South Australia will present an award for leadership in languages and cultures, delivered through the Multicultural Education and Languages Committee (MELC) and administered by the Australia Day Council of South Australia.

The award to be presented by the South Australian minister for Education, Training, and Skills, Blair Boyer, will recognise exceptional young people who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and multilingualism in Australia.

The award is divided into two categories, one for high school students, and one for young persons under 24, yet who are no longer at school.

Naturally, young Greek-Australians would be perfect candidates for these awards, as they will have the chance to prove their exceptional bilingual skills in modern Greek. The award offers an opportunity for your Greek-Australians to compete against each other, and collectively manifest their ties to their ethnic and linguistic roots.

The selection criteria for the first category are the candidates’ sound capability in more than one language, their outstanding commitment to the study of languages and cultures, their effective intercultural capabilities, and their engagement in linguistic and cultural diversity within the school or the broader community.

The selection criteria for the second category are the candidates’ commitment to advocacy for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia, their outstanding community leadership and effective communication skills, and their sound capability in more than one language – as well as their ability to operate successfully in linguistic and culturally diverse environments.

Nominations for both awards are still open but will close 1 November 2023. Individuals, schools or organisations may submit nominations, and the nominating person or organisation should complete the online nomination form addressing all of the selection criteria for the relevant award category, as well as provide relevant background information and supporting materials.

Nominations must also provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three referees who are familiar with the achievements of the nominee.