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Meet our 2022 winners

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Towela Mutale-Mbirimi

Champion Award 2022

Originally from Zambia, Towela is an experienced and dynamic leader, Company Secretary and Governance Practitioner. She has accumulated in excess of 15 years corporate governance experience working in a State Owned Corporation, Public Financial Corporation and various Local Governments in NSW.  

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Lovemore Ndou

Professional Excellence Award 2022

Lovemore is a prominent lawyer in Sydney specialising in Family Law and Criminal Law. The three-time world boxing champion is also a book author with his recent book 'Tough Love' hitting record sales on Amazon. Principal solicitor at Lovemore Lawyers, in Rockdale NSW.

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Rumbidzalshe Ayodele

Entrepreneurship Award 2022

Born in Zimbabwe, Rumbidzai is a Forensic Clinical Nurse Consultant trained in UK and also a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at  Chariton24H Healthcare. She is also a Transformational Life Coach helping women who have survived domestic violence.

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Sally Mukii

Entrepreneurship Award 2022

Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Sally has always had a streak for business as well as a passion for mental health and wellbeing. Sally decided to merge those two interests together and established the Meliora Life Foundation to help people struggling with their mental health in NSW and QLD.

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Princess Funke

Champion Award 2022

The Nigerian born, broadcast journalist, with many years of experience in production, presentation and news-casting in radio and television, Princess is currently the producer and presenter of “BLACK RHYTHMS SHOW” on 93.7 FM station. She has used her position in media to promote many Africans projects and events.

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Ibrahim Bah

Volunteer of The Year Award 2022

Ibrahim is originally from Guinea and has been a volunteer with the African Australian Football Association (AAFA) in organising and running the successful annual Multicultural Communities World Cup Football Tournaments in Sydney with 24 teams competing over 6 weeks.

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Emily B. Nkomo

Young Achiever Award 2022

Buhlebenkosi Emily (represented by mum above) made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean-Australian to sing the national anthem at the 2022 State of Origin kick off.

She made her professional Musical Theatre debut as the leading role of 'Frankie Healy' in the musical Jagged Little Pill Australia from 2021.

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SydWest Multicultural Services

Community Engagement Award 2022

SydWest Multicultural Services is a leading organisation for all cultural diversity issues responding to community needs and opportunities. It offers flexible and integrated service models across the life course of refugees and migrants, supporting self-determination and empowerment.

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Kylie Harkins

Support to the Comm'ty Award 2022

Born and raised in the Bankstown area of Sydney, Kylie has found a second home in the African Australia community. For over 25 years, Kylie has been volunteering within the African Australian community mainly offering support, guidance and promotion of local and international events. 

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Loise Wairimu

Community Engagement Award 2022

Kenyan born Loise (Represented) is an established Nurse in NSW. She has worked with NSW health and other facilities in NSW, SA and ACT as a Nurse. Her passion in empowering fellow women is evident in community with her projects and events geared at uplifting women.

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David Muchacha

Community Engagement Award 2022

David (represented) is a young African property professionals helping everyday Australians get closer to their wealth goals through property.

With his experience in finance and mortgage, he has helped many Africans get access to more affordable properties.

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Currency Baba

Champion Award 2022

Promise Edugie a Currency Baba is an African Australia Singer, Songwriter and Recording Artist with a unique style. Currency came to light in 2016 after his debut single “” Testimony”. Since then he has dominated the stage with his African narrative music. He performs across Australia and overseas.

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Dr. Vincent Ogu

Champion Award 2022

Nigerian-born, Cambridge trained scholar and expert in housing and urban development, Vincent is an Institute Associate with Western Sydney University and Fellow, Planning Institute Australia. Dr Ogu has made contributions to community, non-government and government sectors.

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Ammar Dean Diallo

Community Engagement Award 2022

Born in Guinea, Ammar is the past President of the Bantal Pullar Community in Sydney. He has played an integral part in establishing community language programs in conjunction with the Federation of Community Languages. .

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William Garshon D. Debo

Champion Award 2022

Born and raised in Liberia, Will (Represented in picture above) is a professional Actor, Producer, Director, Humanitarian and Businessman. He has worked in Nollywood, ghallywood and several other countries across Africa. He is the founder and CEO of Debo's Investment Group.

