The Australian African community has celebrated its most influential members in a night of entertainment and display of cultural vibrancy at the 'African Australians National Awards' which SBS was also awarded for it's ongoing support of the community.
Federal, state and international dignitaries joined families and friends of the African-Australian community in a night of entertainment to honour the most influential African-Australians of 2016.
Celebrate African Australians National Awards acknowledges and honors those members of the African-Australian Community who have excelled in their walk of life and provided an outstanding contribution to Australia's socioeconomic fabric.
QACC's Robert Mukombozi and other Community leaders Source: Bertrand Tungandame
This year’s National Awards ceremony was co-organised with the Queensland African Communities Council (QACC) and held at the iconic Brisbane Town Hall last Saturday, November the 19th.
Speaking at the event Hon Grace Grace, Queensland Minister for Multicultural Affairs, acknowledged that award recipients were worthy winners.
Hon Grace Grace QLD Minister Multicultural Affairs Source: Bertrand Tungandame
Listen to her speech below:
More than 200 people were nominated for Awards and there were 50 recipients in 9 different categories including: Community Services, Arts and Entertainment, Sports, Business, Community Ambassadors, Professional Excellence, etc.
The African-Australian Heroes recognition for 2016 went to Mr Aguek Nyok and Ms Salwa Garang.
The pair's heroic action saved many lives in a recent incident where a Brisbane bus driver was set on fire.
Hon Grace Grace congratulating Aguek Nyok Source: Bertrand Tungandame
Three people were recognized in the sports category: AFL Player Majak Daw, field athlete Gatkuath Chol and tennis player Cara Black.
Author and entrepreneur Nkandu Beltz was acknowledged in the community leaders' category. Sydney based fashion designer Suzan Mutesi was awarded for her creativity.
Community leader highlights hurdles and tremendous opportunities
In his intervention at the Awards ceremony, the Chairperson of the Queensland African Communities Council, Robert Mukombozi, highlighted some of the hurdles that members of the community face while trying to make a meaningful contribution to Australia, a country they proudly call home.
"History tells us that people of black African descent first arrived on Australia’s shores with the first fleet in 1787 - and even since before federation in 1901, they came as skilled sugar workers who significantly helped to develop Queensland's sugar industry," said Mr Mukombozi.
"Events such as this one not only highlight the rich diversity of Africans but also our journey and ongoing enormous contribution to this great country we now call home."
Listen to Mukombozi speak below:
Robert Mukombozi also added that Australia offers tremendous opportunities. However, according to him, these opportunities are better harnessed through partnerships at all levels between all actors from the government sector, the non-government and corporate sectors as well as the individuals themselves.
Internationally acclaimed Kidum Kibido entertained participants Source: Bertrand Tungandame
Special Recognition for SBS's own Bertrand Tungandame
SBS's own Bertrand Tungandame, best known as producer and presenter of the African Program was also recognised, receiving the award for African-Australian Professional Excellence Person of the Year.
SBS, a gold sponsor of the event, was also recognised with a certificate of appreciation for 'Outstanding dedicated service and valuable support to the African Community in Australia'.
SBS journalist Bertand Tungandame was recognised as African-Australian Professional Excellence Person of the year at the National African Awards Source: SBS