Joseph assaf ao founder & chairman Welcome, welcome, welcome! Welcome three times – because, three times now, our EBA family has needed to gird its loins and find even greater resilience and strength in its determination to bring this Gala Awards night into being. And, now, in a tangible, truly manifest way, we are able to proudly reflect the qualities that characterise the finalists in all the Award categories here tonight. We are here. We have not only defied the odds but, in prevailing, we have exceeded our own expectations and I can finally say - welcome to what will, I’m sure, be a tremendous and uplifting evening. As we step out of the shadows of two years of upheaval, uncertainty, and constant reassessment, I want us all to reflect upon the things that have sustained us, rather than those which have beset us. The sense of family, the ability to find ways to connect, to bridge the unwanted divide, to drive forward – these things, hand in hand with unprecedentedly rapid scientific, medical, political, and business creativity have allowed us to combat enervation with innovation; to battle adversity with diversity. Ultimately, this terrible pandemic has brought us closer together. Tonight let us celebrate not only business success but the triumph of the kind of positivity and mutual care and respect that epitomises multicultural Australia: Collaboration, Optimism, Vitality, Innovation, Determination. C.O.V.I.D? This is our version. Welcome!
Joseph Assaf Joseph Assaf AO the Founder of the Ethnic Business Awards Foundation
The hon Scott Morrison mp prime minister of Australia Congratulations to all of the nominees for the Ethnic Business Awards. Your awards celebrate the achievements of Migrant and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Your efforts transform communities and lives – by providing investment, jobs, new skills and opportunities for individuals and communities to prosper and succeed. When I joined you in 2018, I described Australia’s multicultural and Indigenous business community as the heart and soul of our nation. As you enrich the Australian economy, you enrich Australian lives. You’ve proved this time and again throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. You have faced the uncertainty with courage, agility and determination. This year, we remember those who contributed so much to the success of the Awards in recent times. Among the sorrows of these times, the EBA Foundation lost two of its greatest champions: The Honourable Michael Jeffery and Carla Zampatti. As judges, their stalwart support was inspired by the stories of grit and determination showcased here tonight. On this occasion, we remember the wonderful words of Carla Zampatti: ‘this country … allows you to go as far as you want as long as you work hard.’ I am enormously proud of Australia. We are the most successful multicultural and multi-faith nation on Earth. We are an open and outward-looking people who embrace entrepreneurship and innovation. Tonight’s awards are a wonderful celebration of the enterprising spirit of so many Migrant and Indigenous Australians.
The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia, January 2022
National Anthem by James Doig
Welcome by Tracey Spicer AM
The Founder's Speech by Joseph Assaf AO CHAIRMAN and founder of the EBA Foundation
Address by the Guest of Honour The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia
Interview with Tony Geagea, Founder and Executive Director Ethan Group
Tributes For the late Carla Zampatti AC, OMRI and the late Major General Michael Jeffery AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd)
Interview with General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (MIL), CVO, MC (Retd)
Presentation of the Indigenous in Business Category Finalists' stories
Presentation of the Small Business Category Finalists' stories
Presentation of the Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Category Finalists' stories
BREAK FOR DINNER Mr Joseph Assaf AO SPEECH & Presentation of the WINNER of the first Global Harmony Award by the Prime Minister of Australia
The Hon. Ken Wyatt MP Minister for Indigenous Australians SPEECH & Presentation of the WINNER of the Indigenous in Business Category
The Hon. Alex Hawke MP Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs SPEECH & Presentation of the WINNER of the Small Business Category
The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP Leader of the Opposition SPEECH & Presentation of the WINNER of the Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Category
close of proceedings
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land – Australia. The Gadigal of the Eora Nation are the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney. We would like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present.
The EBA finalists lit up what was sometimes a dark and difficult year
EBA INDIGENOUS BUSINESS AWARDS SINCE 2010 for more than a decade the EBA has acknowledged and celebrated Indigenous contributions to business. The 'Indigenous in Business' Award category was the first of its kind in this country, and is now the longest-running and most prestigious. As the EBA Indigenous Alumni grows, so too do the number of nominees. Each year more step forward to take to the stage and become role models, just as the EBA has seen migrants do since its inception in 1988.
