NewsSBS2 presents the Ethnic Business Awards Gala Presentation Dinner 2011
Click on the link below to watch the Ethnic Business Awards Gala Presentation Dinner:
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/2168263390/Ethnic-Business-Awards-2011
Re-live the magic of the Gala Presentation Dinner from the comfort of your couch !
The 2011 Ethnic Business Awards Gala Presentation Dinner will be broadcast as follows:
SBS
~ Sunday 15 January 2012 at 3.00pm (SBS1)
Aurora Channel (FOXTEL, AUSTAR and Optus Digital Networks - Channel 183)
~ Thurs 8th December at 3.30pm
~ Mon 12th December at 3:30pm & 9.30pm
~ Tues 20th December at 9:30pm
~ Sat 31st December at 12.30pm
Congratulations to the 2011 Ethnic Business Awards Winners
Indigenous in Business - Complete Workwear Services Pty Ltd
Small Business Category - Micropace Pty Ltd
Medium - Large Business Category - Living Gems
Migrant Australian Wins Prestigious National Business Award
A migrant who has built accommodation for thousands of Australian baby boomers has won the top prize at the 23rd Ethnic Business Awards.
Peter Puljich arrived from Croatia with little money or English language proficiency. After acquiring his first resort three decades ago, he has developed some of the nation’s largest and most successful over-50s residential villages and resorts.
“Peter is a new Australian who is not only building homes, but building the economy and jobs that will drive our future,” Founder of the Awards, Mr Joseph Assaf said.
Mr Puljich took out the Medium to Large Business Category. The winners were announced on Monday night 7th November at a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel.
The Small Business Category was won by former refugee, Michael Cejnar, who arrived in Australia with limited English proficiency. Mr Cejnar became a heart surgeon and developed a specialist heart device to help save lives.
The Indigenous in Business Award was won by Complete Workwear Services – a corporate work wear business that was started out of the boot of a car. Nicole Stewart accepted on behalf of her father Robert Stewart.
“The finalists’ nominations are real life examples of the great Australian story – hard work, enterprise and innovation overcoming hurdles and achieving business success,” Mr Assaf said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, said the Awards were Australia’s pre-eminent awards in recognition of the contribution of Australia’s diverse people in driving business and prosperity.
“Australia’s economic and cultural success owes much to the contribution of its diverse people – from our first inhabitants to more recent waves of migrants settling in this great land.
“The skills, experience and spirit of enterprise that they have carried with them have irrevocably transformed the nation’s fortunes and made us richer for it,” Senator Lundy said.
Leading business, diplomatic and political representatives attended the gala event, including Joseph Healy, Group Executive, Business Banking of the National Australia Bank – founding partners of the Awards.
“We are extremely proud to support the Ethnic Business Awards,” Mr Healy said.
“At NAB, we value the role that small to large businesses are playing in driving business success and innovation, and we are delighted to support them in achieving their goals,” he said.
More than 700 nominations from 57 different countries of origin were received in the 2011 Ethnic Business Awards.
The winners each received $10,000 from the National Australia Bank – a major sponsor of the awards – a unique crystal trophy, and a six star luxury holiday experience on the Gold Coast staying at the Palazzo Versace.
The Awards gala ceremony will be broadcast nationally on SBS1 and SBS2 and the Aurora community channel, and around Asia through the Australia Network, Vision Asia and TVBA. The event has been broadcast on SBS for the previous 23 years.
Nominations and award winners were judged by an expert panel including:
· Don Argus AO AC - Former Chairman of BHP Billiton
· Eve Crestani - Chairman of Mercer’s Trustee Company
· Joseph Elu AO is the current Mayor of the NPA Regional Council
· Allan Gyngell - Director-General of the Office of National Assessments
· Dr Ziggy Switkowski - former chief executive of Telstra, Optus and Kodak
· Carla Zampatti AC AM – Australia’s famous Fashion pioneer
More information is available from: www.ethnicbusinessawards.com
Contact: Maria Tzovaras – (02) 9568 5022 maria@ethnicbusinessawards.com
L to R: Peter Puljich (Living Gems) - Nicole Stewart (Complete Workwear Services) - Dr Michael Cejnar (Micropace Pty Ltd)
L to R: Joseph Healy (NAB) - The Hon. Kate Lundy - Peter Puljich (Living Gems) - Joseph Assaf AM (Chairman & Founder of the Ethnic Business Awards) - Ken Wyatt MP - Tracey Spicer - Nicole Stewart (Complete Workwear Services) - Dr Michael Cejnar (Micropace Pty Ltd)
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Finalists Announced for Ethnic Business Awards 2011
15th October 2011
A former refugee who developed a life saving heart device and a pioneering migrant who battled for sushi to appear on Australian plates are amongst the finalists announced as part of the 2011 Ethnic Business Awards.
