- The contributions of six individuals and organisations to supporting and promoting a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland community have been recognised at the 2023 Multicultural Queensland Awards
- Winners include former Somali refugee, Faysel Ahmed Selat, and President of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland, Peter Bongiorni
A former Somali refugee who was instrumental in helping to boost the vaccination rates of migrants and First Nations peoples at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic has been recognised at this year’s Multicultural Queensland Awards.
President of the Somali Community Association, Mr Faysel Ahmed Selat, was one of six individuals and organisations who were recognised for their outstanding achievements in supporting and promoting a united, harmonious, and inclusive Queensland community.
Since arriving in Australia as a refugee, Mr Selat has become a strong public health advocate and well-respected youth leader in Brisbane.
Mr Selat was awarded the Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander Award for his tireless efforts to ensure migrants and First Nations peoples have access to an inclusive public health system, combined with his work with the Queensland Police Service to develop a culturally informed response to reduce youth violence.
This year’s winner of the Minister’s Multicultural Award is Peter Bongiorni, President of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland, who was recognised for his incredible support to help newly arrived Ukrainians to secure homes, learn English, enrol their children in school, access health care and settle successfully into Queensland lifestyle.
Other winners included Dr Maggy Lord from the University of Queensland and Mabel Park State High School’s Parents and Citizens Association who were recognised as Diversity and Inclusion Champions, and Rockhampton’s Dawn Hay and the Townsville Multicultural Support Group received Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achievement awards.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard:
“The quality and diversity of the nominations this year made me incredibly proud to be a Queenslander.
“We have some truly remarkable individuals and organisations working across the state to ensure our communities are welcoming, where people can thrive and contribute positively.
“This year’s award winners and nominees are shining examples of how we are leading the way when it comes to diversity and inclusion.
“I congratulate all of the recipients and nominees and thank them for their leadership and dedication in creating a better Queensland.
“These awards round out another hugely successful Multicultural Queensland Month.
“Queenslanders have participated in a wide range of events and activities across the state in celebration of our rich cultural and linguistic diversity.”