INDIGENOUS IN BUSINESS
Ben Schaber’s story is one of success against the odds. Born in Alice Springs NT in 1974, Ben’s childhood was chequered and challenging. Moving from foster home to foster home and then imprisoned as a young adult, it would have been easy for most people to write-off a fruitful future for the young lad from the Alice. However, Ben was determined to overcome his troubled past and make something of himself. Dreaming of being a boilermaker from a very young age, he set out to make
swel “I am honoured to be selected as a finalist in this prestigious award for the Indigenous Business Category in the Ethnic Business Awards. Gaining and completing an apprenticeship in Metal Fabrication as a young adult was to me, a big accomplishment in my life. During that time, I would have never thought that I would later start and run my own successful Fabrication and Welding company that would be worthy of winning awards such as this. My hope is that my accomplishments encourage others like me to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.”
it happen. Ben decided to travel around Australia, attending welding courses, trade-related workshops and obtaining additional qualifications. He returned to Alice Springs and, in 2012, at age 38, with the help of his partner, started SWEL Specialized Welding & Engineering. Following a few challenging years, SWEL began to build brand and service reputation which would see it grow rapidly, winning major contracts from some of Australia’s most trusted and well-known brands.
"My hope is that my accomplishments encourage others like me to believe in themselves”
INDIGENOUS IN BUSINESS
When Leah Cameron started Marrawah Law in 2013 with client folders piled on the kitchen table, she knew very well that her vision for the firm was ‘different’. Statistics demonstrated to her that the legal profession was still ‘male, pale and stale’. In establishing Marrawah Law, Leah was determined to break the mould by employing more females, a more-culturally-diverse workforce and a unique approach – especially with regard to operations, experience and understanding particularly around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Acquiring two other legal firms in 2018 and achieving 50% growth year-on-year, Marrawah Law now employs eight full time and three part time staff, 70% of whom are Indigenous. Senior management is made up of 100% women and the company operates out of three separate QLD locations. Marrawah Law has ambitions of becoming Australia’s largest, full-service, national, Indigenous legal firm which is owned, managed and controlled by leading Indigenous legal practitioners. “As the founder of Marrawah Law, I am incredibly honoured for our team to receive the acknowledgement that our business is creating ripples of change across the country. We are a 100% Indigenous female owned firm, employing over 70% Indigenous staff most of whom are Indigenous women. My team and I are committed to working with, supporting and promoting Indigenous businesses and I feel privileged to be a finalist in these long running awards that recognise excellence. I acknowledge all of the other finalists; the Marrawah Law team for their dedication and hard work and thank our clients and partners for their ongoing support.”
marrawah law "our business is creating ripples of change across the country"
INDIGENOUS IN BUSINESS
Ray Pratt credits a strong work ethic instilled by his father for the success he enjoys today. Travelling to the Tiwi Islands from Darwin every school holiday from the age of 10 to help his dad with his electrical contracting business, Ray developed a passion for all things electrical. He joined his father as an apprentice and spent his teen years mastering his trade and nurturing a hunger to improve. It was following a stint travelling around Australia and working with Bechtel that Ray Pratt decided to go out on his own. Starting DICE as a 23 year old, in 2004 as a sole trader, the early years were difficult. However, Ray’s
dice “Being in business has been an epic and everevolving adventure! I’m super proud of my team for the work they do, day in and day out, often delivering projects which have a lifechanging effect. To be recognised for the work we love to do is quite humbling and to be recognised today when there is an everincreasing number of strong Indigenous businesses is a great honour.”
ambition and determination has seen the business grow exponentially. Specializing in electrical, smart energy and construction, DICE now employs 50+ full time staff, boasts tens of millions in contract work in 2020 alone and forecasts triple digit growth over the next year.
