While debates about immigration simmer, the Settlement Council of Australia hosted a multi-partisan event celebrating those who are keeping multiculturalism alive and well in Australia.
MC Akec Makur Chuot, former AFLW player and UNHCR for Australia Ambassador presented the eight impressive winners. They ranged from everyday people to lifelong advocates. Among the winners was IKEA Australia, who won an Award for their refugee employment program.
IKEA Australia CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Mirja Viinanen was there to accept the Award, and urged others to also play their part, saying “At IKEA, we believe refugee integration is good for business and society. Over the past four years, over 220 people from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds have brought so much to IKEA in Australia, enriching our business. We can all play a part to help unlock the talent and potential of these amazing individuals.”
The Hon. Julian Hill MP presented a keynote address, emphasising that: “Excellent settlement services support people new to Australia to settle in and get set up to make their contribution to our country and fulfil their human potential.”
In congratulating the winners Assistant Minister Hill said, “Acknowledgment from your peers is perhaps the highest professional accolade and I congratulate everyone nominated for and receiving an Award.”
The event had multipartisan support, with The Hon. Dan Tehan, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship addressing the group and adding his support. He said: “New citizens continue to make an important contribution to the national project, and we applaud the people and organisations that are working to make new Australians feel welcome.” Greens spokesperson for Immigration, Senator David Shoebridge was also in attendance.
The wide range of sponsors similarly send a symbol of broad endorsement for welcoming migrants and refugees. They included Australia for UNHCR, International Organization for Migration (IOM Australia), Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, LEXIGO, SBS, and Regional Australia Institute.
Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration, David Knight, said “IOM is honoured to be a part of SCOA’s efforts in fostering meaningful settlement outcomes, empowering migrants to build secure and thriving futures in Australia.”
SCOA CEO Sandra Elhelw, said “While the challenges to our social cohesion are real, the work we are celebrating today shows us that Australia’s multiculturalism has many proud and passionate custodians. It is a reminder that we know how to build a sense of belonging in this country.”
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The Award categories and winners are listed below:
Individual Categories:
The Settlement Work Champion Award – Lulu Johnny
The Unsung Hero Award – Fadi Deeb and Laurie Hucker
The Outstanding Volunteer Award – Alison McClure and Adam Raad
The Emerging Leader Award – Thae Nay Htoo Thaenaysay
Organisation Categories
Good things come in small packages Award – Melkite Charitable Foundation
Outstanding work in regional setting Award – Centacare FNQ for
‘Our Regional Way’. Building Thriving, Connected Communities in Far North Queensland (FNQ)
Innovation in service delivery Award – Melbourne Polytechnic Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) delivered by the Box Hill Institute Team.
Outstanding Partnership Award – IKEA Australia & Community Corporate for IKEA Refugee Workforce Inclusion Program.
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview, contact Humaira Mehboob at humaira.mehboob@scoa.org.au or on (02) 6282 8515.
About The Settlement Council of Australia
The Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) is the peak body representing migrant and refugee services, with approximately 130 member organisations nationally. We are committed to building an Australia where all people of migrant and refugee backgrounds belong, thrive and experience fulfilling lives.