2004 Multicultural Award winners announced
Premier Geoff Gallop has applauded the efforts of seven Western Australians to promote multiculturalism and eliminate racism in the community by presenting them with the 2004 Multicultural Awards.Dr Gallop said the awards were symbolic of the Government's commitment to multiculturalism and its opposition to racism and discrimination in all its forms.
"The multicultural awards are an important way that we as a community can express our gratitude to some of the dedicated people who work to advance multiculturalism in this State and make a real difference in our community," he said.
"It is a great pleasure to publicly recognise the outstanding efforts and achievements of Western Australians who have advanced our understanding of multiculturalism, who have promoted human rights, tackled racism and shown excellence in addressing access and equity in service provision."
"Their efforts add immeasurably to the social capital and development of our State."
The Premier, who is also Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, presented two categories of award - the Multicultural Ambassador's Awards, which recognise the contribution of one young person and one adult to promote multiculturalism and eliminate racism, and the Multicultural Community Service Awards, which recognise excellence and innovation at the community level.
2004 MULTICULTURAL AWARD WINNERS
Multicultural Ambassador Award (youth category) Mr Sasanka Thilakasiri, (22), in recognition of his seven years' work devoted to educating young people on human right issues, particularly through his commitment to the United Nations Youth Association of Australia and the Riverton Youth Foundation.
Multicultural Ambassador Award (adult category) Mr Gerald W Searle, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to multiculturalism, migrants and refugees, first as a director of the Catholic Migrant Centre for 17 years and, since retirement, for his work alongside Aboriginal communities in Broome.
Multicultural Community Service Awards
The late Mrs Sophie Jasinski, in recognition of her life-long dedication to safeguard the social rights of people with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Sadly, Mrs Jasinki passed away in March 2004 and the award was accepted by her daughter, Julie Rynski.
Mr David Sims, Albany, in recognition of his courageous dedication to helping the Hazara refugees from Afghanistan to settle in Albany and fully participate in the city's community life.
Mrs Dijana Skorsur, in recognition of her sustained effort to ensure accessible, culturally responsive and equitable childcare is available for newly arrived refugees and the CALD community of WA.
Mrs Josey Hansen, Anglicare's Aboriginal Services Manager, who has worked tirelessly to empower the Nyoongar people and for the advancement of Aboriginal culture in the wider community through reconciliation.
Sr Phyllis Robertson, Lockridge, a Presentation Sister and co-ordinator of the Community Refugee Settlement program in Lockridge, in recognition of her life-long dedication to assist disadvantaged people, particularly migrants and newly arrived refugees.
The 2004 Multicultural Awards were presented as part of the 2004 Harmony Week celebrations.
Dr Geoff Gallop, Premier and Minister for Multicultural Interests with the 2004 Multicultural Award Winners.
From right to left: Mrs Josey Hansen, Mr Sasanka Thilakasiri, Julie Rynski (Sophie's daughter), Dijana Skorsur, the Premier, Mr David Sims and Mr Gerald Searle.
"It is a great pleasure to publicly recognise the outstanding efforts and achievements of Western Australians who have advanced our understanding of multiculturalism, who have promoted human rights, tackled racism and shown excellence in addressing access and equity in service provision."
"Their efforts add immeasurably to the social capital and development of our State."
Premier Gallop
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