Ethnic Link Services has been recognised in the Governor’s Multicultural Awards for its significant contribution to the lives of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

More than 400 people attended the awards ceremony in the grounds of Government House on Harmony Day (March 21) to witness the celebration of South Australia’s cultural diversity.

The event was hosted by His Excellency, the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, and a total of 17 awards were presented including to ELS in the Aged Care (Organisation) category.

ELS Program Manager Rita Lobban, who attended the ceremony with Sandra Karayannis from our service in the Riverland, says it was an honour to accept the award on behalf of the organisation.

“I was thrilled – firstly that we won and that I was able to accept on behalf of Ethnic Link Services,” Ms Lobban says.

“It was incredible to see the wonderful work being done in the multicultural sector by the different award recipients.”

UCWPA Senior Manager Aged Care Deborah Burton says the award is a wonderful recognition of Ethnic Link Services’ standing within the multicultural communities sector, which played such a significant role in its establishment some 30 years ago.

“It is testament to the dedication of our Ethnic Link Services team over the years and their passion to improve the lives of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” Ms Burton says.

“We are also extremely thankful to Dr Kate Barnett, who has a longstanding relationship with Ethnic Link Services and nominated us for the award.”

We were privileged to be named joint winners with Multicultural Aged Care, which shares our vision and values in advancing access and equity outcomes for older people from diverse backgrounds.

In 2015/16, ELS provided specialised support and programs for 1551 older people from 45 ethnicities and 51 countries of birth.

 

*Pictured, ELS Program Manager Rita Lobban with His Excellency, The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia. Photo courtesy of Multicultural SA.