INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN
INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN
Julie Ryan 0421 574 093 OWNER / EDITOR / PUBLISHER info @ hdinews . com . au PO Box 16 WINDSOR NSW 2756
LOCAL LIFE
Community champions celebrated at multicultural awards
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SUB EDITOR
SENIOR JOURNALIST
JOURNALIST
JOURNALIST
FREELANCE WRITER
SPORTS WRITER
SOCIAL MEDIA
PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVERTISING SALES
Natalie Reed 0411 030 474 Natwest Creative Designs www . natwestcreativedesigns . com . au
production @ hdinews . com . au
Lorraine Clifford 0488 025 533 lorraine @ hdinews . com . au
Greg Martin 0420 655 524 greg @ hdinews . com . au
John Macdonald john @ hdinews . com . au
Maryann Callaghan 0427 442 452 maryann @ hdinews . com . au
Lorna Gordon 0402 596 244 lorna @ hdinews . com . au
Matt Austin 0425 304 006 duckman @ hdinews . com . au
Haley De Martin 0408 634 583 haley @ hdinews . com . au
Kathryn Johnston 0422 404 366 kath @ hdinews . com . au
Myee Lallyette 0413 305 578 myee @ hdinews . com . au
David Burnet 0412 448 883 david @ hdinews . com . au
Disclaimer : The comments of columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Independent magazine group . The Independent nor any person acting on their behalf , may be held responsible for the use to which the information contained in this publication may be put , or for any errors which , despite careful preparation and checking , may appear .
Talented people and organisations that have helped build a thriving cosmopolitan community have been honoured in the 2024 Blacktown City Multicultural Awards .
Winners and finalists were recognised at a presentation at The Colebee at Nurragingy Reserve , Doonside , on Saturday for their efforts in ensuring people from different backgrounds contribute meaningfully to society . The Multicultural Inspirational Person of the Year 2024 award was given to Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency ’ s Youth Worker Elvis Danso .
Elvis has demonstrated outstanding commitment serving multicultural communities and excelled in empowering disengaged youth .
The Multicultural Volunteer of the Year 2024 award was given to Hanna Shamoka .
Hanna has overcome the challenges of language barriers , isolation and cultural differences since migrating from Iraq in 2013 .
She has been a passionate volunteer and made strong contributions to activities including citizenship classes and a range of information sessions .
The Multicultural Organisation of the Year ( funded ) 2024 award was given to Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency . Communities in Fellowship
( From left ) Multicultural Inspirational Person of the Year 2024 Elvis Danso , Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency representatives Lynelle Newman , Daniel Gobena , Aaliyah Filipe and Neha Teli , Multicultural Volunteer of the Year 2024 Hanna Shamoka , Communities in Fellowship Together representatives Shandana Usman , Amna Arslan , Rubab Masood and Sehar Masood .
Together won the award for a nonfunded organisation .
Council ’ s Multicultural Advisory Committee organised the fourth annual awards to celebrate the achievements of the many people who foster Blacktown City ’ s thriving multiculturalism . CEO Kerry Robinson OAM congratulated all involved .
“ Blacktown City ’ s vibrant community life does not happen by itself . People who work and volunteer in multicultural services play important roles in bringing understanding , participation and togetherness to those from different backgrounds ,” he said .
Mr Robinson said Council would continue to celebrate diversity and ensure opportunities for everyone as part of its Multicultural Strategy and Action Plan .
“ Council received great feedback on creating priorities for building a multicultural community ,” he said .
“ We will be working with residents and community organisations to achieve these goals and make sure Blacktown City remains a leader in celebrating diversity .”
Blacktown City is home to more than 435,000 people who represent more than 180 countries .
Would you like a vending machine in your place of business ?
Talk to us today !
Free Hire
Available
WE SUPPLY Snacks & drink combos Drink machines Snack machines
Talk to us today !
0403 583 412 or 0421 574 093
PHOTO FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY
4 ISSUE 42 // SEPTEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT