Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding Award Nominations
Nominations for this award are now closed.
International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding
In 2012 the International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding developed an Award for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding, in conjunction with the Australia Day Council of SA.
The centre’s catalyst and patron is the Honorable Bob Hawke who wanted the centre to work towards improving relations between those who are Muslims and those who are not. This award is part of the program to fulfil this remit and is a means of celebrating those members of the community who have done the most to improve understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in Australia.
This award publicly acknowledges and rewards initiatives and inspirational role models and acts as a catalyst for public debate and engagement. In this way, our hope is that the award will contribute to developing national social harmony and community cohesion.
This award recognises the efforts of an individual and an organisation, with any or no religious affiliation, that has done the most to improve understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in Australia. The award
- widely disseminates good practices that make a significant contribution to improving relations between Muslim and non-Muslim people
- publicly acknowledges and rewards good works and inspirational role models
- acts as a catalyst for public debate and engagement.
Nominations for the award closed on 31 August 2012 after a two-month nomination period. During that time, we received a range of impressive nominations from all around Australia, which highlighted the inspirational work that is being done by individuals and organisations right across the nation.
A formal selection panel met to discuss the nominations which were received from all over Australia. An awards ceremony was held on 10 December 2012 at the University of South Australia to celebrate the award nominations and to acknowledge the inaugural award recipients. The award ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests including:
- His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia
- And his wife, Mrs Liz Scarce
- His Worship Gary Johanson, Mayor of the City of Port Adelaide Enfield
- Her Worship Felicity-ann Lewis, Mayor of the City of Marion
- Mr Hieu Van Le, Lieutenant Governor of South Australia
- Assistant Commissioner Bryan Fahy, South Australian Police
- Dr Creston Magasdi, Chairman Australia Day Council of South Australia
- senior officials from government departments
- the university’s Chancellor, Dr Ian Gould
- and the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
2012 award recipients
The recipients of the inaugural Award for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding are:
Individual: Bachar Houli, who was recognised for his work as an AFL multicultural ambassador and has been credited with tremendously increasing awareness about his religion among AFL, AFL clubs and the mainstream community.
You can read more about Bachar's activities on his website.
Organisation: Exchange Community Centre, which is nestled in the heart of Kelvin Grove Urban Village some 2.5 km from the Brisbane CBD. The centre opened in 2009 and, in response to a growing representation of Muslim people in the neighbourhood, worked to develop services and programs that encourage community engagement, promote health and well-being, and reduce social isolation.
More information about the Exchange Community Centre is available at its website.
About the Australia Day Council of South Australia
The Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA) is an independent, non-profit, membership based association. Funding and support comes from the Australian Government (via the National Australia Day Council), the Government of South Australia, our membership base (including all Local Councils, Corporate Club and Individual Members), sponsorships, grants, merchandise sales and partnerships with like-minded organisations.
For further information about this award,
please contact the Australia Day Council of SA:
Email: admin@adcsa.com.au
Phone: 08 8227 2601