Three outstanding contributions to inclusion and community harmony have been recognised at the Blacktown City Multicultural Awards.
In a community of 460,000 people representing more than 180 nationalities, the awards recognise people and organisations whose work helps build connections across Blacktown City.
SydWest Multicultural Services, Ruvi Pooliyadde and Dr Kanan Shah were recognised across three award categories.
Mayor of Blacktown City Brad Bunting congratulated the recipients and thanked them for the contribution they make to the city."
"Our multicultural community is built through thousands of everyday connections between people," Mayor Bunting said.
"These awards recognise people and organisations who are creating opportunities, helping people participate in community life and making sure people feel welcome and included."
"What stands out about this year's recipients is the practical difference they are making, whether that is helping a newly arrived refugee find work, helping a young person develop confidence and a sense of belonging, or using arts and culture to connect people across generations.
"SydWest, Ruvi and Dr Shah are strengthening those connections, and I congratulate them on this recognition."
Community Project Award - SydWest Multicultural Services
SydWest Multicultural Services received the Community Project Award for its Employment Accelerator program.
Established in 2018, the program aims to improve employment outcomes for new arrivals and refugees in Blacktown and Greater Western Sydney.
It brings together more than 50 stakeholders from across different sectors to address barriers to employment and help participants build pathways into work.
Emerging Young Leader Award - Ruvi Pooliyadde
Ruvi Pooliyadde received the Emerging Young Leader Award for community projects she began while still a child.
At nine years of age, Ruvi began crocheting poppies for Blacktown RSL Sub-branch as part of a project to honour Australian veterans and preserve the Anzac story.
She has since written a bilingual Sinhala and English children's book, The Birth of the Poppy Flower, introducing younger readers to the significance of the poppy and Anzac.
Through these projects, Ruvi has brought together her own cultural heritage and an important part of Australia's history, helping younger people from different backgrounds understand and connect with the Anzac story.
Multicultural Champion - Individual Achievement Award - Dr Kanan Shah
Dr Kanan Shah received the Multicultural Champion, Individual Achievement Award for her work through the Nartan Institute of Performing Arts.
As founder and director of the institute, Dr Shah has used performing arts, education and mentoring to strengthen participation and belonging.
She has personally mentored hundreds of young people and conducts dance and wellbeing workshops for preschool children, seniors and people with disability.
