Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2014 › images › stories › documents › … · Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 3 Recognising the achievements

Victoria’s MulticulturalAwards for Excellence

2014

Contents

Meritorious Service to the Community Awards 2

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Awards 7

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony 10

Business Awards 12

Ambassador Awards 14

Education Awards 17

Local Government Award 19

Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards 21

Media Award 24

2014 Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll Inductee 26

Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 1

Message from the Premier

Cultural, linguistic and religious diversity has long played a determined role in the character of life in Victoria and this diversity is without doubt one of our greatest assets.

As our population becomes ever more diverse, the hard work and leadership of individuals and community organisations who foster and reinforce the message of harmony and tolerance become ever more important.

It is those individuals and organisations we recognise and reward through Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence. These Awards are our way of showing our admiration and appreciation for their commitment to our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

On behalf of the Victorian Government, I am very proud to congratulate the recipients of this year’s awards.

Your outstanding achievements and continuing commitment to promoting understanding and respect between our diverse cultures and religions is what makes our state such an exceptional place to live.

Hon Dr Denis Napthine MP Premier of Victoria

Message from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence are an important annual recognition of the outstanding achievements and work being undertaken, by individuals and organisations, that promote and foster multiculturalism in our state. This selfless work is vital to strengthening our community – it also ensures that Victoria is a vibrant and dynamic place to live in and visit.

I congratulate every recipient of this year’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence – this is an achievement to be proud of – your hard work makes a positive contribution for all people in Victoria. I regard your commitment to multiculturalism as a cornerstone in our harmonious, unique and culturally diverse state.

The profiles included in this booklet catalogue the impressive and tireless work being undertaken in the community – work that highlights the success of multiculturalism in Victoria, and its far-reaching positive effects in the community including cultural and economic benefits.

The Victorian Government is proud to see such positive work taking place and the engagement of all Victorians, from many backgrounds and faiths, in our many dynamic communities.

Hon Matthew Guy MLC Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Minister for Planning

Meritorious Service to the Community Awards


Recognising the achievements of a person who has demonstrated outstanding voluntary commitment to the service of Victoria’s multicultural community, promoted cultural diversity and improved community relations and programs for at least 10 years.

Mr Siri Krishan Auplish For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Indian community of Victoria.

Ms Luba Baksheev For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Russian community of Victoria.

Dr Nisha Bhatnagar For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Indian and broader community of Victoria.

Mrs Sophia Borobokas For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Greek and broader community of Victoria.

Mrs Bianca Cervini For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Italian community of Frankston and surrounding areas.

Mr Eric Chen For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the multicultural communities within the City of Whitehorse.

Mr Bright Chinganya For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Zambian and broader African community of Melbourne.

Mr John Chrisomallis For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Greek community within the Whittlesea area.

Mr Peter Cichello For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Filipino community within the City of Greater Geelong region.

Mr James Cusack For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Irish community of Victoria.

Ms Emily Lee D’Cruz For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Taiwanese and broader community of Victoria.

Mr Nosrat Dehghan For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Iranian community of Victoria.

Ms Sanja Drljaca For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Serbian community of Victoria.

Mrs Uma Ganapathireddy For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Indian community of Victoria.

Mr Graham Goulding For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Gippsland multicultural community.

Ms Nina Lan Jun Huang For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Chinese community of Dandenong.

Mrs Antonina Kichakova For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Russian community of Victoria.

Mr Steve Kovacic For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Croatian community of Victoria.

Ms Terezia Kral For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Slovak community of Victoria.


Individuals

4 Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence

Mr Marama Kufi For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Oromo community of Victoria.

Mrs Hanh Le For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Vietnamese community of Preston and surrounding areas.

Mrs Eszter Linka For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Hungarian community of Knox.

Dr Che-Sam Lo For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Chinese and broader Victorian community.

Mr Diego Luppino For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Italian and broader Victorian community.

Mr Alister MacLeod For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Scottish community of Victoria.

Mr Massoud Majidi For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Iranian community of Victoria.

Dr Iamir Maloka For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Chaldean community of Victoria.

Mr Sugu Maran For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Tamil community of Victoria.

Mr Antonio Mautone For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Italian community of Victoria.

