Filipino-Australian community leaders and media were among those recognised for their contributions to community life and multicultural engagement at this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence, held at Government House in Melbourne.
The Philippine Times, Filipino Community Council of Victoria chief executive officer Roxanne Sarthou, and regional community broadcaster Cora Fuentes-Mahnic were among the recipients honoured at the ceremony hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria.
Presented by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the awards recognise individuals and organisations whose work has strengthened inclusion and belonging across the state.
Champions of the Filipino community
The Philippine Times was named winner of the Media Award (Organisation), with the recognition received by publisher Alice Nicolas. The award citation highlighted the publication’s role in connecting Filipino-Australians through trusted reporting and cultural storytelling. It noted the newspaper’s work in amplifying migrant voices, celebrating Filipino heritage and embracing digital platforms to foster cross-cultural understanding and empower communities.
Two Filipino-Australian community leaders were also inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll, which recognises diverse and significant contributions made across Victoria.
Roxanne Sarthou, Chief Executive Officer of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVI), was inducted for her extensive service to the community. She has been a strong advocate for culturally appropriate aged care and welfare support and has led initiatives supporting Filipino seniors and strengthening community infrastructure in Victoria.
In her role at FCCVI, Sarthou has provided leadership in delivering key community services, including foodbank and food relief programs, aged care support, international student programs, outreach services, and broader advocacy for Filipinos and multicultural Australia.
Sarthou said she felt “deeply honoured and grateful” to be inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll.
“This recognition further strengthens my commitment to serve and to continue advocating for vibrant, inclusive multicultural communities across Victoria and throughout Australia,” she said.
Cora Fuentes-Mahnic, a community broadcaster based in Bendigo, was also inducted into the Honour Roll. She is known for her long-running program, The Filipino Show on Phoenix FM and for her commitment to promoting Filipino culture and music in regional Victoria. She has also been actively involved in regional multicultural events, including the Zinda Festival.
This recognition marks the culmination of her many years of social and civic community contribution through various roles involving community partnerships, mentoring, empowering, volunteering, advocacy, broadcasting, and both paid and unpaid public service work as a community leader.
Fuentes-Mahnic said she was “overwhelmed” by the recognition.
“I am overwhelmed, elated… words cannot describe how I felt when I realised from the letter that I am one of the inductees… thankful and blessed, I suppose,” she said.
Celebrating a united Victoria
Award recipients were recognised across 14 categories, including Arts, Business, Emergency Services, Media, Police, Sport and Youth.
Premier Jacinta Allan commended the winners for their dedication to unity.
“Victoria is a place where everyone is welcome, no matter where you come from – these awards highlight and celebrate those who have strived for a united, more inclusive Victoria,” Premier Allan said.
Among the major category winners were:
- The Prevention of Family Violence Award, presented to Luba Tanevski, a migration agent and advocate with more than 35 years of service supporting migrant and refugee women to rebuild their lives after escaping family violence.
- The Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, awarded to the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing, a community-led organisation working to improve mental health, spiritual wellbeing and social cohesion for Victoria’s Muslim communities.
- The Youth Leadership Award, presented to COOK4CALD, a youth-founded and led initiative addressing food insecurity through culturally inclusive meals and community events that foster connection and celebrate diversity.
- The Police Community Exemplary Award, presented to Rabbi Shmuel Karnowsky, a Victoria Police chaplain recognised for fostering social cohesion and strengthening relationships between Victoria Police and Jewish young people.
- The Premier’s Award for Community Harmony, jointly awarded to Ruchi Sharma and the Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer, recognising their work in keeping Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities connected while supporting community health and wellbeing.
In total, 36 Victorians were inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt highlighted the value of these contributions.
“Victoria’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths – these remarkable individuals and organisations have contributed so much to our state, and we are richer for their efforts,” Minister Stitt said.
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, said the awards reflect the resilience of the community.
“These prestigious annual awards demonstrate that embracing difference makes us stronger. The passion, dedication and achievements of our nominees reflects the richness and resilience of Victoria’s multicultural communities,” Ms Nguyen said.
For the full list of award winners and highly commended recipients, visit: multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-awards-for-excellence
