Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander

Winner: Faysel Ahmed Selat

Since arriving as a Somali refugee, Faysel Ahmed Selat has become a public health advocate and well-respected youth leader in Brisbane who is passionate about inclusive public health access.

During the height of the pandemic, Faysel worked with Queensland Health to set up a vaccination hub in Inala to expedite vaccination of migrants and First Nations peoples in the area and mobilised youths and elders to communicate life-saving health advice.

While volunteering at Refugee Health Queensland, he produced a video for doctors highlighting the importance of interpreters and translators in hospital environments.

As President of the Somali Community Association of Queensland he works closely with the Queensland Police Service to develop a culturally informed engagement and response strategy to reduce and prevent youth violence.

Highly Commended

Josee Mwayuma Kapalata

Since arriving as a refugee from the Congo in 2018, Josee Mwayuma has become a highly regarded mentor and leader supporting many other new arrivals to settle successfully in Cairns. As leader of the Cairns African Association Women’s Group, she has empowered many women to find their voice and strengths and helped them to adapt to their new lives in Queensland, including establishing an annual Women’s Day event to bring people together to share experiences and celebrate successes.