Western Australia Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests John Castrilli

State Honours Leadership In Multiculturalism

Victor P Taffa

The Shire of Katanning was among a record field of outstanding nominees commended at the 2011 Multicultural Community Service Awards in Perth last night.

The ‘Implementing Multiculturalism Locally Award’ was presented to the shire for conducting programs that advanced multicultural principles and ensured its services met the needs of all community members.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister John Castrilli said it was the first time the category had been included in the awards, which this year attracted more than 50 nominations.

The winner of the ‘Business Migrant Award’ was Lijun Gu, a restaurant owner who assisted business migrants settle into their new environment.

The Chung Wah Association received the award in the Organisational Category in recognition of its provision of services to Asian communities of Western Australia.

The Public Transport Authority (Transperth) was the winner of another new category, the ‘Engaging the Community Innovation Award’, for efforts in reducing language barriers for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities.

Individual Category Winners included Dr. Anne Aly for efforts in combating racism and discrimination and Cathy Bickell for outstanding work establishing the Mandurah Migrant Centre.

Other Individual Award Winners Were:

• Christine l’Anson in recognition for work in early childhood and community services;
• Tommy Adebayo for extensive commitment to Perth African communities;
• The Late Sushma Paul was recognised posthumously for her contributions to the Indian community of Western Australia and the key role she played in developing cultural and trade relations between WA and India.

The Minister said this year’s quality of nominees clearly demonstrated the breadth of work being undertaken in multicultural services and business sectors in this State.

“The awards promote cultural diversity as an international, economic and social asset for WA   and I congratulate those who have made a positive difference in the lives of so many West Australians from CaLD backgrounds.” Mr. Castrilli said.