The Victorian Government has awarded 23 refugees for their achievements as part of the 2011 Victorian Refugee Recognition Record (VRRR), as part of Refugee Week.
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras congratulated the recipients for their contribution to the Victorian community.
“The VRRR is an official ‘thank you’ from the people of Victoria for the often unrecognised work done by people that help to improve the lives of others,” said Kotsiras.
Since 2004, the VRRR has acknowledged 180 individuals from refugee backgrounds who have made a real difference to Victoria’s community harmony. Past recipients include Paraskevas Filippidis; Souli Hadzidimitriou; George Bezas; Antonios Alateras; Michael Alexis. A notable mention of one of last year’s community awards is the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria ‘Leonidas’ Inc. who today celebrate their 50 year anniversary.
Refugee Week is a national initiative that aims to inform and educate Australians about refugees and highlight and celebrate their positive contribution to society.