"I’m super proud of my team for the work they do, often delivering projects which have a life-changing effect”
INDIGENOUS IN BUSINESS
When the entire resources industry experienced a massive downturn in 2016, it presented a massive opportunity for James Curran and long time friend Ryan Moloney. James and Ryan were working for the same company in the construction industry on a number of resource projects when the company went into liquidation. As other ventures suffered the same fate, James and Ryan saw an opportunity to fill the gap that had now presented itself in the market. Starting the business part time in 2016, while finishing university studies; James and Ryan decided to go ‘all-in’ by the end of that same year. From a two man crew, welding 16km of HDPE piping as their first job, MOEC has grown considerably – now employing sixteen full time staff and overseeing projects up to ten million in revenue across QLD, WA and NT.
"the winners of these awards and finalists are true role models and leaders for the Indigenous business sector"
“The winners of these awards and finalists are true role models and leaders for the Indigenous business sector. We are very honoured to be a part of the awards this year. It is recognition of the hard work from the MOEC team. We congratulate all finalists and are thankful for the opportunity to be included in the awards.”
MOEC
EBA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS SINCE 1988 For more than three decades the Ethnic Business Awards has celebrated diversity and success against the odds. IN sharing the incredible stories of our migrant entrepreneurs, their struggles and their triumphs, we make these stories our own Australian stories of small business success.
SMALL BUSINESS
Xcllusive Business Sales Zoran Sarabaca was born in Libya to Croatian parents and grew up in Serbia before fleeing the Yugoslavian turmoil of the early 90’s. Starting a four-month trek by land, Zoran passed through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka prior to arriving in Australia. Digging ditches as a labourer to survive, Zoran dreamt of one day starting his own business. After establishing an electrical contracting business that saw two of its largest clients fall into liquidation, Zoran set out to sell the business through a broker. Disappointed with the service, he decided to sell it himself. It was this experience that led Zoran Sarabaca to identify a gap in the market for a more professional, 360 degree, end-to-end, business brokerage service. Founded in 2005, Xcllusive Business Sales has grown exponentially, employing twenty four full time staff and operating across the entire eastern coast of Australia.
"This is an enormous recognition to not only myself but to our whole team, for their hard work, determination, perseverance and innovation in providing services to Australian business owners with the exit and transition of ownership of their hardest earned assets, their businesses. This award nomination is an encouragement for us to work even harder and continue with mastering our skills and improving our offerings so that we can continue, in this changing environment, to bring value to business owners in the time ahead, while understanding that it is their future that we are contributing to."
"This award nomination is an encouragement for us to work even harder to bring value to business owners”
SMALL BUSINESS
From factory to fruit shop, cabbie to kebabs, Youssef Nehme took a winding road to success. With the loss of his mother at a young age, Youssef was forced to drop out of school and start working to help his father support the family financially. With a dream of securing a more promising future for himself and those he loved, Youssef migrated from Lebanon to Australia as a teenager. After trying his hand at multiple ventures, it was the ancient Phoenician art of bread-making that led Youssef to the international success story that is Old Time Bakery. Established in 2001, producing its famous Tannour bread, Old Time Bakery has become one of just a few ‘certified organic and gluten-free only’ bakeries in Australia. Recognized by the Heart Foundation of Australia and laying claim to one of the world’s first gluten-free, certified organic flat breads, things are on the rise for this dough-making business.
I have worked so hard most of my life, striving to create a legacy for my children and grandchildren. "Being nominated as a finalist for the EBA awards has me immensely humbled. I have worked so hard most of my life, striving to create a legacy for my children and grandchildren. Being recognised for my hard work from such an organisation with a rich history of 32 years, feels like I have received influential recognition for what I have built. It feels wonderful to celebrate our success with other businesses with similar stories of success”
SMALL BUSINESS
When Dr. Ved Berani told his family and friends that he had decided to travel to Australia to complete an MBA at Monash University, they all thought he was crazy. He had ranked first at the University of Bombay in 2000 and was recognized as the most distinguished dental student amongst three dental colleges. Nonetheless, Dr Berani boarded the plane with an unwavering will to win. Landing the graveyard shift at 7-Eleven for $11 an hour was a far cry from the comfortable lifestyle he was used to back home – but juggling full time studies with work to make ends meet only strengthened Ved’s resolve to succeed. In 2004, after completing his MBA and dental license certificate Dr. Berani took over a disintegrating business from a retiring dentist and within a short amount of time, transformed it into a revolutionary, technologically innovative, one-of-a-kind dentistry practice. Healthy Smiles Dental Group now employs over thirty five full time employees, partners with BUPA-Dental corporation and is set for rapid expansion.
