Calwell's multicultural champions were honoured last night at the 2017 Multicultural Awards for Excellence held at Government House. 

I was so proud to stand by my community and see their hard-work and commitment in creating social cohesion in Calwell recognised by the Victorian Multicultural Commission. 

Ajit Singh Chauhan (pictured below) received the Award for Meritorious Service to the Community for his work with disadvantaged youth from diverse cultural backgrounds particularly in his roles at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre and the Hume Interfaith Network youth program.

Thekla Scarcella (pictured below), of Campbellfield, received the Award for Meritorious Service to the Community on behalf of the Greek Australian Recreational and Instructive League of Victoria. the group partnered with the Babylon Cultural Centre to connect newly arrived migrants to the established Greek community. 

Walid Markas (pictured below) received the Award for Meritorious Service to the Community for his work with Victoria's Chaldean community, especially tackling issues facing women and young people.

Martha Metuisela (pictured below) was the winner of the Youth Award for her work with Bimbank City Council as a youth worker. Martha co-founded Westside Pasifika - a group that fosters intercultural understanding. 

Adel Salman (pictured below) received the Award for Meritorious Service to the Community for his work improving Victorian's understanding of the Muslim community as Vice President and media spokesman for the Islamic Council of Victoria.

John Zika accepted the Education and Early Childhood award on behalf of the Victorian Cooperate on Children's Services for Ethnic Groups (VICSEG) for their work supporting migrant and refugee families in raising and educating their children.