Indian Australians among 67 honoured at 2024 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence

Several Indian Australians have been inducted into the 2024 Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, along with others who were honoured at this year's Victorian Multicultural Commission Awards for Excellence.

Sixty-seven individuals, businesses, and organisations were honoured for their contributions to multicultural communities across Victoria during a jam-packed ceremony at Government House on Wednesday, 4 December.

This year also saw 25 Victorians inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll, now in its third year, recognising their outstanding and lasting impact on multiculturalism in the state.

Victorian Multicultural Commission Award Ceremony being held at Governor House on 4 December 2024. Credit: SBS Hindi

The Honour Roll highlights those who actively promote multicultural civic participation and showcase the social, cultural, and economic benefits of diversity in Victoria.

The award ceremony was attended by the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt MP, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Vivienne Nguyen AM, along with several other guests.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said "These Awards are an acknowledgement of those that have gone above and beyond for both their community and Victoria as a whole, with contributions across a diverse range of categories."

67 individuals were given awards by VMC at an event hosted by the Governor of Victoria this year. Credit: SBS Hindi

Echoing similar sentiments, SBS Audio and Language Content Director David Hua said that these awards at Government House are a testament to the diversity of both Victoria and its people.

"I think the Governor said it really really well when she talked about people's dreams and Victoria being right up the part of multiculturalism in Australia," he added.

Multicultural Honour Roll awardees

Manpreet Kaur Singh, Program Manager at SBS

Manpreet Kaur Singh, Program manager at SBS

"Its been my privilege to showcase our community's stories through our language programs on SBS for almost 32 years now. This award is not just a personal honour but also a heartfelt tribute to our loyal audience, Australia's South Asian community and the exceptional team within SBS that has worked tirelessly to share authentic stories about multicultural Australia."

Professor Manjula Datta O’Connor, Psychiatrist and Co-founder of AustralAsian Centre for Human Rights and Health

Manjula O'Connor with her husband Credit: SBS

"Being recognised by the government makes me feel that our work in the area of domestic violence has been acknowledged, and that recognition is invaluable. It gives us a sense of purpose, reinforcing that we are doing an important job for the state."

Aayushi Khillan, Founder of Body Buddies, a not-for-profit encouraging body literacy

Aayushi Khillan (Right) Credit: Supplied by Raj Khillan

"My advice to young people is to pursue whatever you’re passionate about. Don’t let your ethnicity, accent, or any other barriers stand in your way. My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and today, I’m here receiving this award because of that support."

Others from the multicultural communities inducted into the Honour Roll include Dilnaz Homi Billimoria, Shazia Syed, Maryum Aziz Chaudhry, Sivanthi Gurumurothy, and Deeptha Wickramaratna.

Other awardees

Additionally, India-born Niti Bhargava received a Highly Commended Business and Employment Award, while early-career journalist and theatre-maker Lakshmi Ganapathy was honoured with the Media Award.

Niti Bhargava receiving the VMC award. Credit: Supplied by Niti Bhargava

"Our primary goal is to help migrants settle in Australia and overcome financial challenges. We are truly grateful and honoured to receive this award, as it gives us a stronger voice and a greater sense of purpose," Bhargava told SBS Hindi.

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