"Standing next to and with individuals who are super achievers and fighters in their own right will help us dream the impossible" "Being a finalist for the EBA awards is matter of honour. Often, applying for an award is an inherent need for recognition and respect but for us it is more than that. For us being selected as a finalist is taking the podium with some amazing businesses and individuals we can learn from and help grow ourselves personally. Standing next to and with individuals who are super achievers and fighters in their own right will help us dream the impossible and keep ahead of the curve. This is honour in its true form. Whether we win this award or not, we will walk away with a trophy in our heart knowing we have excelled in what we came here to Australia for."
SMALL BUSINESS
"I’m extremely humbled and proud to be a finalist for the Ethnic Business Awards. Starting as a young immigrant from Greece with very little to no money, my dedication and commitment to work has enabled me to build a better future for my family and provide them with more opportunities. As a proud Australian, my opportunities in life have allowed me to help others through my contribution to Cancer Research, education and the Windgap Foundation. Developing my staff and encouraging people to do better gives me great satisfaction knowing that they too can have the same opportunities that I had. The significance of the Australian manufacturing industry was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic as it helped provide job security for all Australians. Overall, the importance and aims of the Ethnic Business Awards highlight the value that migrants bring to this great country of ours, Australia."
Replacing the ravishingly blue waters of the Mediterranean for the calm shores of Botany Bay, Dimitrios Krallidis packed many a dream in his suitcase when migrating from Greece with his parents to Sydney, Australia. Owning his own business was just one of them. With nothing more than the skills he had picked up as a young apprentice in the furniture making business and a wardrobe-full of desire, determination and discipline; Dimitrios established DSK Kitchens & Furniture in 1995 at the age of 41. Twenty five years later and with his two sons on-board, the DSK family business today counts many high-profile celebrities on its valued client list, a state-of-the-art showroom and a long list of industry awards for its unique designs and craftsmanship in the architectural joinery, cabinetry and furniture industry.
"Developing my staff and encouraging people to do better gives me great satisfaction"
EBA HENRY NGAI MEDIUM TO LARGE BUSINESS AWARDS In the Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business category we are dazzled by businesses exceeding the $10 million mark. This category is for well-established businessmen and women who have overcome obstacles and who now can celebrate their substantial success.
HENRY NGAI MEDIUM-LARGE BUSINESS
Ezymart Not even Maher Magableh could have envisaged the remarkable journey he was to experience when he left Jordan for Australia in 2001 to study a postgraduate degree in Business. It was a chance opportunity while studying that saw him become a partner in a small milk bar in Bondi Beach that led to what Maher now calls a ‘goliath in a market saturated by global giants’. Maher converted that first milk bar into a convenience store to better service the local clientele with unique products at competitive prices. Noticing a gap in the market, Maher jumped on the opportunity to fill the demand. From that one store in Bondi Beach, EzyMart now boasts 380 locations Australia-wide, employs over 2,000 people and has "The evolved into one of the largest independently-owned convenience stores in the world.
“I would like to start by saying I am humbled to be chosen as a finalist in the Ethnic Business Awards. As someone who has seen their business grow to a group of over 400 stores nationwide which has covered almost every corner of every CBD within Australia. It truly is a proud feeling. It’s funny how life works. I came here on a mission to study with a background in professional sport and politics. Next thing I know I’m working in a retail store totally oblivious to how the whole structure works. Now I’m changing the retail environment by using my strong foundation in competitive professional sport. Utilising these skills I amalgamated my knowledge for my retail business. The main thing is to keep an open mind and focus on what works for you. Some of us want to bake bread while others want to sell shoes, I’m glad I found what I did and I am here to help likeminded individuals who want to strive and take risks in order to achieve their goals. No vision is too big. I hope to inspire others with this recognition and develop my network of friends.”