Other award finalists include migrants who fled war-torn regions and a member of the Stolen Generations – who have all achieved success in business.
“The strength of the finalists announced is a reflection of the remarkable personal and business stories that were contained in the hundreds of nominations we received,” Awards Founder, Mr Joseph Assaf said.
“The finalists’ nominations are real life examples of the great Australian story – hard work, enterprise and innovation overcoming hurdles and achieving business success.
“The judging panel will have a difficult job ahead of it, as it selects a winner from such a strong and worthy list of finalists.”
The Ethnic Business Awards are Australia’s longest running awards recognising diversity in business. The prestigious nation-wide Awards are now in their 23rd year.
The Ethnic Business Awards recognise Australians from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have achieved success in business. The Awards comprise two core categories:
- Small Business (with a turnover less than or equal to $5 million per annum)
- Medium to Large Business (with a turnover greater than $5 million per annum)
Entrants for these categories must be either Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents born overseas.
A third separate category exists for Indigenous Australians making their mark in business – the ‘Indigenous in Business’ Award. The Indigenous in Business Award is regarded as the first nation-wide business award for Indigenous Australians.
Winners will share in cash and prizes including $10,000 for individual category winners from the founding partner and major sponsor – the National Australia Bank.
Nomination criteria and applications can be found at www.ethnicbusinessawards.com
Joseph Healy, Group Executive NAB Business Banking, said the bank was proud to support the Ethnic Business Awards which recognise some of Australia’s greatest business success stories.
“NAB’s 23 year sponsorship of the Ethnic Business Awards reflects our long term commitment to supporting a diverse range of Australian businesses,” Mr Healy said.
“Migrant businesses play a vital role in the community and make an important contribution to the Australian economy. NAB is delighted to once again be celebrating their achievements through these awards.”
A gala event and award ceremony will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney on 7 November 2011, and be telecast nationally and internationally.
Nominations and award winners will be judged by an expert panel including:
- Don Argus AO AC - Former Chairman of BHP Billiton
- Eve Crestani - Chairman of Mercer’s Trustee Company
- Joseph Elu AO is the current Mayor of the NPA Regional Council
- Allan Gyngell - Director-General of the Office of National Assessments
- Dr Ziggy Switkowski - former chief executive of Telstra, Optus and Kodak
- Carla Zampatti AC AM – Australia’s famous Fashion pioneer
More information is available from: www.ethnicbusinessawards.com
Contact: Maria Tzovaras – (02) 9568 5022 maria@ethnicbusinessawards.com
2011 ETHNIC BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS CATEGORY
1. Complete Workwear Services Pty Ltd
Robert Stewart
VIC
Robert Stewart started the business with no assets andserviced customers from the boot of his car. Supported by his daughter, Nicole, Complete Workwear Services Pty Ltd has become Industrial Laundry specialists in the niche of the Airline Industry and has proven to be a business success that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Karen Milward Consulting Services
Karen Milward
VIC
With both parents in business themselves, entrepreneurship was in Karen Milward’s genes. Today she provides specialist consultancy services for Aboriginal people, communities, businesses and all levels of Government. Karen is a strong advocate for developing culturally appropriate solutions to the issues confronting Indigenous people that empower individuals and communities to effectively move forward.
3. Message Stick Communications Pty Ltd
Michael McLeod
NSW
At a mere 18 months, Michael McLeod became a member of the Stolen Generation. In his 30s he made the ardent decision to turn his life around. For the first two years he worked with no profit, now Message Stick Communications Pty Ltd is one of Australia’s largest Indigenous owned, Audio and Web conferencing agencies.
4. Print Junction
Sheila Torzyn
SA
Husband and wife team, Leon andSheila Torzyn started the family printing business15 years ago. The business has evolved to keep pace with the fervent development of digital publishing, earning them widespread recognition for the craftsmanship and quality of the work they produce.
