Victorian Senior of the Year 2022 (Promotion of Multiculturalism) Award to Marie Pietersz from Camberwell Nominated by: Dilrukshie Perera, President, Australia South Asia Society By Marie Pietersz The Award ceremony was held at Government House on 26 October 2022 and officiated by the Governor, Hon Linda Dessau, AO, and the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Hon Colin Brooks, MP. “Marie volunteers in many sectors of the wider community with her all-round skills as a dance teacher, writer, English tutor and editorial consultant. This amazing lady contributes so many unpaid hours and spreads her volunteering capacity across many community sectors and age groups,” says Dilkie Perera, nominator and President of the Australia South Asia Society. Marie migrated from Sri Lanka in 1972 and was successful in obtaining many significant roles during her State Government career. Coming from a background of limited opportunity, she was grateful and readily accepted the many ...

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Sri Lankan Born Kerrigan La-Brooy Wins Victorian Leadership Award & Attracts Thousands to Gethsemane’s 2019 Clyde Carols by Candlelight …Pastor Kerrigan La-Brooy has done it again. He was Nominated for the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Champion Award for Leadership and on December 1st he was announced as the Winner. Kerrigan was invited to Government House in Melbourne Victoria and met with the Governor, the Honourable Linda Dessau and other local MPs. Kerrigan felt honoured and humbled to be in the midst of his fellow Awardees and said it felt like ‘iron sharpening iron’. This latest Award adds to the string of existing Accolades he already has – as a Singer Songwriter, Actor, Writer, Producer, Event Planner, Senior Pastor and Charity Founder. Kerrigan’s Accomplishments include, “Best Male Vocal” “Best New Talent” and Topping the Worldwide Mainstream Charts for a record-breaking 14 weeks. In addition to his numerous awards and accolades for his Music, Kerrigan ...

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Dilki receives State Award for Outstanding Community Service  Story: Marie Pietersz, Melbourne Pictures: Courtesy of Savish   Balwyn resident Dilkie (Dilrukshie) Perera is the latest recipient of the coveted Victorian Government’s Multicultural Award for Excellence – Meritorious Service to the Community. This award recognises her 20 years of outstanding service to the community, her leadership and dedication towards the promotion of Sri Lankan culture in Victoria, her work in uniting South Asian communities in business, cultural celebration and fundraising initiatives, and her support and empowerment of multicultural youth. She was presented with the award by the Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Helen Kapalos, in the presence of the Governor of Victoria Hon Linda Dessau AC and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon Robin Scott MP.  Dilkie immigrated to Australia in 1987. A Chartered Accountant, she held many prestigious positions in Sri Lankan businesses and was Finance Manager of the Sugar Corporation before migrating to ...

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