The simple fact is Western Australian Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades do a s#$% load more than protect people and property from the immediate dangers of fire. We know – and it’s about time the rest of the world gets told – that in many towns and cities across WA, strong volunteer-based organisations like our incredible 550 Bush Fire Brigades deliver critical social, mental and physical challenge and purpose to the tens of thousands of people who choose to be part of our amazing extended family.

And we also know that some of our most effective and cohesive brigades have never thought they were special for the positive impact they have on the lives of people who, in some communities, feel isolated and unwelcome. Which brings us to the point – nominating for an award for our selfless volunteers sometimes feels like seeking attention for doing something that is just a natural part of who you are. But there’s a far more important reason to do it, and it has nothing to do with ego.

As you can see from the Minister’s media statement below, nominations for the State Government’s 2020 Western Australian Multicultural Awards opened today and we strongly encourage Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades to consider submitting one. If your Brigade has made a positive contribution to multiculturalism in WA, please fill in the form at https://www.omi.wa.gov.au and help demonstrate some of the hidden benefits of our amazing Local Government Volunteer Bush Fire Service. Even nominations in awards add to our huge success story and help demonstrate the broad value of local, community-based volunteer organisations.

If you would like to nominate and need some help doing so, give the Association a call on 1800 23 8657 (1800 BF VOLS) or send an email to [email protected].

  • Nominations open in eight categories that celebrate multiculturalism in WA
  • Nominations close Monday January 20, 2020

Do you know someone who is a champion of multiculturalism in Western Australia? Perhaps you know about an initiative that promotes social cohesion and cultural diversity?

Nominate them now for recognition in the 2020 Western Australian Multicultural Awards.

The awards celebrate individuals and organisations who have made a positive contribution to multiculturalism in Western Australia.

The McGowan Government is looking to recognise outstanding contributions made by people and organisations who promote and strengthen WA’s multicultural community, either in a voluntary or a paid capacity.

Nominations for the 2020 Multicultural Awards can be made across eight categories:

  • Outstanding Individual Achievement Award
  • Laksiri Jayasuriya Lifetime Community Service Award
  • Multicultural Youth Award
  • New and Emerging Community Leadership Award
  • Community Organisation Award
  • Multicultural Business Award
  • Communications Award
  • Local Government Award

The awards are administered by the Office of Multicultural Interests. Presented by Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Paul Papalia at a gala ceremony on Monday March 16, 2020, the awards will be a highlight of Harmony Week 2020.

Nominations close on 4.00pm on Monday January 20, 2020.

More information and nomination forms for the 2020 Multicultural Awards are available at https://www.omi.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister, Paul Papalia:

“I’m thrilled to launch the Western Australian Multicultural Awards, which will be a key part of Harmony Week in 2020.

“Behind Western Australia’s dynamic multicultural community is an army of people who volunteer their time and expertise in community groups, support programs and events.

“There are businesses who understand and harness the benefits of cultural diversity and there are everyday Western Australians who bring their diverse backgrounds, cultures and faiths to enhance and enrich our State for everyone.

“These awards are an opportunity to recognise the individuals and organisations who support, promote and champion multiculturalism in Western Australia.”

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2019/11/Nominations-now-open-for-WAs-2020-Multicultural-Awards.aspx