Governor's Multicultural Awards

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Minister, can you advise the house what the government has done to celebrate outstanding South Australians who strengthen our rich cultural diversity?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:34): I thank the member for Elder for her question. This morning, more than 600 guests gathered on the grounds of Government House to celebrate our rich cultural diversity. A feature of this event was the presentation of the Governor's Multicultural Awards, which recognise outstanding South Australians who strengthen our community through initiatives that deepen cross-cultural understanding. The awards were presented by the Governor on the advice of an independent judging panel.

The story of South Australia is one of many diverse people and backgrounds coming together to enrich our shared experience. The Premier, myself as Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Morialta, the Hon. Tung Ngo and the Hon. Jing Lee from the other place were all in attendance. I thank the opposition for their continued bipartisan support in multicultural issues.

May I also pass on my thanks to the staff of the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, who spent countless hours orchestrating this showcase celebration of multiculturalism. Guests at the ceremony were treated to outstanding entertainment, with vibrant performances from the Lebanese Dance and Drumming Association, the Mexican Social and Cultural Association and soothing Brazilian music. There was also a multifaith blessing by Mr Damian Outtrim and a powerful welcome to country by Uncle Lewis O'Brien.

At this celebration, 28 finalists and 14 winners of the Governor's Multicultural Awards were recognised, including the Migrant Women's Support Services for providing culturally appropriate services to culturally and linguistically diverse women who are affected by domestic and family violence.

I would like to make a few remarks about one particular recipient, Mr Theo Andruszko. Mr Andruszko was an important member of Adelaide's Ukrainian community and a dedicated volunteer, and most deserving of the Governor's Multicultural Senior Volunteer Award. Mr Andruszko tragically passed away last year, but his company remembers his intellect, his affability and his spirit. The Governor's Multicultural Award is a fitting tribute that honours Mr Andruszko for his distinguished volunteer service over the last 20 years and his tireless efforts to increase cross-cultural understanding, particularly through his authorship of the Ukrainian community's history books. His passion to create a harmonious community will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched through his writing, volunteering and mentoring.

In addition to the Coober Pedy Multicultural Community Forum, other worthy winners were the Adelaide Kurdish Youth Society. It is fitting that an organisation that is assisting the fight against extremism here in Australia, just as the Kurdish people are fighting ISIS extremists overseas, should be recognised. I am very pleased that they received an award today, because it was in January of this year that I was able to give one of their youth leaders, Tara Fatehi, a Women Hold Up Half The Sky Award, and that was for our 2016 Australia Day awards. I thank her for her dedication and her commitment to leadership within the young community.

I really would like to take the opportunity to thank the Governor for his continued interest in multicultural affairs. In his role as Lieutenant Governor, he attended many, many multicultural affairs and also had his interest as Chair of the Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission. I can tell you that people there today were absolutely delighted to be invited to Government House to be recognised for what is mostly their volunteering time and commitment that they have given for their community.

The SPEAKER: The minister's time has expired. I call to order the member for Wright.