Christophe Mallet, Executive Producer of SBS Radio’s French program, was awarded the National Order of Merit by Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development and former Prime Minister of France on Friday 3 March in Melbourne.
On receiving the honour, Christophe said: “I am incredibly honoured to be introduced as a Knight of the Order of Merit in France. I immediately think of my grandparents - Italian refugees who were fleeing the rise of fascism in their country in the early 30s. France accepted them, and me, as a second generation migrant. I am incredibly humbled by the honour that I received today and it makes me hopeful for the future.”
Jean-Marc Ayrault said: “After meeting the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today, it's an honour to give the medal to one key actor of the French community, doing an incredible job here in Australia - this is why France is proud to make Christophe a distinguished Knight of the Order of Merit.”