Ms Kumari Middleton For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the welfare of multicultural youth in Victoria.

Mrs Amparo Miller For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Filipino community of Gippsland.

Mr Bhattachary Mudumba For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the multicultural communities of Victoria.

Mr Yasseen Musa For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Eritrean and broader Victorian community.

Mr Pino Narduzzo For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Italian and broader Victorian community.

Mrs Meeta Narsi For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the multicultural community of Ballarat.

Ms Gaetana (Nina) Nicoletti For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Italian community within the City of Whitehorse.

Ms Belinda Selen Ozgun For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Turkish community of Victoria.

Mrs Irene Papaioannou For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Greek community of Preston.

Mr Frank Patti For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Italian community of Victoria.


Individuals



Individuals

Mr Van-Hung Phan For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Chinese community of Prahran.

Mr Karna Rana For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Nepalese community and multicultural sporting organisations of Victoria.

Mr Yadata Saba For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Oromo community of Victoria.

Mr Anil Sharma For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Indian community of Victoria.

Ms Shan E Shen For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Chinese community of Richmond.

Mrs Olga Shonina For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Russian community of Victoria.

Mr Joseph Zuwu Sumo For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Liberian and broader community of Greater Geelong.

Mr Vinh Dinh Tran For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Vietnamese community of Victoria.

Mrs Vasilia Tsousis For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Greek Orthodox community of Victoria.

Mr Sanjay Unadkat For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the multicultural communities of Melbourne.

Mr Ranjan Vaidya For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Nepalese community of Victoria.

Mrs Cat-Tuong Vu For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Vietnamese community of Boroondara.

Mrs Margaret Wehl For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the multicultural communities of Victoria.

Mrs Halina Wood For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Polish community of Ballarat.

Mrs Lily Wu For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Taiwanese community of Victoria.

Mr Mukhles Yousif For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Chaldean community of Victoria.

Mr Hassan Yusuf For his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Somalian community of Victoria.

Mrs Tatiana Zemlinsky For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Russian community of Victoria.

Mrs Heping Zhou For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Hunanese (Chinese) community of Victoria.

Mrs Malgorzata Zuchowska For her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Polish community of Victoria.


Recognising the achievements of an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding voluntary commitment to the service of Victoria’s multicultural community, promoted cultural diversity and improved community relations and programs for at least 10 years.

Greek Orthodox Community of Gippsland

The Greek Orthodox Community of Gippsland, building on the work of the first Greek and Greek Cypriot pioneers within the Gippsland region, support the elderly and youth, initiate social events, celebrate cultural days and promote and teach the Greek language and culture.

Healthy Tourism Senior Citizens Club "Vigor", Ensemble Nostalgia

Initially established for the Russian community, Healthy Tourism Senior Citizens Club "Vigor", Ensemble Nostalgia is now a support network for the many multicultural seniors within the City of Port Phillip. It provides members with the opportunity to participate in and share cultural differences, as well as artistic, educational and social activities.

Polish Community Council of Victoria Inc

Established in 1962, the Polish Community Council of Victoria is one of the State’s peak bodies for the Polish communities of Victoria. The Council represents the concerns, needs, aspirations, achievements and interest of the Polish community in Victoria.


Organisations

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria

Awards


Recognising excellence in a specific service area by people who work professionally with culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, actively participate in projects designed to improve services and establish good relationships.

Ms Molina AsthanaCommunity Service

Using her skills as a solicitor, Molina has become an advocate for human rights, particularly in the areas of women and health issues. She has been instrumental in promoting the need for social change – her involvement and leadership with the many organisations she is involved with has assisted in raising awareness of specific problems in South East Asian communities, as well as advocating for the need of cultural equality within the workplace.

Mr Patrick Francis & Ms Lesley FrancisArts

Spearheaded by Patrick (who has autism and an intellectual disability), together with his sister Lesley, “Absolutely Awetistic Arts” was formed to give the community a better perspective of what can be achieved in spite of disability. Their inspiring work encourages many artists with varying disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to express their artistic talents, thereby giving the community a better understanding of multiculturalism and an opportunity to view their works.

