It was an amazing and a remarkable event at the Parliament of Victoria, Australia, on Friday 6th November, 2015 as the Pan African Australiasian Diaspora Network (PAADN) was officially launched by the African Union (AU) at the Celebration of Africa Australians Awards.
In a press release to ‘See Africa Magazine’ Mr. Sisay Dinku (National Executive & Coordinator Celebration of African Australian Inc. Victoria) stated clearly that this historic event aims to celebrate, appreciate and showcase the contributions of African Australians to multicultural Victoria’s growth and prosperity.
Doing this, identify role models who will serve as mentors to young African Australians, to inspire and motivate African community members to utilise the vast opportunities available to them; and promote Australia as a multicultural society where all ethnic groups have a ‘fair go’ for opportunities and positions.
The first event of Celebration of African Australian was at the Sydney Opera House in the year 2012, successful accomplishing the goals and attracting large number of supporters from, different Government Departments, Ministries, community organisations , service providers and business o rganisations all over Australia.
The event enhances relationships between community and service providers, increases active participation, social cohesion, and diversity by working with Victoria’s multicultural community.
During the launch of the Pan African Australiasian Diaspora Network (PAADN) at the event by the African Union (AU), Mr. Anthony Okara, Deputy Chief of Staff African Union Commission expressed gratitude to The Australian Government and The African Australians community at large. He emphasized and encouraged all in attendance that “Africa is now.”
Dr. Jimi Adisa, Director the African Union Department of Citizens and Diaspora Organisation, also showered encomium on the organisers of the event and expressed surprise at the large number of African society in Australia with a compliment to the African Australians Community peaceful coexistence.
At this iconic occasion, most African-Australians alongside outstanding Australian organi s ations, businesses, and individuals that provides valuable services to the community were recognised and honoured.
The event created a friendly atmosphere among all the guests, organizations, the Communities and service providers.
The objective of Celebration of African Australians is not only to validate and strengthen the interests of African community but also to help in bridging a gap with other community groups and service providers by creating a platform social and cultural interconnection.
Ably represented at the event, The Premier of Victoria, Hon Daniel Andrews MP stated that Victoria’s African Community contributes to Australian success as a cohesive society and the Celebrations of African Australians promotes diversity. Hon. Daniel congratulates the awardees and wish them the very best in their future.
In an encouraging social media post by Mr. Fred Tayo Alale, President Nigerian Society of Victoria, he stated that “We need work together to pave the way for the first African Australian in Victoria Parliament.”
2015 AWARD RECIPIENTS
African Community Female leader of the year Award –
Dr Nthati Rametse
African Pioneer of the Year Award –
Abdi Aden and Nkandu Beltz
African Australians Excellence of the year Award –
Dr Michael Akindeju
Young Emerging African footy player award –
Changkuoth Jiath
African Community Philanthropic organisation of the year Award –
Mental Health Foundation of Ghana
Outstanding Female Performance of the Year Award –
Soli Tessema
African Australians Champions Award –
Cara Black
Honorary Award Friends of Africa –
Professor Kim Lovegrove
African Australians Business of the year Award –
Bunmi Ajayi
SPONSORS
AFL Victoria
Australian Multicultural Foundation
City of Melbourne
CMY
CQ University Australia
Jesuit Socil Services
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
MEGALINES
Slater & Gordon Lawyers
Priority Communities Division Victoria Police.
Celebration of African Australians celebrates and showcases successess and achievements of African communities in Australia. The event brings Victorians of all African backgrounds together and celebrate their journey to Australia. It reflects on past challenges, current achievements and future opportunities.
