Nominations open for the fifth Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition

Nominations are now open for the fifth Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition.

Named in honour of the celebrated SBS sports broadcaster Les Murray AM, who arrived in Australia in 1956 as a young refugee from Hungary, the award recognises extraordinary people from refugee backgrounds who are making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Australia for UNHCR’s CEO Trudi Mitchell said the award continues to shine a light on the remarkable contributions of refugees in Australia – and encouraged the public to nominate outstanding candidates.

“This award celebrates the talent, creativity and community spirit of individuals from refugee backgrounds, many of whom have overcome significant adversity and now make incredible contributions to their communities and to broader Australian society,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Each year, the calibre of nominees is exceptional. I encourage anyone who knows a deserving individual to submit a nomination – this is a unique opportunity to recognise their impact and inspire others.”

SBS Acting Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said the award honours Les Murray’s enduring legacy and SBS’s commitment to championing the contributions of all Australians.

“Now in its fifth year, the Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition celebrates those who have built their lives here, and who play such an important role in strengthening communities, and whose leadership makes a positive difference,” Ms Palfreyman said.

“Les arrived in Australia as a young refugee from Hungary and used his love of football to create connection and belonging. In a FIFA World Cup year, the award carries special significance, reflecting Les’s passion for the game and celebrating how people from refugee backgrounds continue to enrich society and help shape a more inclusive Australia.”

In 2025, the award was presented to acclaimed Brisbane-based Sudanese slam poet Huda the Goddess for her outstanding artistic contribution and role in elevating the voices of displaced communities across Australia.

Previous recipients include Hedayat Osyan in 2024, founder of a leading social enterprise employing refugees in the construction industry, Anyier Yuol in 2023 for her work in sport, women’s empowerment and refugee advocacy, and Melbourne lawyer Danijel Malbasa, the inaugural winner in 2022.

Supported by SBS, this year’s winner will receive $10,000, in recognition of their work to promote positive awareness and understanding of refugees.

Nominations should be emailed to LMA@unrefugees.org.au and include a short biography of the nominee, examples of work and community engagement, and two written references.

Nominations close on 28 February 2026. For further information on selection and eligibility criteria visit www.unrefugees.org.au/lesmurray

About the Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition

The Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition aims to celebrate an individual with lived experience as a refugee who has generated positive awareness about refugees, helped create a positive understanding of the situation of refugees, and, in doing so, contributed to building a more diverse and inclusive Australian community. The award is named in honour of the late Les Murray AM, the beloved SBS sports broadcaster. It was first presented in 2022.