2011 ETHNIC BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS
SMALL BUSINESS CATEGORY
1. Ghanem Group
Antoine Ghanem
QLD
Seeking the dream of a better life, Antoine Ghanem travelledfrom Lebanon with only $34.00 in his pocket. After 2 years he saved enough money to purchase his first business, a fruit shop and later his second business, a delicatessen. His current ventures in restaurant dining have proven to be well received with the locals and have been instrumental in bringing what is now common alfresco dining culture to Brisbane.
2. E-Web Marketing Pty Ltd
Gary Ng
NSW
At the tender age of 12,Gary Ng came to Australia to live with his grandmother. After graduating from University he decided to remain in Australia to build a business. With a mere $3,000 in savings, Gary established E-Web Marketing Pty Ltd from his bedroom. Taking a chance to challenge the online establishment, his company rode the Internet boom. By 2009 the company is recognised in the BRW Fast 100 and now has over 40 team members.
3. Micropace Pty Ltd
Michael Cejnar
NSW
Having fled communist Czechoslovakia and without English proficiency, Michael Cejnar was placed into a special needs class only later to graduate from Royal North Shore Hospital as a Doctor specialising in Cardiology. After 10 years in his private Cardiac Clinic, Michael identified a niche market in Cardiac Stimulators. His devices are now sold to hospitals and medical practices in over 42 countries.
4. Wok In A Box Group Pty Ltd
Cheng Guang (Alan) Pan
SA
Arriving in Perth in 1992,Cheng Guang (Alan) Pan followed his family into their Chinese cuisine business at the age of 12. His collective experience as a Chef, led him to open his own store in 2005. Inspired by the tastes of Asia customers enjoy exciting meals from five Asian food cultures – Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese. The franchise now boasts over 33 stores.
2011 ETHNIC BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS
MEDIUM TO LARGE BUSINESS CATEGORY
1. Jun Pacific Corporation Pty Ltd
Seijiro Funayama
NSW
Working in the paper and pulp industry in Japan, Seijiro Funayama was sent to Australia by his employer. Three years later his family joined him and made Australia home. By 1976 he established his first business importing food for foreign soldiers settling on our shores. In 35 years his business has grown from 1 employee to 150 Australia wide. Deliberating with the Health Department, Seijiro was fundamental in changing our dining landscape and making Sushi legally available in Australia.
2. Living Gems
Peter Puljich
QLD
Born and raised in a small village in Croatia, Peter Puljich and his parents made a living by selling home-grown produce. At the age of 17 and following a workplace accident that irrecoverably damaged his arm, he decided to leave Croatia to create a better life for himself. In 1968 he arrived in Sydney and began to learn how to plaster. Proving that his disability would not get in the way of his business success, Peter’s company has grown to develop some of Australia’s most significant over 50’s Lifestyle Resorts.
3. NSDC Pty Ltd
Andy Mak
NSW
In 1985 Andy Mak migrated to Australia before the Hong Kong - Chinese handover. He and his wife sought to start a business to ensure them lifelong employment. Andy’s strong discipline for education naturally led him to develop the concept of small group tuition for school students in Australia. He established a Tuition Institute in Sydney in 1992 which today has expanded to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and New Zealand. His business is anticipating further growth with the advent of online tuition to propel even more Australian students to excel.
4. Texas Peak Pty Ltd
Sanjay Jain
VIC
Sanjay Jainarrived in cool Hobart from hot India as a 12 year old; it was both cultural barriers and environmental shift that became apparent. Even after completing a science degree, Sanjay recognised his affinity for sports and founded his own sporting goods business in the garage of his home. Today Texas Peak Pty Ltd employs 180 people and is one of the leading running footwear and associated brands distributor operating across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Launch of the 2011 Ethnic Business Awards
Calling on Businesses and Individuals to Nominate
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Australia’s longest running awards recognising diversity in business – the Ethnic Business Awards – were launched today.
In its 23rd year, the prestigious national awards were launched at a special event in Sydney featuring some of the country’s brightest business and media personalities.
These awards are Australia’s pre-eminent awards in recognition of our nation’s diversity and the role this plays in driving business success and innovation,” said Awards founder, Mr Joseph Assaf.
