Premier

Honouring The Contributions Of Refugees And Asylum Seekers

29 March 2021

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Victorian Refugee Awards, which recognise the achievements and contributions of Victorians from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

The annual awards honour people, businesses and organisations who have excelled through study, work, entrepreneurial or volunteer efforts in Victoria. Multiple awards will be presented across four categories – Young Leader, Achievement, Leadership and Business.

The awards will be a key part of Refugee Week, which will run from Sunday 20 June to Saturday 26 June this year.

Refugee Week raises awareness about issues affecting refugees and celebrates their contribution to our county and our community. The theme for this year is Unity – The Way Forward, which calls for the spirit of unity as communities recover from the isolation endured in 2020.

In addition to the Awards, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is supporting a series of community events over the week to share refugee experiences, delivered by the VMC Regional Advisory Councils.

For more information about eligibility and how to nominate, visit multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/victorian-refugee-awardsExternal Link .

Nominations must be submitted online by 11.59pm on Saturday 24 April and individuals can self-nominate.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence

“The Victorian Refugee Awards is a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of Victorians from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds and the contribution they have made – and continue to make – to our state.”

“I encourage Victorians to get involved by nominating someone for an award and by celebrating Refugee Week later this year.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Viv Nguyen

“We’re excited to relaunch Victorian Refugee Awards and encourage you to nominate yourself or someone else for one of the four categories.”

“At times refugees and people seeking asylum are harmed by myths, stereotypes and misunderstandings – that’s why showcasing the diversity and achievements of refugees across Victoria during Refugee Week is so important.”

Reviewed 29 March 2021

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