The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is calling for nominations to the Victorian Refugee Awards (VRA). This initiative recognises people, businesses and organisations who have excelled through study, work, entrepreneurial or volunteer efforts.
“These Awards celebrate community champions who go above and beyond to serve our communities, often without recognition,” VMC Acting Chairperson Bwe Thay said.
“Our refugee communities have contributed so much to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our state. I want to acknowledge all refugees and asylum seekers for their contributions, especially during back-to-back crises of the bushfires and pandemic.”
Bwe himself came to Australia in 2009 as a refugee from Myanmar through the Australian Humanitarian Resettlement Program. Through the power of education, he has been able to empower himself and new and emerging communities to overcome a range of barriers and contribute to the Victorian community at their full potential.
Bwe has long championed multiculturalism, inclusion and diversity. His work has been recognised by a variety of educational institutions, government and community sector organisations.
Ten years to the day after his arrival in Australia, Bwe was appointed to the Victorian Multicultural Commission by the Victorian Government.
Bwe’s human rights and social justice advocacy has also increased his international profile. He has been appointed a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar and admitted as a member of the Asia Peace Innovators Forum. Salzburg Global is an independent not-for-profit organisation founded in 1947 to challenge current and future leaders to shape a better world. Bwe is only the second person from Victoria to receive a Fellowship.
VRA categories
Young Leader Award – recognises refugees aged 25 or under who have made an outstanding contribution through study, work or volunteer efforts.
Achievement Award – recognises the outstanding achievements of refugees who have personally or professionally excelled through study, work, entrepreneurial or volunteer efforts.
Leadership Award – recognises refugees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the community.
Business Award – recognises organisations and businesses who are implementing innovative practices to support the employment, contribution and/or participation of refugees.
Nominations for the Victorian Refugee Awards close on April 24th.
If you are, or know, someone from a refugee or asylum seeker background is excelling and deserves recognition, nominate them via the VMC website.
