🏆🌟 Mavericks of Australia Award 🌟🏆
🎉 Allies in Colour is proud to unveil the ++Mavericks of Australia Award++ – a bold new initiative celebrating COURAGE and TRUTH-TELLING!
Why? Because courage shapes change, and let’s face it – there’s no glory in cowardice.
đź’Ą What is Mavericks of Australia?
It’s the FIRST of its kind, recognizing individuals and groups who have shown tremendous bravery in advancing social justice and speaking truth to power.
This round is a Captain’s Call – yes, I’m kicking it off – but the future holds a democratic judging panel.
Here are our 2024 award winners!!
Award winners
Honored for her academic leadership as a Scientia Professor at UNSW, Dr. Khorana has provided critical, research-based perspectives on multicultural Australia, consistently advocating for policies that address systemic inequities and uplift marginalized communities.
Jeff is a Senior lecturer in Journalism, Culture, and Communication at the University of Melbourne and he is being Celebrated for his incisive article, “The Politics of Social Cohesion,”. Jeff Sparrow explored how the concept is often misused to entrench systemic inequalities while erasing diverse lived experiences. His thought-provoking work challenges readers to rethink the narratives around unity and diversity in contemporary Australia.
Celebrated for her courage in holding powerful institutions accountable, Lattouf has fearlessly tackled systemic inequities in media and beyond, using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change.
Recognized for her leadership in Western Australia, Benitez founded the Multicultural Labor Organisation, creating a platform for culturally and linguistically diverse communities to advocate for their rights and representation within the political landscape.
It was her model that was being used to roll out the ALP’s (Australian Labor Party) national Multicultural Labor Organisation. Thanks to her work in WA, they have seen an increase in CARM community members running for office.
Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-benitez-au/
Wicliff Sangu makes regular posts about Multicultural issues in Western Australia and has been leading efforts in WA regarding raising awareness of misuse of public money and double standards in the multicultural space. Follow him on LinkedIn to keep up with his posts:
Recognized for her fearless advocacy within the Australian Labor Party, Senator Payman boldly called out systemic issues and injustices, including challenging her party’s stance on critical human rights matters, exemplifying a commitment to integrity and justice.
Celebrated for her groundbreaking victory in a racial vilification case against a colleague, Senator Faruqi’s perseverance set a precedent for accountability and respect in Australian politics, championing the rights of multicultural communities.
Honored for her unyielding dedication to Indigenous rights and social justice, Senator Thorpe has consistently spoken truth to power, challenging colonial systems and fighting for the sovereignty of First Nations peoples.
Acknowledged for her resilience and willingness to stand firm on contentious issues, Deeming has navigated significant political challenges, advocating for what she believes is right, especially in terms of protecting women’s and children’s rights, regardless of opposition.
Recognized for their exceptional courage in seeking justice beyond borders, Birchgrove Legal demonstrated boldness by referring Australian politicians to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Their fearless pursuit of accountability in cases involving potential human rights violations underscores their unwavering dedication to truth and justice, even in the face of significant challenges.
Commended for their brave journalism, the NRI Affairs team shines a light on controversial and underreported issues within the Indian diaspora in Australia. Their work has fostered informed conversations and amplified marginalized voices.
Recognised for boldy using an anti-racism lens to feature social and economic justice issues and taking a sustainable approach to running a conference.
Follow them on: https://www.newkindconference.com/
This grassroots initiative is honored for its unwavering courage in challenging billionaire property developers who sought to demolish the culturally significant Preston Market for profit. The campaign’s decade-long effort to preserve this multicultural hub exemplifies community resilience and the fight to protect spaces vital to heritage and identity.