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Margret Mazvita Garwe

Inspiration Award  2022

Zimbabwean born Margaret (represented above) has a Bachelor of Science degree and will be completing her Juris Doctor in 2024. She is an inspiration to various youngsters in the community and has also worked with the Department of Finance, Department of Social Services, and the Attorney General. 

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Ola Obollo-Fareo

Entrepreneurship Award 2021

Nigerian born Ola is the Director of  No.1 African Choice shop located in Bankstown where you can get all your home away from home products. No. 1 African Choice shop  boasts of various African merchandise. The shop also provides part time / Full time jobs for young African adults in the community.

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Destiny Lyons

Young Achiever Award 2021

Ethiopian/Aussie Destiny (Represented above in picture) is the 2018 Miss Junior Diamond queen.

She is an Australian Athletics Medallist, Hip Hop Dancer Gold Champion and the 2018 Junior Parliament Member. She is also an advocate for youth trauma victims.

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Hawanatu Bangura

Champion Award 2021

Hawanatu (Represented in picture above) is an Afro-Australian award-winning filmmaker and social worker. She is a self-taught filmmaker with a career spanning over a decade. She has written, produced and directed films in various genres including dance, experimental, drama, documentary and animation.

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CURRENCEY BABA

Young African Achiever 2019

Another uprising singer, songwriter and music producer who has taken over the music industry in style. Currency has produced hit songs that currently have a massive following on the YouTube. His budding profession is already glittering.

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ANNASTACIA WAINAINA

Professional Excellence 2019

She helps ignite transformation of managers into purposeful leaders. She is founder and director of Make it Happen initiative, an award winning humanitarian organization. She has a Masters in International Law. And she is author of IGNITE 

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RWANDA COMMUNITY NSW

Community Service Excellence 2019

The Rwanda Community NSW is one of the most vibrant among the African communities in Australia. They are remarkable for organizing events and projects that bring their members together and also connect with members from other communities.

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Noel Zihabamwe

Professional Excellence Award 2022

Noel is an Australian of Rwandan background and a multiple winner of professional, community, human rights, leadership and author awards. He currently works at Settlement Services International (SSI) as Multicultural Community Engagement Coordinator in Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter areas.

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Jennifer Kasule

Champion Award 2022

Jennifer is the brain behind the fast growing Glow Healthcare Agency, a Nursing agency providing employment for African Australians in NSW. Jennifer is a qualified nurse, an inspiration to women and mothers. She also boasts a Masters in Nursing from Western Sydney University.

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Mohammed Omar

Community Engagement Award 2022

Originally from Somalia, Mohammed is the Secretary of the African Australian Football Association. He is passionate about organizing socially inclusive soccer/football tournaments for the CALD communities in Western and South-Western Sydney.

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Maria Nakirijja

Professional Excellence Award 2022

Maria is a talented Career Consultant with expertise in helping unemployed individuals and college graduates find gainful employment in Sydney. She is also a passionate member of the Ugandan Community in NSW, inspiring young women reach greater heights and utilize the vast opportunities available to them Down Under.

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Napoleon Khama

Professional Excellence Award 2022

With over 18 years' experience in financial services, Napoleon has been instrumental in mentoring and assisting African Australians with meeting their career goals especially in the Banking sector. He is an executive at one of Australia’s largest financial services organization in Sydney.

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Kageni Starrett

Professional Excellence Award 2022

Originally from Kenya, Kageni is an Electrical Engineer and one of the first African women to work in the mines of Western Australia. She was a top contender in the 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking held in Chicago, U.S. She is a coach, healer and speaker. .

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Dr. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu

Academic Excellence Award 2022

With over 91 publications, Nigerian born Levi is a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University. He has a Doctor of Philosophy from the Queensland University of Technology, A Master of Science with distinction from Aston University in Birmingham, and Doctor of Optometry from Abia State University, Nigeria. He won a $4.5 Million dollar grant in preventing diabetes.

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Settlement Services International

Community Engagement Award 2022

SSI is a community organisation and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential. SSI works with all people who have experienced vulnerability, including refugees, people seeking asylum and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities

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Steve Elriche

Friend of Africa Award 2022

Steve (not in picture) is the President and Director of Granville & Districts Soccer Football Association (GDSFA) and also the Chair of Auburn Sports Club. He has paid registration fees for individual players and supported them in many other ways 

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Dr. Josephine C. Okurame

Champion Award 2022

Born in Nigeria, Josephine is a research project coordinator, biostatistician and Academic at the faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. She also owns Jimani Beauty, an e-commerce beauty supply service. She has a Public Health Masters and PhD degrees from Perth and Sydney.

