Brisbane celebrated its vibrant business community on Friday, with a lively gathering at the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards. From tech-driven poultry management to unique dessert creations, the event honoured standout entrepreneurs who are enriching the city with their talents and vision. More than 500 attendees joined in recognising the 11 finalists, each of whom has contributed to making Brisbane a more dynamic and diverse place to live and work.
Jason Le, founder of JRNY Digital Australia, was awarded the Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year. His digital marketing agency has made significant strides across Australia, delivering innovative campaigns that reflect a deep understanding of the local market.
Dr Tugrul Durali took home the title of Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year, applauded for his pioneering work in poultry technology. Through his company Avian Management Services, Dr Durali introduced automated composting solutions to Australian farms, bringing efficiency and sustainability to the agriculture sector.
The Multicultural Business Person of the Year accolade went to Dr Deling Ma, an entomologist with a flair for digital pest management training. Her company provides training across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, helping businesses tackle pest challenges with cutting-edge methods and technology.
This year also introduced a fresh honour, the Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year award, which was presented to Ginger Mendoza Andersen. Starting with Batch Cookie Bar in 2020, Ginger captivated Brisbane’s CBD with Filipino-inspired flavours. She has since expanded her culinary ventures, opening Luna Pies and Tita’s Canteen, adding to Brisbane’s diverse food scene.
Funds raised from the awards evening will fuel the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program, offering educational opportunities for future business leaders. Since its beginning, the program has supported over 30 awardees and provided more than 700 scholarships, helping young entrepreneurs gain essential skills to flourish in today’s market.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised the contributions of Brisbane’s multicultural entrepreneurs, saying, “Our city is enriched by these incredible business owners, whose passion and ingenuity make Brisbane a better place to live and work. Each year, the awards celebrate their talent and resilience, recognising the innovation they bring to a range of industries.”
He added that the scholarship program is vital for nurturing the next generation of business leaders, saying, “These scholarships are an investment in the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, helping them expand their offerings and strengthen Brisbane’s economy here and abroad.”
Supported by Shayher Group and Roder Lawyers, this year’s awards continue to spotlight Brisbane’s ever-growing multicultural business community, with high hopes for the future achievements of the city’s dynamic entrepreneurs.
For further details on the awards or scholarship program, visit the Brisbane City Council website and search “Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards”.
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