Aqua English Project co-founder Sarah Scarce who has helped more than 33,000 migrants and refugees learn to swim is one of four winners of this year's Multicultural Queensland Awards.
The annual awards ceremony held last night at Brisbane's La Boite Theatre honours the passion and commitment of community leaders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The winners came from groups, businesses and volunteers dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive Queensland.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Leanne Linard congratulated Sarah Scarce on becoming this year's Diversity and Inclusion Champion.
"The awards were one of the high points of the Queensland Multicultural Month celebrations. The theme for the month was 'Inclusion in Action" and the winners and highly commended recipients were chosen because of their outstanding example of making these words a reality,' Ms. Linard said.
"When Queenslanders work together, support one another, and embrace community, harmony and equity, we are the stronger for it."
Other winners on the night included Kerry McQuillan from Randstad who received the Minister's Multicultural Award, Sheetal Deo who received an award for Outstanding Contribution from a New Queenslander, and the Indooroopilly Uniting Church Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub, which was named Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever.
"This year's nominations were very diverse. They not only came from a variety of cultures and faith but also many different industries and initiatives,' Ms Linard said.
"This included healthcare, sport and recreation, community services, legal services, employment support, and initiatives for young people and elders – just to name a few."
"It's this power of collaboration and connection that drew me to award this year's Minister's Multicultural Award to Ms Kerry McQuillan from Randstad as an outstanding example of inclusion in action.
"This unique and tailored mentoring program brings people from migrant and refugee backgrounds together with established professionals, giving both mentors and mentees a chance to learn from each other.
"The program has been run by Randstad in collaboration with Multicultural Australia and over four years has supported more than 60 people to break down barriers to employment.
"I congratulate all recipients and nominees in this year's awards and commend them on their leadership and dedication to creating a truly inclusive Queensland.