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Alhaj Jallah

Volunteer of The Year Award 2022

Alhaj has been involved in community sports since 2008. He was one of the first people to start the annual NSW African Cup Football Tournament in Sydney. Mr Jallah is the current Treasurer of the African Australian Football Association- AAFA

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Anthony Nyamekye

Young Talent Award 2022

Anthony is a talented African Australian whose music mega singles have hit the stage with a bang. Besides producing music, Anthony holds a resounding record in stage performances. He has hosted international artists like KiDi while on tour in Australia August 2020. 

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Blessing C. Azolibe

Entrepreneurship Award

Commonly known as Trendy B, the Nigerian born Blessing has owned the fashion industry in Australia for over a decade. “I was born to cloth the world” she says. She also designs kids from all backgrounds and has worked with various fashion icons on various platforms.

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Tendayi Chivunga

Champion Award 2022

Born in Zimbabwe, Tendayi is an established Lawyer  with Tee Legal firm in NSW. Dedicated to social justice and ensuring that people from all backgrounds have access to equal representation and services, Tendayi was named Valedictorian in her first year of study at the University of Newcastle. 

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African Australian Football Ass.

Community Engagement Award 2022

The African Australian Football Association - AAFA addresses social issues faced by young people, particularly those from African and CALD communities using football as their central platform. The association has brought so many Africans together during the tournaments.

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Jelly Brown

Young Talent Award 2022

Originally from Burundi, Jelly (represented above) is an Inspiration singer, songwriter, dancer, and music producer. He is also the CEO founder of “We Don’t Play Record”  Jelly has traveled everywhere in Australia sharing his passion for music.

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Grace Wamuyu

Community Engagement Award 2021

Born in Kenya, Grace (represented in picture above) works with people who have mental health issues, providing them with various services including counselling. She has a diploma in leadership and offers structured support to people in crisis including those contemplating suicide as a result of depression and anxiety.

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Judy Okan DJ CMJ

Young Achiever Award 2021

DJ CMJ (Represented above ) is a Multi-genre Dj and Cyber security specialist, Radio host & Event promoter. A passionate entertainer, Judy is recognised for her contributions to the Afrobeats scene in Australia.  She is a  double degree holder in Business Administration & Information Technology

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KING B FINE

Community Engagement Award 2019

King is another African Australian who has not disappointed in the music industry as a singer, songwriter and producer. He has made his presence felt in almost every state and territory in Australia hosting big live concerts.

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CONSOLATA NJOKI

Champion Award 2019

With a hat-trick of recognition, Kenyan born Consolata boasts numerous academic and social work achievements. She has a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree (Psychology) and also boasts of numerous local and international scholarships.

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SUZAN MUTESI

Champion Award 2019

Ugandan born Susan is a Sydney-based Actress, Model, Fashion designer and stylist. She manages a fashion label ‘Suzan Mutesi’ which symbolizes structure and class and gives women of all body types the ability to feel confident, comfortable and beautiful.

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Scolastica Musyimi

Community Engagement Award 2022

Born in Kenya, Scolastica is an academician with Masters in Social Work and Bachelors in Education. She is the Founder and current Chairlady of Ausken Diaspora Sacco, an organisation that brings Kenyans in Australia together to save and invest towards financial empowerment.

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Joseph Bacha

Friend of Africa Award 2022

Joseph has big passion for the African community in NSW. He has been supporting African Australians Football Association for so many years, giving in his time and other resources to see the association grow and bring members of the African community together.

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Fadzai I. Katsande

Leadership Award 2022

Fadzai is the president of Sydney Pan-African Association at University of Sydney. She has Several research projects with major government and non-government organisations. She is the Ambassador for African women in Miss Sahara Pageant 2021-2022.

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Abu Koroma

Professional Excellence Award 2022

Musically known as MAN PAS MAN, the Sierra Leone born musician is an Afro beats performing artist. His unique musical style, rhythms and lyrics are a blend of Mende, Krio and English language. Man Pas Man has dominated the music platform in Sydney performing at the Africulure festivals for years 

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Miatta Kamara

Inspiration Award 2022

Originally from Sierra Leone, Miatta is now a prominent and important figure in the African Australian community for over 2 decades. She plays a pivotal role in the community as a leader and a voice for women empowerment in the wider African community.