Businesses and individuals who nominate stand a chance of gaining recognition before a potential audience of tens of millions of people throughout Australia and Asia.”
The Ethnic Business Awards recognise Australians from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have achieved success in business. The Awards comprise two core categories:
Small Business (with a turnover less than or equal to $5 million per annum)
Medium to Large Business (with a turnover greater than $5 million per annum)
Entrants for these categories must be either Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents born overseas.
A third category exists for Indigenous Australians making their mark in business – the ‘Indigenous in Business’ Award. The Indigenous in Business Award is regarded as the first nation-wide business award for Indigenous Australians.
Winners will share in cash and prizes including $10,000 for individual category winners from the founding partner and major sponsor – National Australia Bank.
Nomination criteria and applications can be found at www.ethnicbusinessawards.com
Mr Joseph Healy Group Executive, Business Banking, NAB, said the bank was pleased to support the Awards as they went from strength to strength.
NAB’s 23 year sponsorship of the Ethnic Business Awards reflect our long term commitment to supporting Australian business and enterprise,” Mr Healy said.
“Our diverse communities are key to the strength of the Australian economy and we are delighted to once again be supporting them and celebrating their achievements through these awards.”
A gala event and award ceremony will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel In Sydney on 7th November 2011, and be telecast nationally and internationally.
Nominations and award winners will be judged by an expert panel including:
- Don Argus AO AC - Former Chairman of BHP Biliton
- Eve Crestani - Chairman of Mercer’s Trustee Company
- Joseph Elu AO is the current Mayor of the NPA Regional Council
- Allan Gyngell - Director-General of the Office of National Assessments
- Dr Ziggy Switkowski - former chief executive of Telstra, Optus and Kodak
- Carla Zampatti AC AM – Australia’s famous Fashion pioneer
WA Scoops the Pool at Prestigious National Awards Ceremony
Announced on Sunday 7th November in Perth, WA
W.A businesses have taken out two of the three major prizes at the 22nd Ethnic Business Awards.
Winners were announced before a Who’s Who of Australian business and politics at a gala ceremony last night in the Astral Ballroom at Perth’s Burswood Entertainment Complex.
The Small Business Category was won by former U.K. bricklayer Jonathon Skerratt who runs Silver Trowel Training, teaching trade skills on four campuses in W.A.
For the first time an Indigenous in Business category was included, “adding an element that resonates back, through thousands of years, to the very heart of the place that has welcomed and nurtured so many ‘new’ Australians,” the awards’ founder Joseph Assaf said.
The winner of that category was W.A.’s Carey Mining, which has contracts with AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold, BHPB Nickel West and Rio Tinto.
Carey Mining employs a significant indigenous workforce, and runs a training scheme for high-risk aboriginal students.
The Large Business category was taken out by a Palestinian refugee from war-torn Lebanon.
At the age of 10, Abraham Hatoum set up an orange juice cart to sell refreshments to the guards in the Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon.
Now, he owns and runs the multi-million dollar LookSmart Alterations, with more than a hundred franchises in Australia and New Zealand.
“This is a refugee who is not just altering clothes, but altering his own life in the process, and those of the hundreds of people he employs,” Mr. Assaf said.
This year, there were more than 600 nominations from 70 different countries of origin.
The winners received a hand crafted Crystal Trophy,$10,000 from the National Australia Bank and two business class tickets on the V Australia Network – a leading sponsor of the awards.
“We are extremely proud to be a part of this event,” said Joseph Healy NAB Group Executive, Business Banking.
“At NAB, we are passionate about our role in helping migrant and indigenous businesses succeed; businesses which play an integral role in our economy. But beyond this, we also recognise their tremendous business success and appreciate the diversity they contribute to Australia’s business culture,” Mr. Healy said.
“The Virgin Blue group of airlines is always keen to support developing businesses. The support of emerging enterprises makes good business sense,” the company’s CEO John Borghetti said.
It’s the first time the awards have been held in Western Australia.
The gala ceremony will be broadcast on SBS, the Australia Network and Aurora community channel.
The broadcast is scheduled for SBS1 on Sunday 21st November at 2.00pm and for SBS2 on Thursday 25th November at 9.30pm.
2010 Ethnic Business Awards Category Winners
Announced on Sunday 7th November in Perth, WA
A Palestinian refugee who came to Australia on a humanitarian visa has won the top prize at the 22nd Ethnic Business Awards.
