The Andrews Labor Government is marking world Refugee Week by honouring the achievements of Victorians who arrived in Australia as refugees or asylum seekers.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence and Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen honoured 14 recipients of the 2022 Victorian Refugee Awards at a ceremony last night at the State Library of Victoria.
The awards recognise Victorians who excel through study, work, entrepreneurship or volunteering, including those who own or run businesses or organisations that support others with refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds.
In 2021, award recipients were unable to celebrate in person due to the pandemic - making this year's ceremony an even bigger celebration as recipients of both year's awards came together with their friends, family and community.
Awards were presented across four categories: Young Leader, Achievement, Leadership and Business. Each award showcasing the talent and accomplishments of finalists that have made an important contribution to our community.
The awards ceremony marks the start of Refugee Week, which continues until Saturday 25 June. Refugee Week is a long-recognised annual and global initiative that raises awareness about issues affecting refugees and celebrates their invaluable contributions.
The recipients of both the 2021 and 2022 Victorian Refugee Awards exemplify a call to action through leadership, advocacy and courage throughout the pandemic.
For more information about the 2022 Victorian Refugee Award winners visit: multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/victorian-refugee-awards
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence
"The recipients of 2021 and 2022 Victorian Refugee Awards are leaders in our community and an example for all Victorians of the power of strength through hardship."
"The inner-strength shown by recipients and the aspirations that they hold for themselves and their communities is something we should all celebrate."
As stated by Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen
"As someone with a refugee background, I am proud to showcase the achievements that those who arrive as refugees or asylum seekers can and do make, not only toward their own aspirations, but to Victoria as a whole."
"We should all seek to emulate the success and resilience of the recipients of Victorian Refugee Award recipients."
