Minister’s Multicultural Award

Winner: Peter Bongiorni

As President of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland, Peter Bongiorni’s incredible commitment to Queensland’s Ukrainian community is evidenced by the countless hours he volunteers to support not only those Ukrainians born in Australia but also those newly arrived in Queensland, helping them secure homes, learn English, enroll their children in school, access healthcare and settle successfully into Queensland’s way of life.

Peter has been instrumental in fundraising efforts to assist newly arrived refugees, brokering an agreement with St Vincent de Paul Society to enable physical donations received from the local community to be exchanged for gift cards, and securing funding for two community officers to provide settlement support.

He is committed to fostering intercultural understanding and promoting the traditions and cultural heritage of the Queensland Ukrainian community.

Highly Commended

Fahima Ahmadi

Fahima Ahmadi is a dedicated young Hazara woman with strong links to the Afghan community. After arriving in 2019, Fahima has achieved great success and been a role model for other young refugees, including as school captain of Stretton State College. An active volunteer and advocate for inclusive support services, she has helped dozens of newly arrived refugees settle in Queensland by providing advice and assistance, including helping families to enroll children into local schools.

Townsville Multicultural Support Group

With over 30 years’ experience supporting refugees, migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse communities across regional Queensland, the Townsville Multicultural Support Group Inc is dedicated to helping create a more welcoming and inclusive Queensland. To date the organisation has supported over 80,000 culturally and linguistically diverse clients in regional Queensland.