At the age of 10, Abraham Hatoum set up an orange juice cart to sell refreshments to the guards in the Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. Now, he owns and runs the multi-million dollar LookSmart Alterations, with more than a hundred franchises in Australia and New Zealand.
“This is a refugee who is not just altering clothes, but altering his own life in the process, and those of the hundreds of people he employs,” said Joseph Assaf, the founder of the Awards.
The winners were announced last night at a gala ceremony in Perth’s Burswood Entertainment Complex. Mr. Hatoum won the Large Business Category, with a turnover in excess of five million dollars annually. The Small Business Category was won by former U.K. bricklayer Jonathon Skerratt, who runs Silver Trowel Training, teaching trade skills on four campuses in W.A.
For the first time an Indigenous in Business Category was introduced, to celebrate the contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
It was won by W.A.’s Carey Mining, which has contracts with AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold, BHPB Nickel West and Rio Tinto. Carey Mining also runs a training scheme for high-risk aboriginal students. “The introduction of the Indigenous category adds an element that resonates back, through thousands of years, to the very heart of the place that has welcomed and nurtured ‘new’ Australians,” Mr. Assaf said.
A Who’s Who of Australian business and politics attended the event, including Joseph Healy, Group Executive, Business Banking, of the National Australia Bank – founding partners of the awards. “We are extremely proud to be a part of this event,” Mr. Healy said. “At NAB, we are passionate about our role in helping migrant and indigenous businesses succeed; businesses which play an integral role in our economy. But beyond this, we also recognise their tremendous business success and appreciate the diversity they contribute to Australia’s business culture,” he said.
This year, there were more than 600 nominations from 70 different countries of origin. The winners received $10,000 from the National Australia Bank and two business class tickets from the Virgin Blue group of airlines – a leading sponsor of the awards. “The Virgin Blue group of airlines is always keen to support developing businesses. The support of emerging enterprises makes good business sense,” CEO John Borghetti said.
Last night’s gala ceremony will be broadcast on SBS, the Australia Network and Aurora community channel.
Left to Right: Abraham Hatoum, Maissa Hatoum, Michael Chaney, Joseph Assaf and John Borghetti
Left to Right: John Borghetti, Daniel Tucker, Ken Wyatt, Michael Chaney and Joseph Assaf
Left to Right: Jonathan Skerratt, Michael Chaney, Joseph Assaf and John Borghetti
Massive Response to First National Indigenous Business Award
Organisers of Australia’s first national Indigenous business award have been overwhelmed by the response, with more than 80 nominations received from around Australia.
The inaugural Indigenous in Business Award will be awarded to an Australian Indigenous company that has achieved outstanding success in the field of business.
“We’ve been inundated with nominations from all corners of Australia for the inaugural Indigenous in Business Award,” said 
founder Mr Joseph Assaf AM.
“This award is Australia’s pre-eminent award in recognition of our first Australians and the role they are playing in driving business success and innovation.
“When the awards were launched in June this year, they were widely seen as the only awards of this type in Australia.
“It is clear that the business and wider community have got behind these awards in supporting some of Australia’s most successful and promising Indigenous businesses.”
The winner of the Indigenous in Business Award will receive $10,000 from the National Australia Bank, the founding partner and major sponsor, two Business Class tickets on the V Australia network, a crystal trophy, and other prizes from other sponsors.
"As the founding partner of the Awards and Australia's leading business bank, we at NAB are passionate about our role in helping migrant and indigenous businesses succeed," Joseph Healy, Group Executive of NAB Business Banking, said. "They play such an important role in our economy, and add a wonderful richness and diversity to Australia's business culture."
It has also been announced that respected Indigenous leader Mr Joseph Elu AO has joined the judging panel. Mr Elu is the Mayor of the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
Winners will be announced at a Gala Presentation on the 7 November at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth, to be broadcast on SBS, the Australia Network and Aurora Community Channel.
The Indigenous in Business Award is part of the 2010 Ethnic Business Awards.
National Australia Bank is the founding partner of the Ethnic Business Awards. This year The Virgin Blue Group has become a major sponsor and joins a number of other sponsors including Woodside Energy, Telstra, Doric Group, The Government of Western Australia, MBF and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
The event will be hosted by TV and radio personality, Tracey Spicer.