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Elijah Mureithi

Inspiration Award 2022

Born in Kenya, Elijah is now a house hold chef having worked with many award winning restaurants and cafes in different states of Australia. An inspiration to many migrants and youngsters, Elijah is the Chef de Parte at Cogee Bay Hotel and has a diploma in Hospitality.

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Isha Kebe

Inspiration Award

Born in Sierra Leone and raised in the West African state of Guinea,  Isha is currently undertaking a Bachelors in Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University. She is a dedicated and inspirational member especially to young girls from the wider African community.

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Zimbabwe Assocation Australia

Community Engagement Award 2022

The number of Zimbabweans residing in Australia continues to increase and many identify their migration journey with a particular group, be it for study, employment, born in Australia or asylum. Whatever the reason, the association unites all people from Zimbabwe through events and activities throughout the year.

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Cynthia J. Achieng

Community Engagement Award 2022

Born and raised in Kenya. Cythia has a strong passion working with the vulnerable and underprivileged people in the community. She uses her skills and knowledge to help members of her community in so many different ways including providing mental health support.

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Donald Gahadza

Entrepreneurship Award 2022

Born in  Zimbabwe, Donald is  the Director of ISO-Certified Care Metaz Global a  disability and Aged Care Provider. He has over time assisted other African Australians set up successful  businesses as well.

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Dr. Chrisabel Abalo

Academic Excellence Award 2022

Born in Ghana, Christabel is a qualified pharmacist and a medical doctor. She is an Associate Lecturer at  the University of New South Wales. As a general practice registrar and academic researcher, she has interest in research targeted at improving migrant health literacy in Australia

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Abaker Athum

Community Engagement Award 2022

Originally from South Sudan, Abaker is the current President of the African Australian Football Association (AAFA) and has been part of the progress of African Communities in Western Sydney for the past 15 years.

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Babra Mutanda

Academic Excellence Award 2022

Originally from Zimbabwe, Barbra has various university degrees and is a compassionate aged care nurse. She is the founder of Caring Hearts Foundation in Sierra Leone that helps orphans whose parents were affected by the deadly Ebola outbreak. 

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Mary O. Yeboah

Support African Comm'ty Award 2022

Mary is an Italian Australian with a huge African heart. She has been key in promoting and uplifting the entertainment industry among African Australians in Sydney for over 2 decades. She has featured in many films and supports local schools in Sierra Leone.

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C-city Records

Community Engagement Award 2022

A brain child of Sydney's top music artist Currency Baba, C-city records is of the well established record labels in Australia. The business has nurtured and promoted young talent, giving African Australians a platform to start there careers in mucic.

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Gamai Cooper

Young Talent Award 2022

Originally from Côte d’lvoire/Liberia, the Ivorian Bratt, (represented above) is a rapper/songwriter.  Her recent singles “Take Her Man”, and "Dummy" have hit the waves with a bang attracting lots of listeners within the African community and the wider Australia.

 

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Dr. Charles Onjumi Okumu

Academic Excellence Award 2021

Kenyan born Charles (Represented in Picture above) is lecturer in International Business and Strategy at the University of Technology Sydney. His research and publication focus includes the Impact of Chinese Investments in Sub Saharan Africa: Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability. He hold a PHD in Management.

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Kim Kamara

Friend of Africa Award 2021

Kim (represented in picture above) is officially from Sierra Leone by marriage. She has always identified with big and small African events and projects using her social influence and that of her daughter to support and boost them. She has been a long-term supporter of the annual awards. 

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EDITH IDA NGANGA

Community Engagement Award 2019

Edith is one of the champions of women in NSW and has started her own company Ida Events. She engages African Australians through hosting events mainly targeting women like at the African Women's Dinner Dance.

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ALEX MUTUA

Humanitarian Award 2019

Fr. Alex is a co-founder of the Shukrani Foundation, a charity organisation that helps youngsters in the impoverished suburbs of Kenya to gain access to education and also participate in poverty alleviation projects.

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Dr NADINE SHEMA

Champion Award 2019

Dr Nadine is Co-Founder of GLAPD Int. She is also Health Program Administrator at Westmeade Children’s Hospital and member Advisory Group on Australia-African relations at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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