Victoria’ s multicultural leaders and champions have been honoured at this year’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence. 

The event celebrated the achievements of 27 award winners at an event held at Government House hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria. 

The awards recognise individuals and groups whose efforts have strengthened inclusion, unity and belonging throughout Victoria. 

The award winners came from 14 categories, including arts, business, emergency services, media, police, sport and youth. 

The Premier’s Award for Community Harmony for an individual was awarded to Ruchi Sharma for her work fostering multiculturalism. And Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer won the award for an organisation. The award recognises the transformative work of both recipients in keeping Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities connected, and support community health and wellbeing. 

The Refugee Leadership Award went to Parsu Budathoki, a former refugee and community leader whose work spans education, health and cultural inclusion. 

The Sport Award went to the Bachar Houli Foundation, whose culturally inclusive programs promote participation, representation and social cohesion. 

The Youth Leadership Award went to COOK4CALD, a youth-led charity that works to address food insecurity by providing culturally inclusive meals and hosts a variety of community events. 

The Mental Health and Wellbeing award went to the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing, a community-led organisation that works to improve mental health, spiritual wellbeing and social cohesion for Victoria’s Muslim communities. 

Also, 36 people were inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll, highlighting diverse and extraordinary contributions across the state. 

One of them was Vedran Drakulic, OAM, a former refugee from Bosnia and a former board member of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia. 

Through his work and volunteering, Vedran has made a significant, and lasting, impact and contribution to multiculturalism in Victoria. 

Governor Gardner told the gathering that multiculturalism was one of Victoria’s strengths. 

“We Victorians people from around 300 countries who speak 290 languages and dialects. Our diversity and inclusivity define who we are,” she said. 

Premier Jacinta Allan said in a video message: “These awards recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who embody the spirit of a welcoming and inclusive Victoria, where everyone can belong and thrive. 

“Each award recipient reflects the strength of Victoria’s diversity, contributing to united communities and a shared future, where people are valued, included and inspired,” Premier Allen said. 

See the full list of winners: multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-awards-for-excellence