Eight outstanding individuals and organisations were honoured on 22 March 2017 for their work assisting new migrants to successfully settle in the Australian community at the 2017 Australian Migration and Settlement Awards at Parliament House, Canberra.

The winners were selected from among 21 finalists across 8 categories: Case Worker of the Year, Settlement Innovation, Business Inclusion, Sports Leadership, Journalism Excellence, Diversity and the Law, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Empowering Women Award.

The finalists were selected by an eminent, independent judging panel chaired by Mr Mike Smith and assisted by Dr Hass Dellal, Ms Padmini Sebastian and Mr Andrew O’Keefe.

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van le AC, the Governor of South Australia was the keynote speaker at the gala dinner hosted by the Migration Council of Australia. The Prime Minister, The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull MP, and the Leader of the Opposition, The Honourable Bill Shorten MP also spoke on the evening.

The awards brought together business, journalists and the community sector to recognise the remarkable achievements of new migrants and those who support them to build a more inclusive and diverse Australia.

Well-renowned TV personality Andrew O’Keefe was the Master of Ceremonies at the award ceremony attended by leaders in business, government, sport, academia, media and community.