Multicultural Achievers
The Multicultural Achiever Award recognises prominent Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who, through their profession, have made a significant contribution to Queensland. The Multicultural Achiever awards are nominated by the Queensland Government and awarded under four categories: sports, arts, education and technology, and business.
2008 Multicultural Achievers
Multicultural Achiever (Sports)
Tatiana took up the sport of pole vaulting when she migrated to Australia in 1997. In her first appearance at the World Championships in 1999, she won bronze. At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Tatiana jumped her personal best to win a silver medal. Tatiana retired from the sport in 2007 and formed her own foundation 'Gift for Dreams', which aims to inspire disadvantaged young Australians through sporting and recreational programs.
Multicultural Achiever (Arts)
Vasil, aged 15, is a member of an outstanding family of migrant musicians from the Czech Republic, who has already given acclaimed performances at festivals and concerts throughout Australia. In addition to classical conservatorium training, Vasil is a natural virtuoso, equally at home performing traditional East European dance music, gypsy style music, classical music from the Czech and Slovak Republics and elaborate jazz improvisations.
Multicultural Achiever (Education and Technology)
Adele is the founding Principal of Milpera State High School, serving in the position since 1984. With Adele as Principal, Milpera State High School has developed dozens of partnerships with community agencies, established a thriving volunteer community and provided every kind of support to a generation of immigrant students and their parents.
Multicultural Achiever (Business)
The grandson of a hairdresser, Steve Ackerie moved to Australia from a small town in North Lebanon more than 35 years ago to ply the family trade. In 1964, Steve opened his first salon in Longreach and today, 55 "Stefan" salons and 500 staff later, he runs the largest hair dressing organisation in the history of Australia.
2007 Multicultural Achievers
- Petero Civoniceva - Multicultural Achiever (Sports)
- Professor Gerard Van Erp - Multicultural Achiever (Science)
- Dr Maha Sinnathamby - Multicultural Achiever (Business)
- Nii Armah - Multicultural Achiever (Arts)
- Sam Okoth - Multicultural Achiever (Arts)
2006 Multicultural Achievers
- Sim Hayward
- Frank Farina
- Angelo Puglisi
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