Ms Sahida (Ee’da) IbrahimArts

A musician, dancer, spoken-word artist, arts educator and the founder and creative director of a music and arts collective called “Sisters for Sisters”, Sahida Ibrahim (stage name Ee’da) has an undeniable passion for people and culture. Her talents and passions have awarded her many opportunities to participate in shaping a vibrant and multicultural community.

Dr Muhammad KhalissiCommunity Service

Better known as Sheik Abu Omar to the community, Dr Muhammad Khalissi is the Vice President and Imam at the Monash University Mosque. A teacher at the Minaret College, Springvale, Dr Khalissi has encouraged the Muslim community to be involved in the City of Monash’s multicultural and multifaith activities.

Fr Simeon KichakovCommunity Service

Devoted to both the Russian Orthodox Church and to the Russian community, Fr Kichakov has contributed to both the Cathedral building in Collingwood as well as his home church in Geelong. Fr Simeon has also undertaken the research and work to compile the History of Geelong Parish Book, an important text to link people with the history of the Parish.

Ms Lily SilicCommunity Service

Lily’s approach to her client’s needs is holistic – she ensures that as a group they are active and content. Employed by the Australian Croatian Senior Citizen’s Club of Clifton Hill, Lily is an advisor, assistant and advocate, and oversees the compliance processes and actively encourages the community to undertake projects designed to improve services and relationships with Croatian communities.

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Awards

Individuals


Recognising excellence in a specific service area by organisations who work with culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, actively participate in projects designed to improve services and establish good relationships.

Chin News ChannelMedia

The online and print media of the Chin News Channel (CNC) was established by Chin refugees from Myanmar now living Melbourne, providing an important link to the Chin community and the maintenance of the Hakha language. The CNC is the basic source of information for the Chin people in Melbourne and the rest of Australia. Printed newspapers are distributed at the Chin worship centre in East Melbourne and can also be read and watched online, providing important information to the community, as well as being a tool for maintaining their language which could otherwise become extinct.

Federation of Indian Associations of VictoriaCommunity Service

The Federation Of Indian Associations Of Victoria (FIAV) serves as an umbrella organisation for all the Indian community organisations in Victoria. By bringing together individual organisations as a unified body, FIAV aims to strengthen the community and provide improved services to the Indian origin population in Victoria.

Kalyna CareAged Care

Kalyna Care illustrates the vision of the Ukrainian community that the ageing community deserves the right to live in a supportive and culturally-responsive environment, which caters to cultural needs. Kalyna Care also caters to the elderly from Croatian, Polish, German, Italian, Slovenian, Maltese, Macedonian, Egyptian, Indian, Russian and Loatian backgrounds as well as from English speaking countries. The staff profile is equally diverse, with representation from 24 nationalities, covering all corners of the globe. The diversity is valued by the elderly residents and makes Kalyna Care a setting which is truly multicultural providing quality of care for quality of life.

National Council of Jewish Women (Victoria) Community Services Inc – Caring MumsCommunity Service

The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Victoria) was established in 1927 to promote and advance social justice for women, not just for Jewish women but for the broader community of Victoria. Caring Mums is a free non-denominational one-on-one program for mothers of different social, cultural and religious backgrounds and provides the support needed by new mothers who are often isolated, overwhelmed or have no immediate family to assist. Caring Mums aids in assisting new mums to adapt to the challenges of motherhood, strengthening the bond with their baby and giving them the confidence needed to enjoy their parenting experience.

Russian Ethnic Representative Council of Victoria IncCommunity Service

The Russian Ethnic Representative Council of Victoria (RERC) was established in 1983 to provide community services and welfare to the needy and disadvantaged and to unite the community. Through coordination of voluntary and Government-funded welfare activities the Council provides: information to the Russian community on government initiatives and regulations; community services for needy, elderly and disadvantaged; assistance to migrants with settlement and employment in Australia; and assistance and resourcing to Russian groups, classes, clubs and societies.

Temple Society Bentleigh German SchoolLanguage Education

The Temple Society Bentleigh German School is a vibrant and dynamic community languages school that provides after-hours German language tuition to school aged children from Kindergarten to Year 10. The school has made a significant contribution in promoting community harmony in Victoria. Over the past decade the school’s enrolements have increased significantly, providing German language and cultural teaching to children who come from a German background as well as welcoming students from the wider community who wish to learn German for the first time.

