Seven inspiring Queenslanders have been recognised at the Multicultural Queensland Awards in Logan overnight for their practical efforts to build a more inclusive, harmonious and prosperous state.
The awards were a finale to Multicultural Queensland Month, celebrated throughout August, which has included highlights such as LUMINOUS Parades in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, India Fest in Townsville, the Cairns Italian Festival, as well as performances on the multicultural stage during the Ekka.
Minister for Multiculturalism, Fiona Simpson, congratulated the winners and described the awards as the icing on the cake of another fantastic Multicultural Queensland Month.
“It is my absolute privilege to recognise these outstanding Queenslanders for their work in community outreach, interfaith dialogue, refugee advocacy, education, and disaster support,” Minister Simpson said.
“The Crisafulli Government is working hard to support the aspirations of our diverse communities and build a Queensland in which everyone wants to call home and contribute to our society.
“The message from our multicultural communities is they are excited to finally work with a government that listens and respects their culture, religion, family and businesses.”
Baptist pastor, Emil Rahimov (main photo, second from right), received the prestigious Minister’s Multicultural Award. The award recognised his tireless work supporting migrant and refugee communities, as well as fostering interfaith and cross-cultural harmony.
Mr Rahimov said he hoped the recognition would encourage others in their own volunteering efforts.
“I stand on the shoulders of others who started long before me,” Mr Rahimov said.
“I hope someone will stand on my shoulders one day and say: ‘Emil inspired me to serve’.”
Other award winners were:
Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander: Ben Maiyo (Ipswich) – for volunteering efforts during Tropical Cyclone Alfred, North Queensland floods, and his community outreach.
Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever: Maisha Bora Program (Cairns) – for empowering migrant and refugee women through skills training and community connections.
Diversity and Inclusion Champion: John Holland Group (Statewide) – for its paid internship program for refugees and migrants, and inclusive workplace policies.
Diversity and Inclusion Champion: Lolla Ingadottir (Townsville) – for spearheading initiatives such as NQ Connect and NQ First Nations Connect.
Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever: Raewyn Burton (Brisbane) – for her work as a volunteer and advocate for Pacific Islanders and multicultural inmates in prison and in immigration detention.
Lifetime Achiever: Irene Bayldon (Brisbane) – for her work volunteering in the community sector for over 35 years.