main thing is to keep an open mind and focus on what works for you"
HENRY NGAI MEDIUM-LARGE BUSINESS
It was curiosity that led Anson (Hongwei) Zhang to travel to Australia in 2005 to complete his post-graduate MBA studies. Experiencing a foreign land, Western culture, its lifestyle and opportunities were at the top of the list. However, it didn’t take long for Anson’s entrepreneurial, adventurous spirit to drive him to find out what being a business owner was all about. Four years in the IT industry and a chance conversation with an acquaintance in the solar installation market was all it took to get the cogs turning. From humble beginnings as a two-man team, door knocking in Perth to attain their first client, One Stop Warehouse has grown to a business turning over $390 million in the wholesale distribution of solar and battery systems. It owns a 23% market share across Australia and has since ventured into the gas and electricity retail space, all in a matter of just 7 years.
"In Australia, everyone is given the same opportunities, and we can make things happen" “This award is particularly special to me because it recognises my identity and my contribution to the country. Australia is an ideal place to start a business, big or small (depending on your ambition). It truly has embraced multiculturalism. In Australia, everyone is given the same opportunities, and we can make things happen. Thank you to the Ethnic Business Awards for this recognition of my personal achievements.”
one stop warehouse
HENRY NGAI MEDIUM TO LARGE BUSINESS
Enduring a harrowing six-day escape from Russian-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1950 and five months in the US Occupation Zone in Austria as a political refugee, Josef Chromy grabbed with both hands the opportunity to start a new life, far from the threat of conflict and communism. Arriving in Australia in 1951, penniless and unable to speak English, it was a sense of hope and ambition that drove Josef Chromy to remain optimistic about his future. Working hard in a cement factory, Josef saved enough money to open his own butchery - a trade he was well experienced at. Forty years later, that butchery had grown into a leading, vertically integrated meat export business. The proceeds of the ‘93 float of that business allowed Josef to establish the JAC Group - a Launcestonbased mixed investment group with a diverse range of interests including tourism, wineries, property development and hospitality. With a number of worldrenowned brands to its name, the JAC Group continues to win big and dream bigger.
“I am humbled and honoured to be named as a finalist in the Ethnic Business Awards. I escaped from Czechoslovakia in 1950 as a penniless nineteen-year-old to seek a new life free from the oppression of communism. But not in my wildest dreams did I expect to build the largest smallgoods and meat export company listed on the ASX, develop world-class wineries and tourism projects, and become one of the largest property developers in Tasmania. I came here seventy years ago with nothing but hope and ambition, Australians welcomed me, and through hard work and determination I was able to succeed. I am living proof at ninety, that young people with not a penny, no English and no contacts can do well in Australia if they learn a trade or profession, set high but achievable goals, and then work step by step to get there.”
"I am living proof that young people with not a penny, no English and no contacts can do well in Australia"
HENRY NGAI MEDIUM-LARGE BUSINESS
"My wife and I came to Australia in 1980 as refugees with nothing"
Heeding the advice of his father, Kien Thang Lam fled the oppression of the Communist regime that had taken a hold of Vietnam during the devastating war in the 70’s. In search of "freedom and opportunity," Kien Thang left all that he loved behind, arriving at Adelaide Airport on 13 January 1980 at age 20. Kien Thang Lam found himself a long way from the world he had grown up in. Forced to work long hours, seven days a week, while also studying for certification in Electrical & Refrigeration Mechanical trades, Kien did not take a backward step. Leaving the electrical contracting company that he'd been with for several years, Kien decided to set up his own company with business partner Mr. Dong Tran. Blue Star Air Conditioning was formed in 1997 with one truck, a few tools and a rented showroom. Today, the company owns two large warehouses and showrooms, and competes with the likes of Harvey Norman, Bing Lee and the Good Guys in the domestic and light commercial air conditioning space.
“Words cannot describe how appreciative I am to have been nominated for this award. We never thought that the hard work our family has put into establishing and building this business would be recognised, so this is indeed a dream come true. My wife and I came to Australia in 1980 as refugees with nothing except the clothes on us. Australia has given us the opportunity to open up our business, and the chance to grow it into what it is today. Through hard work and dedication, we believe that anything can be achieved in the land of opportunities. With all the opportunities that Australia has given us, our wish now is to give back to the community in the best way that we know we can – through our business. Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in these awards, and we look forward to meeting all of our fellow award recipients.”