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Awards

Organisations

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony


Recognising the outstanding achievements of a person or organisation that has developed programs, strategies or activities which furthered cross-cultural and cross-religious harmony in Victoria, and has initiated activities involving different cultural or religious groups working together on a project that demonstrates or promotes harmony and increases mutual understanding.

Mr J Murray Lobley For many years, Mr Lobley has played a significant role in promoting community harmony through actively contributing to and leading the Interfaith Committee of the Gippsland Ethnic Communities Council. In this role, he has developed various programs to promote harmony and cooperation between the many ethnic communities within the region. With his vast experience and network in interfaith work, especially in Dandenong, he has brought some of the best practices in community harmony to Gippsland.

Just some of Mr Lobley’s initiatives include the Cultural Diversity Week Open House, the “Talking Faiths” forums in local libraries, involvement with the Challenge Family Violence project and the development of an education resource. He has also led interfaith tours of places of worship and initiated Gippsland’s A Taste of Faith, where people of different ethnic origins and religion come together to share special foods that have significance to their religion and culture.

Mr Lobley is a member of the Faith Communities Council of Victoria and the Council of Christians and Jews Victoria. He was also on the Melbourne Community Advisory Committee for the 2008 Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

Business Awards


Corporate Innovation Award

Recognising a business that implements effective practices to increase the number of people with diverse backgrounds in their workplace and whose innovative internal practices promote cultural diversity.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Maurice Blackburn has demonstrated exemplary leadership in promoting Victoria’s cultural diversity within the private corporate sector through the outstanding implementation of a wide range of initiatives. The firm has played a leading role in recognising and embracing the importance of diversity and inclusive practices. This then supports the development of a culturally competent workplace by ensuring effective cross cultural attitudes, behaviours and cultural sensitivity are practiced across the entire workplace. The intention is to support all employees in building effective relationships with other staff members, as well as clients and community groups. This has provided a more engaging work environment and the ability to provide a service that is reflective of, and responsive to, the multicultural communities that make up Victoria’s rich diversity.

Examples of some of the key initiatives undertaken by Maurice Blackburn include: development of a cultural diversity took kit and cross cultural training; ongoing expert support and resources; the InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence; the establishment of a Legal Support Cultural Diversity Working Group; and the Guide to Religious and Spiritual Diversity.

Victorian Multicultural Marketing Award

Recognising a business that uses a multilingual workforce and innovative marketing and communication strategies to engage multicultural audiences and who use their brand or reputation to promote the benefits of cultural diversity.

Chinese Digital Media Chinese Digital Media has invented a new tool to build a bridge between the Australian and Chinese cultures.

Chinese Digital Media has devised an Australian Chinese Zodiac chart which identifies the Australian wildlife equivalent to the twelve animals on the Chinese Zodiac. For example, the Tasmanian Tiger has been identified as the equivalent of the Chinese Zodiac’s Tiger and the dingo the equivalent of the Dog.

To develop the tool Chinese Digital Media has engaged with its multicultural staff and the broader multicultural community. The consultation included assistance and advice from Chinese Feng Shui experts, cultural specialists and wildlife experts, as well as feedback from focus groups.

The skills required for this application go beyond just translation and the requirement for bilingual language experts. Bi-lingual cultural consultants, bi-lingual desktop publishers and IT specialists experts were all engaged for this project. Cultural and social research was undertaken, as well as a marketing campaign, which involved TV interviews and a media campaign, were required to deliver this new tool.

Business Awards

Ambassador Awards


Recognising a person and organisation who have shown exemplary leadership by implementing a vision that promotes cultural diversity and benefits the whole community, and whose contributions are outstanding, inspirational and positively influence cultural awareness in the general community.

Mr Mladen KrsmanYoung Person

Twenty three year-old Mladen Krsman has demonstrated leadership in the promotion of Victoria’s cultural diversity through various community building and strengthening projects, events and activities as a dedicated volunteer, and as an active community member.

