The Indian Society of WA (ISWA) and Jay Emmanuel have been announced as the winner the 2024 WA Multicultural Award in the ‘Community Service and Support Award / CaLD Community Association’ and ‘Arts’ categories respectively.
Thesee Awards recognise individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism and culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities in Western Australia (WA).
Presenting the awards, Dr Tony Buti, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister, said:
“The awards pay tribute to the pioneers of multiculturalism in WA, salute our current leaders, and recognise the emerging voices that will shape our multicultural landscape.”
Jay Emmanuel migrated to Australia from India in 2009. He is an internationally acclaimed performer, writer, and director. He is currently the Artistic Director of Encounter Theatre.
Mr Emmanuel is the writer-director of ‘Children of the Sea,’ a theatre production shedding light on the poignant journey of young refugees who arrived in Australia by boat, drawing inspiration from true stories. Recently, he also starred in the 8-hour production of ‘The Mahabharata’ at the Barbican Theatre in London.
The judges noted that Mr Emmanuel is an exciting, emerging talent in the Western Australian arts scene.
The Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) is the peak body of 117 Indian origin associations in Western Australia. ISWA functions to celebrate, support, advocate and promote the aspirations of the Western Australian Indian community.
ISWA has a large array of CaLD-focused initiatives around supporting seniors, people living with disabilities, international students, and women.
On winning the prestigious award, ISWA said:
“This award recognises the enormous and trend-setting work this MC has put in. … Working inclusively, transparently and serving the community with respect and integrity is always acknowledged.”
ISWA’s members regularly engage with local, state and federal government agencies to highlight the needs of the community and promote multiculturalism.
Major festivals and events that ISWA produce annually include Naari, Holi, Sangam and Diwali.
Additionally, ISWA also supports and advocates for Indian communities in the areas of skill capacity development, health promotion, international student support, family and domestic violence education and support and bereavement and crisis support.
The 2024 WA Multicultural Awards also marked the beginning of Harmony Week, which runs from 15 to 21 March and encourages everyone to experience, explore and appreciate WA’s remarkable wealth of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
Twelve individuals and organisations were recognised in these awards that celebrates the passion and dedication of residents in advancing multiculturalism in Western Australia.
The winners have contributed to the state of WA through advocacy work, promoting, intercultural understanding, or breaking down barriers.
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