Do you know a person making a difference within South Australia’s multicultural community?

Now is the time to think about nominating them in the 2024 Governor’s Multicultural Awards.

The annual awards recognise community volunteers, groups, media, businesses and government agencies whose outstanding contributions have promoted multiculturalism and increased the understanding of the benefits of cultural diversity in our community.

South Australians can be nominated for paid or voluntary work across nine categories: Outstanding Individual Achievement, Arts and Culture, Community Sector, Media, Private Sector, Public Sector, Volunteer, Senior Volunteer, and Youth.

Nominating for the Governor’s Multicultural Awards is a simple process that is open to all South Australians.

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia said the awards provided an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and share the stories of those who make a difference.

“Nominating is a way to say thank you to those whose passion, dedication and community spirit helps make South Australia an inclusive place for all," she said.

“I encourage all South Australians to nominate – whether it’s an individual, including yourself, a team, or an organisation that inspires you through their commitment to multiculturalism.”

The 2023 Outstanding Individual Achievement Award was won by Ms Rosa Matto. A proud daughter of Italian immigrant parents, Ms Matto has had an impressive and multifaceted 30-year career as a renowned celebrity chef, food writer, consultant, media personality, public speaker, and mentor to young people from diverse backgrounds.

“It was a very humbling award to receive. The multicultural aspect of our community is very dear to my life, heart and work and so to be acknowledged in this sphere was so very special,” Ms Matto said.

“I know that the Italo-Australian community shared in my success at receiving this award. I felt that we were all honoured for our work and dedication to making South Australia a peaceful, gracious and accepting home for all of us.”

The 2023 Community Sector Award was jointly awarded to Mr Nader Ibrahim, co-founder of sports social enterprise One Culture, and the Mount Gambier chapter of the Survivors of Torture, Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service (STTARS).

STTARS – South East was recognised for its advocacy and engagement with new arrivals and refugees across the Limestone Coast, demonstrating the incredible work that extends across our proudly multicultural state.

“We felt incredibly honoured to have been a recipient of the Governor's Multicultural Awards. We feel this award is not only for us but for our whole region,” South East Regional Coordinator Ms Sophie Coote said.

“We are incredibly lucky to have a wonderful community, who are all passionate about community development, regional growth and prosperity. So this award is a reflection of the deep collaboration and strong relationships within regional communities.”

The 2023 Arts and Culture Award was won by Ms Elizabeth Sykora from the City of Marion.

For 20 years, Ms Sykora has supported artists showcasing their traditional culture through a range of programs reaching an estimated 62,000 people.

“For me, this award is more than just a trophy – it’s a powerful reminder of the essential role art plays in both preserving and promoting our diverse cultures. This recognition celebrates the invaluable contributions of our culturally diverse communities and highlights the ways in which artistic expression enriches our collective cultural identity,” Ms Sykora said.

“Nominating someone for the Governor’s Multicultural Awards is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on their exceptional work and celebrate their contributions. By coming together to recognise and celebrate these achievements, we inspire a spirit of collaboration and excellence that benefits everyone.”

South Australians can nominate an individual, team or organisation that is passionate about making a positive contribution to multiculturalism – and help share their story.

Nominations close at 11pm on Sunday 29 September, 2024, with recipients honoured at an award ceremony at Government House Adelaide in early 2025.

The Governor’s Multicultural Awards are administered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet through Multicultural Affairs.

Click here (external site) for more information or to nominate online.