Townsville Multicultural Support Group honoured at Queensland awards

A Townsville support group has picked up a major gong at the Multicultural Queensland Awards.

Stephanie Naunton and Yasmin Ali Abukar from TMSG are Winners of the Multicultural Queensland Awards Sector Outstanding Achiever and runner-up for the Minister's Choice Awards. Picture: Shae Beplate

A Townsville support group has picked up a major gong at the Multicultural Queensland Awards.

The Townsville Multicultural Support Group received the Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achievement award at this year’s Multicultural Queensland Awards.

TMSG has been advocating and supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities across regional Queensland for more than 30 years.

“Through their support services, partnerships, and innovative, community-led programs, they have helped over 80,000 new Queenslanders with a focus on economic independence and social inclusion for all,” Multicultural Affairs Queensland said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Committed to uplifting voices of migrants and refugees, addressing local barriers, and creating sustainable opportunities in North Queensland, TMSG is promoting mutual understanding and respect, and helping create a more welcoming and inclusive Queensland.”

Stephanie Naunton and Yasmin Ali Abukar from TMSG are Winners of the Multicultural QLD Awards Sector Outstanding Achiever & runners up for the Minister's Choice Awards. Picture: Shae Beplate

TMSG was among a number of winners at the state awards, including a former Somali refugee who was instrumental in helping to boost the vaccination rates of migrants and First Nations peoples at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Faysel Ahmed Selat, Dr Maggy Lord from the University of Queensland and Mabel Park State High School’s Parents and Citizens Association were among those recognised.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Leanne Linard said the quality and diversity of the nominations made her “incredibly proud to be a Queenslander”.

“We have some truly remarkable individuals and organisations working across the state to ensure our communities are welcoming, where people can thrive and contribute positively,” she said.

“This year’s award winners and nominees are shining examples of how we are leading the way when it comes to diversity and inclusion.”

She said the awarded rounded out Multicultural Queensland Month.

“Queenslanders have participated in a wide range of events and activities across the state in celebration of our rich cultural and linguistic diversity.”

Originally published as Townsville Multicultural Support Group honoured at Queensland awards