The EBA Foundation is delighted to announce the creation of a new award this year that recognises a desire to motivate, to drive change, advance business, and promote peace and brotherhood on an international scale. These are bold ambitions – they are same ambitions that inform the charter of the EBA itself, and which lie at the core of the mission of its founder, Joseph Assaf AO. This new award recognises agents for change in Australia: exceptional people who have translated desire for international connectivity into action, who are providing inspiration and mutual understanding by acting as bridges to other countries.
The Australian Government is a proud sponsor of the Ethnic Business Awards Foundation
Celebrating diversity and the enormous contribution multiculturalism brings to our nation
The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation is proudly supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency celebrating Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs & communities and their achievements in indigenous business, products & services
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The late Carla Zampatti, one of Australia’s most celebrated and influential fashion designers and business leaders, as well as the Ethnic Business Awards’ longest serving judge, will no doubt be fondly and vividly remembered by all she came in contact with. To put it simply, Carla Zampatti was a ‘love brand’. She was, and remains, an icon. Not only did she demand quality, style and the highest standards in her craftsmanship and her garments, she also demanded the same of herself as a person. So gracious and generous of spirit, Carla embodied everything that the Awards stand for. Ambition. Tenacity. Passion. Creativity, Vision. Perseverance. Inspiration. Her's was a true migrant success story. Born in northern Italy in 1942, Carla emigrated to Australia with her family in 1950 at the age of nine and launched her first collection in 1965 when she was only twenty-three. From princesses and politicians to Oscarwinning actresses, Carla Zampatti knew how to make women feel elegant, empowered – extraordinary. The likes of Princess Mary of Denmark, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and, for many years, our very own Tracy Spicer – who has hosted the Awards’ Gala for over a decade now – have all donned gowns crafted by the doyenne of Australian fashion. Carla has left a truly remarkable legacy across Australian life and culture. In 1987 she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to the fashion industry and, in 1994, was elevated to Companion of the Order, Australia's highest civilian honour.
Carla held many directorships and served on numerous boards, including Chair of SBS from 1999 to 2009, and was recognised with countless accolades and awards. In 2004 she was recognised in her beloved Italy through her appointment as Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic – an amazing story of migrant success indeed! Today, we pay tribute to the legacy left by Carla in her role as an esteemed judge of the Ethnic Business Awards since its inception in 1988. She was always trusted and respected for her exceptional business acumen and we have been honoured to enjoy her support, counsel and, most importantly, her friendship over the thirty and more years was associated with the Awards. In her support and advocacy for migrants and indigenous Australians, Carla passionately championed the cause of recognising the rich and vibrant contributions these wonderful Australians have made to our society and culture. In the stories of each of our finalists, Carla saw the very same virtues that defined her own life –strength, courage, and perseverance in the pursuit of a dream. The Ethnic Business Awards are enormously proud to have been associated with Carla Zampatti. Her story is now forever entwined with ours and that of hundreds of migrant and Indigenous business owners who have been part of these Awards over the past thirty-three years. Her contribution has been immense and her legacy unrivalled. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Carla will live on in many a heart and many a wardrobe across the nation. Vale Carla Zampatti.
Watch interview with Carla Zampatti
This evening we pay tribute to another
We truly appreciate his unwavering
exceptional Australian and dear friend of the
commitment to the judging process and to
Ethnic Business Awards.
celebrating the achievements and
Michael Jeffery, former Governor of Western
contributions of Australia’s migrant and
Australia and Governor-General, was an
Indigenous communities. The genuinely
esteemed judge of the Awards and a member
inspirational tales of courage in the midst of
of the EBA family over many years.
adversity left a marked impression on him.
He is remembered as a remarkable human
He was particularly excited about the positive
being, a passionate defender and supporter of
contribution the Awards were making across
the causes he believed in – an inspiration to all
Australia’s Indigenous communities, labelling
he met.
the establishment of the Indigenous in
Australia's twenty-fourth Governor-General left
Business Award in 2010 ‘a masterstroke’.