Mladen came to Australia as a refugee from Serbia when he was seven year old. Attending both primary school and secondary school in Victoria, Mladen was on the school committee in his final year. He joined the Hampton Park Community Renewal Group in 2011 and has played a positive role in numerous community building and strengthening projects, events and activities, including the Art Mural that features in Arthur Wren Hall, showcasing the importance of multicultural awareness and cultural understanding.

Despite coming to Australia under difficult circumstances, Mladen makes a difference in the local community and beyond.

Mladen was nominated for the Casey Youth Volunteer Award in 2012 and received the 2012 Holt Australia Day Award in recognition of his valuable contribution to his local community.

Mrs Ngatuaine HoskingIndividual

Since her arrival to Australia in 2005, Ngatuaine Hosking has taken every opportunity to bring strength and mature organisation into the Cook Island community in Victoria.

Ngatuaine has looked for greater connections for her community with various other agencies and cultural groups, and became involved with leading this development process with groups of many cultures. She provides guidance to groups of Afghan women in Dandenong, to Thai women in Springvale, Burmese women in Noble Park, Fijian women in Monash, Asian women in Dandenong, multicultural women in Hampton Park and the Chinese Women’s Group of Victoria.

Ngatuaine has found organisations to mentor her and educational opportunities to gain professional qualification.

Just some of Ngatuaine’s achievements include representation on the Multicultural Advisory Committee for the City of Monash, standing for election as a candidate for the City of Monash Council, and being awarded the 2012 Monash Empowering Women’s Award.

Ambassador Awards


Footscray Community Arts CentreOrganisation

The Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) is both a leading contemporary arts and community-engaged organisation and state-of-the art cultural facility. It collaborates with communities, artists and organisations to build capacity, create opportunities and drive social change.

Located in Melbourne’s west, FCAC reaches throughout six local government areas and is one of the fastest growing and most diverse regions in Australia. It is home to a large multicultural population including a strong Indigenous presence and identifies with 130 cultural groups speaking over 150 languages. FCAC engages with communities and artists across the region who are culturally connected and relevant to the local area, and is committed to engaging and collaborating with those communities whose voices are marginalised and can be at times, unheard.

FCAC has a strong history of programs promoting and increasing cultural awareness. Some recent highlights of their programs include: the Emerging Cultural Leaders Program; the Contemporary Pacific Arts Festival; Refugee Week’s Heartlands exhibition; I Hear You & The Welcome Table – The Care to Share Project; and the Indigenous Cultural Program.

FCAC has been at the forefront of nurturing, inspiring and empowering multicultural and Indigenous contemporary art.

Ambassador Awards

Education Awards


Recognising outstanding practices in education and early childhood services that raise awareness and support the implementation of civics, citizenship and multicultural education.

Wilmot Road Primary SchoolEducation – Primary

Wilmot Road Primary School in Shepparton implements multicultural education, and leadership, as well as civics and citizenship activities to ensure its students can actively participate in Victoria’s multicultural community. The school uses language services, provides professional development for staff on cultural diversity and intercultural understanding, and employs Multicultural Education Aides from diverse backgrounds to assist school staff in engaging with parents and carers and to include the wider community in school life. Cultural diversity is a part of the school’s identity and is celebrated day to day, as well as through events to mark specific traditions or days of cultural significance. Strong links between the school and the community are promoted through initiatives such as a breakfast program, playgroups, parent learning courses and a homework club.

Dandenong High SchoolEducation – Secondary

Dandenong High School is one of the largest and most culturally diverse secondary schools in Victoria. Students come from 77 countries and speak 83 languages, many from asylum seeker or refugee backgrounds. The school is proud of its multicultural makeup and has taken active steps to embrace its cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, ensuring that all of its students have a deep sense of belonging and connectedness to the school. Dandenong High School has adopted a whole school approach to multicultural education, implementing initiatives including learning and teaching, professional development for staff, the recruitment and training of seven Refugee Liaison Teachers, the provision of high-quality English As An Additional Language (EAL) programs, a transition program for EAL students and a student Harmony Ambassador Program. Dandenong High School focuses on supporting the settlement of recently arrived families as well as creating a supportive and inclusive school environment for all. The school, in collaboration with partner organisations including the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Foundation House and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, is continuously looking for ways to enhance and strengthen the support of migrant and refugee background students and their families. The school is committed to improving the educational and wellbeing outcomes of all students.