Bumper Year for Ethnic Business Awards
Organisers of the Ethnic Business Awards have been overwhelmed by the response for 2010.
More than 600 nominations have been received from nominees originating from 70 different countries, including Eritrea, Belarus, the USA and the UK.
“The cultural diversity of Australia was very clearly reflected in the diversity of the countries that the nominees originated from, and in the diversity of the businesses they own and operate,” Mr Joseph Assaf AM, the founder and chairman of the Ethnic Business Awards, said.
The Ethnic Business Awards recognise achievements in three categories: Small Business, Medium to Large Business and, for the first time, in 2010 there is an Indigenous in Business category to acknowledge the important contribution made by Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.
Many of the 80 nominations for this new category come from Western Australia, where the awards ceremony will be held in November.
National Australia Bank (NAB) is the founding partner and major sponsor of the Ethnic Business Awards. This year, The Virgin Blue Group of Airlines has become a major sponsor and joins a number of other sponsors including Government of Western Australia, Woodside Energy, Telstra, Doric Group, Department of Immigration and Citizenship and MBF.
"As the founding partner of the Awards and Australia's leading business bank, we are passionate about our role in helping migrant and indigenous businesses succeed," Joseph Healy, Group Executive of NAB Business Banking, said. "They play such an important role in our economy, and add a wonderful richness and diversity to Australia's business culture."
In 2010 the Ethnic Business Awards welcomes two new members to its esteemed panel of judges: Mr John Borghetti, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines, and Mr Joseph Elu AO, Mayor of the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
Winners in each of the three categories will receive $10,000 from the National Australia Bank, two Business Class tickets on the V Australia network, a crystal trophy and an assortment of other prizes from other sponsors.
Winners will be announced at a Gala Presentation on the 7th of November at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth, to be broadcast on SBS, the Australia Network and Aurora Community Channel.
The host is TV and radio personality, Tracey Spicer.
2010 Ethnic Business Awards Launch
Wednesday 9th June
For the first time in its 22nd year history, Perth will host the prestigious 2010 Ethnic Business Awards.
On 3 June, the launch of the Ethnic Business Awards and the ‘Indigenous in Business’ category were held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex, Perth attended by Government, business leaders and sponsors’ representatives.
The government was represented by the Minister for Energy; Training & Workforce Development, The Hon. Peter Collier.
The launch was also attended by the Leader of the Opposition; Shadow Minister for Public Sector Management, Native Title, The Hon. Eric Stephen Ripper.
Mr Andrew Whitechurch, State General Manager, represented the founding partner the National Australia Bank. The launch was also attended by representatives from other sponsors including Doric, Woodside Energy Ltd and Burswood Entertainment Complex.
Awards founder Joseph Assaf said, “We came to Perth for many reasons, firstly Fremantle for many decades was the point of entry for many migrants who came during the 50s, 60s and 70s. Also, Perth is the most suitable city for launching the Indigenous in Business category. But there was one strong and compelling reason that brought us to Perth, it is the invitation that was extended to the Ethnic Business Awards by Executive Chairman of Doric, Mr Harry Xydas.”
While these Awards have, to date, celebrated the achievements of our migrants, it is felt that they should afford similar recognition to the descendents of those first people – the traditional owners of the land. The launch introduced the exciting new category “Indigenous in Business”. It is considered to be the first ever awards given to ‘Indigenous in Business’.
Distinguished Indigenous leader, Warren Mundine, has joined the esteemed judging panel.
“The new Indigenous in Business category celebrates Indigenous enterprise and helps to break down stereotypes”, Mr Mundine says.
This year, the prestigious gala event will take place in the Astra Room at the Burswood Entertainment Complex on Sunday, 7 November.
Nominations are now open for the 2010 Ethnic Business Awards.
