The Western Australian Multicultural Awards 2023 have recognised 10 individuals and 5 organisations for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism and culturally and linguistically diverse communities throughout the State.
The Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA also presented two posthumous awards for Distinguished Service to Salim Youssef for his extensive contributions to multiculturalism through leadership and advocacy, and to Constance and Keith Allmark for their contributions to the WA Burmese community and for their humanitarian work.
The Awards were presented at a gala ceremony to launch Harmony Week 2023.
Harmony Week runs from 15 to 21 March every year and encourages everyone to experience, explore and appreciate WA's wealth of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
The Western Australian Multicultural Awards 2023 winners are:
- Outstanding Individual Achievement Award: Mr Surya Ambati
- Youth Award: Mr Lueth Dengdit
- Arts Award: Mr Mararo Wangai
- Sportsperson of the Year Award: Ms Sunday Aryang
- Community Organisation Award – CaLD: Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD)
- Community Organisation Award – General: Auspire – Australia Day Council WA
- Local Government Award: City of Canning
- Public Sector Award: Department of Health – Cancer Network
- Premier’s Community Response and Recovery Award: Organisation of Africa Communities in WA
- Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award
- Mrs Asha Bhat OAM
- Mr Danny McEvoy
- Laksiri Jayasuriya Lifetime Community Service Award: Mr Enzo Sirna AM
- Minister’s Awards for Distinguished Service:
- Mrs Constance and Mr Keith Allmark
- Mr Salim Youssef
Commenting on the awards, Premier Mark McGowan said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s Western Australian Multicultural Awards winners.”
“Western Australia’s cultural diversity drives innovation, inspires creativity, and reinforces our connections with the rest of the world.”
“The State Government values cultural diversity and is committed to enhancing and celebrating it through programs such as these awards.”
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister added: “The individuals and organisations recognised in the Western Australian Multicultural Awards are doing outstanding work to support multiculturalism in this State.”
“Cultural and linguistic diversity is one of this State’s greatest strengths—providing economic, social and cultural benefits to everyone.”
“From grass roots initiatives to personal achievement, the people and organisations recognised in the Western Australian Multicultural Awards are role models, showcasing the broad and positive impact of cultural diversity on our way of life.”
Read more about the outstanding achievements of the 2023 Award recipients at www.omi.wa.gov.au