Australians are increasingly embracing multiculturalism and recognising the importance and value of migration, according to the Migration Council of Australia (MCA).

The council’s statement comes with the release of the shortlist of finalists in the 2014 Migration and Settlement Awards.

Nineteen outstanding individuals and organisations have been selected as finalists and for the first time a large multi-national corporation has been shortlisted and women’s groups figure prominently.

MCA Chief Executive Carla Wilshire said the strength of the list of finalists shows that Australians are becoming more aware of the positive impact of multiculturalism and migration.

“The quality and spread of shortlisted finalists – across geography and industry sectors – shows us that diversity is becoming more important and relevant to individuals and organisations in Australia,” Ms Wilshire said.

“This year’s list is a fantastic advertisement for the benefits of migration and the richness that cultural diversity brings to all our lives,” she said.

Giant international hotel chain ACCOR has been nominated for the Business Inclusion Award for its initiative to recruit and train 400 refugees over a 12 month period.

Women’s groups, including Netball Australia and Gymnastics NSW, have also been shortlisted along with the Welcome to Australia phenomenon, which saw more than 12,000 people attend walks in 15 cities to mobilise a spirit of welcome to newcomers to Australia.

The nominees’ tireless efforts in successfully assisting new migrants and refugees to settle and feel at home within the Australian community will be recognised and the winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner, held in the Great Hall of Parliament House on 24 March 2014.

The finalists were selected by an eminent, independent judging panel which included Dr Hass Dellal, Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston, Jane Kennedy, Naomi Milgrom and Andrew O’Keefe.

The awards’ seven categories are:

• Settlement Innovation Award
• Case Worker of the year Award
• Diversity and the Law Award
• Journalism Excellence Award
• Business Inclusion Award
• Sports Leadership Award

The Migration Council Australia would like to thank all of the individuals who took the time and effort to nominate themselves, colleagues, organisations or friends.