From left to right: Mr Joseph Assaf, Chairman and Founder, Ethnic Business Awards; The Hon. Peter Collier, Minister for Energy; Training & Workforce Development; Mr Andrew Whitechurch, State General Manager, National Australia Bank; The Hon. Eric Stephen Ripper, Leader of the Opposition; Shadow Minister for Public Sector Management; Native Title and The Hon. Chris Ellison, DORIC
From left to right: Dr Agu J Kantsler, Executive Vice President- Health, Safety & Security, Woodside Energy Ltd ; Mrs Demetra Xydas, DORIC; Mr Harry Xydas, Executive Chairman, DORIC and Mr Joseph Assaf, Chairman and Founder, Ethnic Business Awards
From left to right: Ms Lyndal Kennedy, Executive Manager, Business Banking, National Australia Bank; Mr Joseph Assaf, Chairman and Founder, Ethnic Business Awards; Mr Andrew Whitechurch, State General Manager, National Australia Bank and Mr Desh Wheeler, Head of Events & Sponsorship, Business Banking, National Australia Bank
A Welcome Boost for Indigenous Business
Announced on Friday 4th June
Indigenous Australians will be recognised for their amazing achievements with a prestigious new award.
For the first time, the Ethnic Business Awards – now in its 22nd year – will have an Indigenous in Business category.
This year, the gala awards ceremony will be held in Perth to acknowledge the growing cultural diversity of Western Australia.
“Australia was founded by migrants from every corner of the globe – new, and old,” the awards’ founder Joseph Assaf says.
Mr. Assaf founded the awards in 1988 to recognise the contribution
of migrants to the economy, and highlight the positive impact
of multiculturalism on this great nation.
His acclaimed book, In Someone Else’s Shoes, charts his journey through culture, diversity and the human spirit from Lebanon to Australia.
Previous award recipients include Casella Wines’ founders Filippo and Maria Casella, and renowned chef, TV host and author Luke Nguyen of the famed Red Lantern restaurant.
Distinguished indigenous leader, Warren Mundine, has joined the judging panel this year.
“The inclusion of an Indigenous in Business category celebrates Indigenous enterprise and entrepreneurship and helps to break down stereotypes,” Mr. Mundine says.
“Indigenous people “do business” and are bloody good at it. It’s important for the community to recognize and honour Indigenous business champions and role models.”
The awards’ founding sponsor, the National Australia Bank, was itself founded by a migrant,Alexander Gibb, who came from Scotland and settled in Melbourne around 150 years ago.
The bank has recently increased its commitment to migrant communities, and supports indigenous Australians through interest free loans, education and employment.
The awards are also sponsored by Woodside, Etihad, Telstra, Doric Group, MBF, Burswood Entertainment Complex and others.
The ceremony, to be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth on November 7, will be broadcast on SBS, the Aurora Community Channel and the Australia Network.
Each year, it is hosted by TV and radio personality Tracey Spicer.
The launch of the Ethnic Business Awards – including the Indigenous in Business category - will take place at the Burswood Entertainment Complex (Swan Room) on Thursday June 3.
Major Event Coup for Western Australia
Announced on Friday 4th June
Perth has stolen a lucrative major event from Sydney.
The prestigious Ethnic Business Awards – now in its 22nd year – will be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex on November 7.
The Prime Minister, Governor-General and international luminaries have presided over previous ceremonies.
“This is a major coup for Western Australia,” the founder of the awards, Joseph Assaf, says.
“We thought it was time to acknowledge the enormous growth in this state’s migrant community, and the contribution they make to the economy,” he says.
Previous recipients include Casella Wines’ founders Filippo and Maria Casella, and renowned chef, TV host and author Luke Nguyen of the famed Red Lantern restaurant.
For the first time this year, there will be a special Indigenous in Business category.
Distinguished indigenous leader, Warren Mundine, has joined the esteemed judging panel.
“The new Indigenous in Business category celebrates Indigenous enterprise and helps to break down stereotypes,” Mr. Mundine says.
“It’s important for the whole community to recognize and honour Indigenous business champions.”
Founding sponsor, the National Australia Bank, was itself founded by a migrant,Alexander Gibb, who came from Scotland and settled in Melbourne around 150 years ago.
The NAB has recently increased its commitment to migrant communities, and supports indigenous Australians through interest free loans, education and employment.
The awards are also sponsored by Woodside, Etihad, Telstra, Doric Group, MBF, Burswood Entertainment Complex and others.
The ceremony, hosted each year by TV and radio personality Tracey Spicer, will be broadcast on SBS, the Aurora Community Channel and the Australia Network.
This year, the launch of the Ethnic Business Awards and the Indigenous in Business category will take place in the Swan Room at the Burswood Entertainment Centre on Thursday June 3.
