A 15-year-old AFL player, a deeply committed volunteer organisation, and an Order of Australia Medal recipient are among this year's winners of the Multicultural Queensland Awards.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Leanne Linard today congratulated the four award winners for their outstanding contributions to creating an inclusive, harmonious and united Queensland.
"This year's awards categories were refreshed in order to celebrate and recognise contributions from newly arrived Queenslanders, state champions of inclusion and belonging, and exceptional multicultural sector efforts that are innovative and intercultural," Ms Linard said.
The winners of the 2021 Multicultural Queensland Awards are:
- Outstanding Contribution from a New Queenslander:15-year-old Zimra Hussain who is on her way to becoming the first woman from a Muslim background to play for the Brisbane Lions AFLW team
- Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever: Habib Jamal, President of the Islamic Council of Queensland, Multicultural Ambassador for Mental Health Foundation Australia and trustee of the Gold Coast Mosque
- Diversity and Inclusion Champion: Pushing Barriers, a not-for-profit organisation linking refugees to sports opportunities, and
- Minister's Multicultural Award: Beny Bol OAM, President of the Queensland African Communities Council.
"Unfortunately, due to current COVID restrictions we were unable to come together to announce this year's award winners, but I'm sure we will find a way to celebrate their outstanding efforts at an appropriate time," Ms Linard said.
"I was delighted to select Beny Bol for the work he has undertaken in the community to break down barriers and encourage communication, participation and greater acceptance of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
"I was also very happy to give a Minister's Highly Commended award to Trish Luckock, Thargomindah State School's Principal, for her tremendous efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive local community.
"All the winners, and the other 65 high-quality nominations we received for this year's awards, should be so proud of their efforts – because of their practical actions and engagement they have no doubt helped thousands of new Queenslanders feel supported and welcomed, while contributing to Queensland's culture and prosperity."
