge of domestic violence in culturally appropriate ways.

Ajsela Siskovic

Under the leadership of Ajsela Siskovic, the inTouch Women’s Legal Centre provides vital support to migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence. Ajsela leads a dedicated team that offers culturally-responsive legal and migration services, empowering women to attain safety, stability and independence.

Mohammad Haroon Sayed

Mohammad Haroon Sayed is a dedicated community leader and advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, driving projects that improve access to essential services, empower women and promote multicultural harmony. His efforts have created lasting change in Victoria, supporting vulnerable communities and inspiring future generations to build an inclusive society.

Jacqueline Aungminn

Jacqueline is a passionate advocate for refugees, dedicated to empowering multicultural communities through education, support and community-building initiatives. Her volunteer efforts, work within MiCare and the community sector has transformed lives, fostered inclusion, resilience, and opportunities for marginalised groups to thrive and actively contribute to Australian society.

Reliable Community Care (RCC)

Bendigo Community Health Services (Emergency Preparedness program for former refugees)

Rasha Khalid Abbas

Rasha Abbas, founder of Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) and CEO of inTouch, champions the rights and wellbeing of Palestinians and vulnerable migrant communities. Her leadership drives impactful support services, enhances cultural integration and fosters opportunities, making a profound and positive difference to multicultural Australia.

Hazara Shamama Association of Victoria Inc.

The Hazara Shamama Association of Victoria Inc. (HSA) is a leading advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, offering vital support through English classes, citizenship preparation, employment workshops and leadership development. HSA empowers individuals to integrate, succeed and contribute to Victoria’s vibrant multicultural community.

Nargis (Diba) Jalal

Diba Jalal, a passionate woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), has made a significant impact through her roles with VASA and RMIT’s ASA. She has revitalised Afghan cultural events and inspired young engineers, including refugees. Her work in empowering youth and building connections has greatly enriched diverse communities.

Hsar Thein Ju

Well known, hard-working and kind-hearted, Hsar has worked for Parks Victoria for 10 years and, through his work, made positive contributions to diverse communities.

Her Run

Her Run empowers women from diverse backgrounds through inclusive sports and wellness programs that celebrate cultural heritage and promote physical and mental wellbeing. With over 2,400 members, HerRun fosters social cohesion, leadership and community engagement, making a lasting impact on Victoria’s multicultural landscape.

Teuila Hanalei Reid

Teuila is Executive Director at Helping Hoops and Director at Koorie Academy. She volunteers with numerous sports-based groups throughout Naarm. With a former career in the US Foreign Service, Teuila‘s global community development experience has equipped her with a diverse skill set which significantly adds to the running of Helping Hoops.

Ali Agha Wali Zada

Ali is a dedicated youth leader from Geelong, committed to promoting multiculturalism and mental health awareness. Through his work with local and international communities, Ali has made a significant impact, fostering cultural understanding and supporting education. His leadership and advocacy inspire others to build a more inclusive society.

Avenue Productions Volunteers Team

The Avenue Productions Volunteers Team is a dynamic youth group empowering culturally diverse young people through the planning and delivery of creative events. By promoting inclusion, fostering intercultural dialogue, and amplifying the voices of youth, volunteers are building a more inclusive, vibrant and culturally aware community in Moonee Valley and beyond.