Education Awards

Local Government

Award


Recognising a municipal council who made major improvements or developed initiatives that provide enhanced and culturally relevant services to culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, promote inclusive participation and engagement of those communities in civic life and enable greater access and communication between community and council.

Greater Shepparton City Council

Greater Shepparton, located in Central Victoria, is a regional area that enjoys significant Aboriginal cultural, spiritual and historical heritage, accompanied by a long history of migration stemming right back to the first World War when Southern Europeans began to migrate.

The Greater Shepparton City Council, in conjunction with the local Ethnic Council, health organisations, service providers, emergency services and community groups came together to respond to a community identified need to address issues of racism and discrimination. This resulted in the planning and development of two “Respecting Differences” Forums, to provide the Council’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Aboriginal communities an opportunity to share their stories and experiences in a safe environment. Service providers were also available to provide information, advice and options for any issues requiring further investigation.

Local Government Award

Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee (PACMAC)

Awards


Police Annual Multicultural Award

Recognising officers with a sustained and outstanding record in policing in a multicultural community, and who positively contribute to enhancing understanding and trust between police and multicultural communities.

Sergeant Timothy Lambourne

A veteran police officer with almost 20 years of service, Sergeant Timothy Lambourne is passionate about his role as the St Kilda Police Multicultural Portfolio Liaison Officer.

While Sergeant Lambourne’s role encompasses assisting all multicultural groups in their positive relationships with local police, it was early in this role that he became aware of the significant local Jewish Community and their special security and safety needs.

Described by his police peers as highly respected and regarded, Sergeant Lambourne has truly made a big difference in the lives of many members of St Kilda’s Jewish Community. Described as a tireless worker, Sergeant Lambourne has been instrumental in the successful establishment of various initiatives that have greatly enhanced the safety of local Jewish Community members, particularly for the aged and the young.

Sergeant Lambourne is mindful that many members of the Jewish Community, particularly those who are Holocaust Survivors, have personal and communal security concerns that if inadequately understood or addressed can greatly limit their enjoyment of life.

Via his attendance at meetings and social days at various Jewish organisations, his provision of safety and security advice to the Community Security Group, as well as his zeal in developing cross cultural programs for local police, Sergeant Lambourne has proven himself to be a most worthy recipient of the 2014 Police Annual Multicultural Award.

Police Multicultural Media Award

Recognising an officer who promotes policing issues to Victoria’s multicultural communities through effective communication strategies and multicultural outlets.

Mr John Chau A Public Service Officer attached to the Victoria Police for over 20 years, John Chau’s efforts to highlight important safety and security advice via multicultural and wider media are truly worthy of recognition.

Mr Chau is regularly involved in many media campaigns that are designed to attract people from new and emerging communities to join Victoria Police. In particular, Mr Chau’s work in the Chinese language print media in explaining the role of various Police Units, including Family Violence Officers and Crime Prevention officers, has had a large impact in instilling confidence in many diverse communities to report crimes to Police.

Proud of the diversity of Victoria Police, Mr Chau is committed to assisting members of diverse communities in becoming Police or Protective Service Officers.

It is hoped that in awarding Mr Chau this year’s Police Multicultural Media Award that more Police Officers will feel inspired to also use their initiative and utilise the multicultural media to convey important messages to their local community.

Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards


Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards

Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award

Recognising an officer who demonstrates active participation and innovation in enhancing understanding and respect between Protective Service Officers and multicultural communities.

PSO Harminder Singh As often cited by his peers and managers, Protective Service Officer (PSO) Harminder Singh is a credit to the Victoria Police Protective Service Officers Program.

PSO Singh truly exemplifies the Victoria Police Organisational Values system by providing his fellow PSOs with counsel, support and advice. This, coupled with his sincere desire to keep our public transport centres safe, drive this very dedicated and passionate officer.

Victoria Police and all of those who travel our public service system can be proud that PSO Singh is this year’s Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award Recipient.

