Congratulations to inspirational refugee
Wednesday 19 November 2008
Inspirational is the word that best describes African-Australian community leader Dr Berhan Ahmed, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
Dr Ahmed has just been named the Victoria Australian of the Year 2009.
‘Born in Eritrea, Dr Ahmed fled to the Sudan as a teenage refugee at 15. Arriving in Australia in 1987, he spoke little English and worked as a tram conductor to learn about Australian society and to practise English,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘From those early beginnings, Dr Ahmed has now completed a PhD and is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne.
‘He has achieved so much since he arrived in this country and it is right that he should be acknowledged in this way.
‘Dr Ahmed, who is also the chair of the African Think Tank and head of the Eritrean Community in Australia group, initiated and implemented a number of projects for Melbourne's African community to raise the standard of living, education, employment, and integration.
‘He has already become well-known across Melbourne's African communities and within mainstream Melbourne society through his long-standing commitment to community, environmental and social justice issues.
‘His contribution to Australia is considerable and I am proud to congratulate him on receiving this wonderful award,’ Mr Ferguson added.
Media Contact: Sarah Gestier-Garstang - 0432 283 020
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08067.htm
Last update: 17 December 2008 at 10:22 AEST