2022 winners

Winner: Kerry McQuillan, Randstad in collaboration with Multicultural Australia

For more than four years, Randstad and Multicultural Australia have worked together to provide a job mentoring program for migrants and refugees.

The program helps participants prepare for employment in the Australian job market while creating meaningful connections with Queensland organisations. In partnership with Suncorp, Deloitte, Queensland Government, Hasting Deering, La Boite and Randstad, participants are paired with a culturally-trained mentor. Mentors and mentees then work together on creating a resume, building a personal brand, applying for jobs, performing well at interviews and preparing for the first day at a job.

At the end of the program, participants can attend a speed networking event where they get further help and coaching from mentors and build their professional network.

More than 60 migrants have participated in this program and many of them have found work.

Highly Commended:

• Dilveen Khider, Range Allied Health
• Future Leaders Advocacy Group

Winner: Sheetal Deo, Shakti Legal Solutions

Recognising that clients with intersecting identities can be significantly disadvantaged within the legal sector, Sheetal Deo created her own legal service, Shakti Legal Solutions, to improve access to justice by making legal services more affordable to those of moderate means. Sheetal also offers legal assistance in areas of law where clients may be particularly vulnerable due to their diverse backgrounds and needs.

As a visible role model within the legal profession as a LGBTIQA+ identifying woman of colour, Sheetal recognises the responsibility and opportunities this brings and works tirelessly to use whatever platforms she has to ensure that other under-represented voices and experiences are amplified.

Highly Commended:

• Kennedy Shuli, Queensland Health

Winner: Sarah Scarce, Aqua English Program

Refugee lawyer Sarah Scarce co-founded The Aqua English Project 15 years ago when she and her mother — an English as a second language teacher—discovered how many people were drowning in south-east Queensland.

They learned that many of the drownings and water-related injuries involved refugees and migrants with no prior swimming experience. Since then, they've helped more than 33,000 mums, dads and children learn to swim through the program which integrates language, water safety and essential swimming skills.

The programs help participants overcome the barriers to aquatic participation, including language, access to culturally sensitive swimwear, the provision of a welcoming venue, transport, cost, childcare, women’s only programs and transitional programs from the pool to open water.

Highly Commended:

• Stella-Miria Robinson, UnitingCare

Winner: Indooroopilly Uniting Church Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub

The Indooroopilly Uniting Church Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub was established in 2014 to support asylum seekers recently released from immigration detention with welfare, English classes and community meals.

Started by volunteers from the church congregation, the hub offers a welcoming, trusted, one-stop shop of support. It provides a compassionate and safe place for culturally diverse and vulnerable people to engage socially.

Over the years, the Hub services have expanded beyond welfare to include clerical and administrative support preparing protection visa applications, and these days people benefit from efficient access to other asylum seeker services through Asylum Seeker and Refugee Assistance program partners, including case management, employment, housing, physical and mental health supports and legal advice. More than 600 individuals and families were assisted at the hub in 2021.

Highly Commended:

• Edna Anderson, Mt Isa Filipino-Australian Association