Police Community Exemplary Award

Recognising a community member or organisation who demonstrates innovative strategies and initiatives that promote positive relations between police and Victoria’s multicultural communities.

Victoria Police Academy – Community Encounters Program

Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse communities in the world. To reflect our changing social landscape, Victoria Police is arming recruits with the multicultural and diversity awareness required to operate effectively in the 21st century. Victoria Police and Protective Service Officer Recruit Training has been modernised to improve understanding and develop relationships between police and the diverse community. As part of their 23-week program, Victoria Police’s newest members complete a two-week module, laying foundations for future development throughout their careers.

During the Introduction to Contemporary Policing module, recruits learn the history of policing, discuss ethics and values, and gain practical skills such as time management and professional conversations. They are also schooled in multiculturalism and diversity. At the end of their training, recruits undertake a two-hour session called Community Encounters, which allows them to converse with dedicated volunteer members of diverse community.

Media Award


Recognising excellence in the reporting of multicultural affairs and acknowledging the outstanding efforts of a person or organisation that highlighted issues of social importance and contributed to community awareness.

Ms Preeti JabbalIndividual

Preeti Jabbal, a journalist with over 15 years of experience in Australia and India, has continually demonstrated a dynamic and strong relationship with the culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities in Victoria through her efforts to promote cultural collaboration.

As a prolific writer about issues such as domestic violence, gender equality, cultural conflict, multiculturalism and migration, Preeti is well regarded for her sensitive understanding of relevant community issues. She also sets out to always provide a balanced perspective through her role as the Melbourne Coordinator of Indian Link newspaper and radio.

Via her articles, reports and active community participation, Preeti has encouraged greater awareness and respect for Victoria’s culturally diverse communities, in particular the Australian Indian and South Asian community.

Having been recognised by a multitude of organisations over the last decade, more recently Preeti has been a panellist on domestic violence as part of the Victoria Harmony Day 2013 and a panellist on PS3 Parenting in a Multicultural Society Forum in September 2013.

SBS RadioOrganisation

SBS Radio is a cornerstone of Australia’s multicultural story. The world’s most linguistically diverse media entity, SBS Radio is many things to many people: news, information, entertainment, education.

SBS Radio started in Sydney and Melbourne in 1975, as two AM stations transmitting important information about government services.

Today, SBS Radio is a bridge linking to over 4 million Australians who speak a language other than English.

With diverse cultural and community views, SBS Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day across eight channels. Seventy four language programs are broadcast each week, including SBS World News and Living Black Radio, as well as four music channels – SBS PopAsia, SBS PopDesi, SBS PopAraby and SBS Chill. SBS Radio produces 334 unique hours of programming each week, with correspondents across the globe.

SBS broadcasts on analogue networks to all capital cities and regional centres of Australia, and on a digital network to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Media Award

2014 Victorian Multicultural Honour

Roll Inductee


Recognising a newly arrived migrant or refugee who plays an outstanding leadership and volunteering role, demonstrates cultural diversity values and contribute towards making Victoria a harmonious multicultural community.

Mr Guillaume Nyakaboyi After being forced to leave his homeland, the Eastern African State of Burundi in 2000, Guillaume spent 10 years in a refugee camp in Tanzania.

Since his arrival in Australia in 2010, Guillaume has been an active and engaged community member. Through his involvement in a multitude of programs he has built strong personal and leadership skills and mentored other young people from both the Burundi and wider community.

Now undertaking a double degree in Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science, Guillaume has continued to participate in many different volunteer programs. These include the City of Greater Dandenong’s Youth Services Young Leaders Program, Kar Kulture with the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Chisholm’s Ambassadors Program, a Youth Development and Empowerment group sponsored by the Department of Justice and more recently Youth Services Youth Think Tank, a newly established youth advisory group.

2014 Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll Inductee

The Governor of Victoria, Victorian Government, Victorian Multicultural

Commission and Victoria Police thank all who participated in Victoria’s 2014

Multicultural Awards for Excellence; the presenters, nominators, referees and

most of all, the recipients.

Victorian Multicultural CommissionLevel 3, 3 Treasury Place

East Melbourne VIC 3002Telephone (03) 9651 0651Facsimile (03) 9651 0612

Email [email protected]

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