WA at the age of sixteen to join the army at
Living his life in the service of others,
the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Michael recognised the dignity of every person
His thirty-five year military career included a
he came in contact with.
tour of duty in Vietnam, during which he was
He possessed a great gift: the gift of
awarded the Military Cross. After retiring from
‘making little people feel big’.
the army in 1993, he served as WA Governor
No truer words reflect the great contribution
until 2000 and was Australia's Governor-
that Major General Michael Jeffery made
General from 2003 to 2008.
during his lifetime than those of former
Following his illustrious military and political
British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli,
career, Michael wore a number of different
who stated: “The legacy of heroes is the
hats as patron, advocate and supporter of
memory of a great name and the inheritance
numerous initiatives. It was his way of giving
of a great example."
back to the country that, he felt, had given him
Michael, you have truly left this great country
so very much.
of ours better than you found it.
He gave so much more.
Your name will be forever etched in the
The Ethnic Business Awards has been
memories of all those you met, and your
privileged to enjoy Michael’s support, guidance
example will be a beacon for future
and friendship since 2016.
generations. You were an exceptional human being by any measure.
Major General Michael Jeffery, the Ethnic Business Awards family salutes you.
Watch interview with Michael Jeffery
EVE CRESTANI Eve Crestani is an experienced Chairman, Non-Executive Director and Business Consultant. She qualified in law, and has thirty years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman, and as chairman of multiple board committees. She has deep experience in the governance of complex and highly regulated businesses, strategy development, risk management, financial management and transformation. Eve has served on a variety of boards – listed, unlisted and mutual, global and domestic. Eve is currently Chairman of Acorn Capital, and a Director of Australian Unity Investment Real Estate Limited, Booking.com, Heathley Real Estate Investment Trust and has previously been Chairman of Mercer Super and a longserving Director of Australian Unity. She also sits on the ASX Disciplinary Tribunal, and has been a Fellow of AICD since its inception. Her pro bono activities include being a Director of Soils For Life. Eve’s consulting career has been focused on providing strategic advice and transformation implementation to organisations such as KPMG, ING, ASX, HK Securities Institute and Fairfax Interactive. Eve has been a judge for the Ethnic Business Awards since 1999.
ALLAN GYNGELL AO FAIIA
Allan Gyngell is National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, an Honorary Professor in the ANU’s College of Asia and the Pacific and a member of the board of China Matters. His extensive experience inside and outside government includes appointments as Director-General of the Office of National Assessments, the inaugural Executive Director of the Lowy Institute and as Foreign Policy Adviser in the office of Prime Minister Paul Keating. He began his career as an Australian diplomat serving in Asia and Washington. Allan has written and spoken widely about Australian foreign and security policy and economic relations with Asia. An updated edition of his most recent book, Fear of Abandonment: Australia and the World since 1942, was published in 2021. He was made an Officer In the Order of Australia for service to international relations in 2009.
GENERAL THE HONOURABLE SIR PETER COSGROVE AK, AC (MIL), CVO, MC (RETD)
Born into an Army family, Peter Cosgrove attended Waverley College in Sydney before graduating from the Royal Military College Duntroon in 1968. His first deployment was in Malaysia with the 1st Battalion RAR and later in Vietnam he commanded an infantry platoon. He served as Commander of INTERFET in East Timor in 1999 overseeing that country’s transition to independence. Then promoted to Chief of Army and later Chief of the Australian Defence Force. He retired from the ADF in 2005 serving on several boards before becoming a Knight in the Order of Australia when sworn in as GovernorGeneral in 2014 and serving until June 2019. Sir Peter was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by Her Majesty the Queen in August 2019. In retirement, he remains involved with defence, health and other charitable organisations. In January 2020 Sir Peter accepted the voluntary role as chairman of the Business Council of Australia’s Community Rebuilding Initiative in response to the 2019/20 bushfires, leading a group of eminent business and community leaders to work with government and the community in the rebuilding process. General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove has joined the EBA judging panel following the passing of Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd) who was a judge of the awards since 2016. In honour of Major General Jeffery’s work with the Foundation and in continuation of such, we are very happy to welcome Sir Peter to our judging panel.
