In a packed reception at magnificent Government House Victorians from across industries and sectors, both public and private, were recognised for their efforts in promoting and advocating for their communities and multiculturalism in Victoria in the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2024.
Eight Hellenes were acknowledged for their significant contributions: Associate Professor Iraklis Harry Minas, Head of the Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit at Melbourne University, won the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award for his work in mental health for refugees and immigrants. Senior Sergeant Stylianos Spyrou received a Police Award for his services and for being “central to the Victorian Hellenic Association.”
In the Police Community Exemplary Award category, Keely Kontaxis and Darren Kenos were recognised for their work on the Major Events Human Rights Guide, which provided Victoria Police “a chance to examine its own approach to human rights.” Costa Vasili, a Greek Cypriot Australian and founder of Ethnolink, was also recognised for his pioneering work in multilingual and multicultural communications.
The Multicultural Honour Roll included Associate Professor Josefine Antoniades from Health Communication at La Trobe University for her work in raising dementia awareness in culturally diverse communities using film and digital media and Professor Nicholas Papastergiadis for his efforts in promoting cultural diversity in the arts and cultural sectors.
In the Media Award category, Neos Kosmos editor Sotiris Hatzimanolis received the Highly Commended Award for being “a tireless advocate for independent Greek Australian media.”
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Professor Papastergiadis said, “This is an honour, not only for me, but a clear recognition that our contemporary arts and culture has always been defined by the diversity of our people – First Nations people and immigrants.”
The Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner speaking before handing out the various honours, noted that it was fitting for the achievements to be celebrated at Government House, which was “built in the wake of the gold rush, which brought unprecedented wealth to Victoria.”
“Victoria, which was just a brand-new colony at that time, was undergoing transformative change, and there was intense activity and movement of people.” Gardner referenced the Eureka Stockade, marking its 170th anniversary this week, describing it as a rebellion that saw “demands” being made “from this Government House.”
The Governor highlighted the Italian revolutionary Raffaello Carboni, who rose to speak at Bakery Hill in Ballarat, as a “dark-bearded figure” enduring “pain due to three bullets in his leg, a legacy of his fight against Austrian occupation in Italy.”
“He was part of conflicts many oceans away. Raffaello Carboni, a revolutionary, crossed the seas seeking opportunity in the gold mines of Ballarat,” she said.
“Carboni called on all his fellow diggers, irrespective of nationality, religion, and colour, to salute the Southern Cross as a symbol and refuge for all the oppressed from all the countries of the earth.”
Like Carboni, Gardner said, tens of thousands of immigrants felt they had an opportunity “to escape, sometimes from significant poverty, sometimes from servitude, for a chance at something better.”
“It’s clear that Victoria is a vastly different place today, but one thing hasn’t changed: Victoria is still a place where people from all corners of our earth come to realise what they hope will be their dreams.
“Multiculturalism has been a core part of Victoria – apart from our First Peoples, who were displaced, sometimes violently – the people who came here from all corners of the world from the very beginning, like when Carboni organised and led miners in what was, at the time, the first significant movement in Victoria, uniting people across cultures and nationalities. It is now woven into the fabric of our history.
“Most importantly, our shared identity. All of you here will be recognised for showing great leadership in your communities, uplifting not only those around you but all of Victoria.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan then spoke, saying, “Multiculturalism is both a source of strength and a source of deep pride for all of us here in Victoria.”
The Premier also acknowledged that “this has been a difficult year for some,” subtly referencing conflicts in the Middle East, as well as year-long protests and the rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
“Even in these challenging times, we see that kindness, compassion, and unity matter more than ever,” said Allan.
“What we have in our state is truly special, it is precious, and it absolutely has to be protected. That is why I was so proud last week, in the Victorian Parliament, to introduce a new social cohesion and anti-vilification bill.
“I want to acknowledge tonight the many multicultural leaders who have helped contribute to these laws and to acknowledge how all of you promote social cohesion in everything you do, every single day.
“We’re celebrating exceptional individuals and groups who live these values daily, who show up every single day determined to make a difference, and to me, that’s a very special thing.”
The Governor and the Premier noted he efforts of Vivienne Nguyen AM, the Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission which organise the awards.
“Our multicultural champions create positive and lasting change, building bridges between communities to improve the lives of others,” Nguyen said.
They also acknowledged ministers in attendance such as, Ingrid Stitt the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and Natalie Suleyman the Minister for Small Business.
For complete list of the awardees go to this link.
