The Multicultural Youth Awards 2024 took centre stage at Parliament House of Victoria on 5th October, marking the first edition of an event that honoured outstanding achievements of young multicultural leaders across Australia.
Among the evening’s highlights was Sagalee Omer, who was recognised as both the Entrepreneur of the Year and recipient of the Australian Minister for Youth’s Award. Omer’s entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to her community set her apart as a rising star. Adem Savran was also in the spotlight, taking home the Sportsperson of the Year award for his accomplishments in the sporting arena.
The awards spanned various fields, acknowledging individuals making significant contributions to their communities. Towheed Altahir was celebrated for his efforts with the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, while Arya Sadeghi received the Academic Excellence Award. Creativity was also front and centre, with Celine Khoury recognised for her contributions in the performing arts.
In a powerful moment, Braydon Saunders was honoured with the Implementing Aboriginal Self-Determination Award, reflecting the ongoing efforts to uplift Indigenous voices and advocate for self-determination in Australia.
Other winners included Sarah Hanoona, named Young Woman of the Year, and Daisy Wu, awarded Young Leader of the Year. Mohammad Azeem Ibrahimi’s commitment to service earned him Volunteer of the Year, while Lutfiye Kavci and Atena Kashani were recognised as Inspirational Young Person of the Year and Young Influencer of the Year, respectively.
The event opened with a welcome from Federal Minister for Youth, Anne Aly, and included a message from Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan. Allan expressed her pride in Victoria’s diversity, praising the nominees and winners for their achievements. “You’re truly making a difference in your communities,” she remarked, encouraging the young leaders to continue their impactful work.
Minister for Youth, Natalie Suleyman, highlighted the invaluable contributions of multicultural youth in shaping Victoria’s future, while Yusuf Liban, Director of the Multicultural Youth Awards, called the event a ‘groundbreaking’ celebration of multicultural youth, underscoring the importance of recognising individual excellence and embracing diversity.
The event was supported by key partners, including Multicultural Arts Victoria, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Melbourne Polytechnic, and the Victorian Department of Education, along with the City of Melbourne.
With awardees spanning from entrepreneurs to volunteers, and athletes to artists, the Multicultural Youth Awards 2024 showcased the diverse talents of Australia’s next generation of changemakers.
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