The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation has celebrated the second anniversary of its Alumni Association with the announcement that it has been granted Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, allowing the public to make tax-deductible donations to support migrant and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
The milestone was revealed on Tuesday, 2 September, during a celebration hosted at KPMG’s Barangaroo office in Sydney.
The event brought together more than 100 guests, including finalists and winners of the Ethnic Business Awards, industry leaders and supporters.
Acclaimed journalist and author Tracey Spicer hosted the evening, while KPMG CEO Andrew Yates welcomed guests, reaffirming the firm’s commitment to backing diversity and inclusion in business.
Founder and Chairman Joseph Assaf announced the DGR status, calling it a new chapter for the Foundation.
“Individuals and organisations can now make tax-deductible donations from as little as $2 to support our mission of recognising and empowering migrant and Indigenous entrepreneurs across Australia,” he said.
Patron of the Alumni Association, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, also addressed the gathering, praising the Awards for shining a spotlight on entrepreneurs whose work fuels both economic growth and community development.
A panel discussion led by KPMG Partner Robyn Langsford featured alumni Robby Mallard of Mallard Contracting, Oren Barak of Roogenic, and Michael Dakhoul of Construction Consultants.
Each shared how the Awards helped shape their business journeys and opened doors to new opportunities.
The evening concluded with remarks from Joseph Healy, former CEO of Judo Bank, who highlighted the role of diversity in driving sustainable growth in Australia’s business landscape.
The Alumni Association, launched in 2024, continues to provide a platform for collaboration and mentorship among past finalists and winners, strengthening the legacy of the Ethnic Business Awards, which have celebrated migrant and Indigenous entrepreneurship for more than three decades.
For more information or to donate, visit www.ethnicbusinessawards.com
