Liz Beattie, State Member for Yuroke and Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, today congratulated local residents who were last night presented with Awards for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs.

The Victorian Government has recognised more than 200 individuals and organisations for their outstanding service to the State’s multicultural community.

The event, hosted by Governor of Victoria David de Kretser, attracted more than 600 members of Victoria’s multicultural community, with awards presented across nine categories. Recipients were selected from individuals, community groups and organisations nominated by members of the public.

Liz Beattie attended the Multicultural Awards presentation at Government House last night and presented the Awards for Multicultural Education.

Ms Beattie said it was terrific that two Yuroke residents were recipients of awards which recognise the valuable contributions that have been made to Multicultural Victoria.

“I am very pleased that two Yuroke residents received awards in the category of Meritorious Service to the Community with Mr Ardimulam Pillay and Mr Chandrasiri Bamunusinghe both receiving recognition for their outstanding contributions to their community,” Ms Beattie said.

“Mr Pillay has made outstanding voluntary contributions to the Fijian community in Victoria through his work with FSCOVA (Fiji Social and Cultural Organisation of Victoria Australia). He has been inspirational in developing initiatives that incorporate and accept diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Mr Pillay has also worked extremely hard on helping migrants integrate into Victoria and provided support and assistance to facilitate this integration process.” Ms Beattie said.

 “Mr Bamunusinghe has shown excellent commitment and leadership working tirelessly to promote and strengthen multiculturalism in Victoria. He has strengthened the voice of the Sir Lankan community and participated in many co-operative initiatives in the spirit of cultural diversity to enhance awareness and understanding of the Sir Lankan culture,” Ms Beattie said.

Ms Beattie said “the award recipients have shown excellent commitment to strengthen Victoria’s diversity and have helped to make Melbourne one of the world’s great multicultural cities.”

The Multicultural Awards for Excellence were established in 2002 to recognise and reward the contributions of individuals and organisations that promote the social, political, economic and cultural benefits of Victoria's multicultural community.

For more information please contact Liz Beattie on 9305 7177 or contact the Office of the Victorian Multicultural Commission on (03) 9208 3184.