Adam Goodes Dual Brownlow Medallist, dual premiership player, four-time All-Australian, member of the Indigenous Team of the Century and representative in the International Rules Series, Adam Goodes holds an elite place in AFL/VFL history. But his is a name that transcends the football field. Adam was named the 2014 Australian of the Year, in recognition of his advocacy in the fight against racism and his community work - aimed at empowering the next generation of Indigenous role models. Born in South Australia, Adam moved to Victoria as a young boy and developed a passion for Australian Rules Football. Adam soon became one of the game’s leading scorers and had a muchcelebrated career spanning over seventeen seasons. He announced his retirement from AFL in September 2015. Adam is equally known for his involvement and leadership within the Indigenous community. In 2004 he was invited to join the National Indigenous Council (NIC). In 2009, Adam set up The Goodes-O’Loughlin (GO) Foundation with fellow Indigenous teammate Michael O’Loughlin. GO Foundation’s vision is to create a brighter future for Indigenous children through education. In 2014, he joined the board of Supply Nation. Adam’s work within the corporate world extends to advising various organisations, such as retail giant David Jones and Lend Lease, on their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP). Adam is also passionate about the elimination of discrimination in society and advocates for the Recognise Movement along with Racism It Stops With Me campaign. Adam is an ambassador for many prominent brands including Toyota, David Jones, Qantas, and Waunderlust. He is also an ambassador for Woolworths and board member for Support Through Australia Natural Disasters (S.T.A.N.D). Since retiring from AFL, Adam has enjoyed investing more time in the GO Foundation and being CEO for iDiC- Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium along with getting involved in other opportunities that he is passionate about.
Tracey is a multiple Walkley Award winning author, journalist and broadcaster who has anchored national programs for ABC TV and radio, Network Ten and Sky News. The inaugural national convenor of Women in Media, Tracey is one of the most sought-after on-stage and online keynote speakers and emcees in the region. In 2019 she was named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, accepted the Sydney Peace Prize alongside Tarana Burke for the Me Too movement, and won the national award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership through Women & Leadership Australia. In 2018, Tracey was chosen as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence, winning the Social Enterprise and Not-For-Profit category. She was also named Agenda Setter of the Year by the website Women’s Agenda. For her 30 years of media and charity work, Tracey has been awarded the Order of Australia. Highlights of her outstanding career include writing, producing and presenting documentaries on women and girls in Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Papua New Guinea and India. She is an Ambassador for ActionAid, Cancer Council NSW, QUT’s Learning Potential Fund, The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation, SISTER2sister and Purple Our World, and Patron of the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance. Her first book, The Good Girl Stripped Bare, became a bestseller within weeks of publication, while her TEDx Talk, The Lady Stripped Bare, has attracted more than six million views worldwide. Tracey’s essays have appeared in dozens of books including Women of Letters, She’s Having a Laugh, Father Figures, Unbreakable, and Bewitched & Bedevilled: Women Write the Gillard Years. Recently, the ABC highlighted Tracey’s #metoo work in the three part documentary series Silent No More, which featured the stories of hidden survivors. In between emceeing/speaking at live and hybrid conferences, working in corporate communications, and conducting media/presentation training sessions, Tracey is writing a book on #AIbias
Tracey Spicer AM has a long association with the EBA Foundation "For several years I have been privileged to MC these awards and with every new year I become more committed to the values and messages that these awards champion. Our world needs good role models. We need stories of resilience and persistence. We need genuine and honest accounts from entrepreneurs, not just the overnight success tales in the media. The EBA Foundation brings us this and much more."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
EBA FOUNDATION LTD Mr Joseph Assaf AO, Chairman Mr Tony Abbott AC Mr Tony Geagea Mr Sunny Ngai Dr Van Minh Nguyen Mr Marko Franovic Secretary of the Board Mr Daniel Assaf
Sadly, the founding member of the Ethnic Business Awards Foundation board, Mr Don Khoury passed away in 2021. Don gave his support, time and considerable talents to the awards since their inception in 1988. He attended almost every awards ceremony in those 32 years and was always proud to be associated with the EBA Foundation. Don was generous, gifted and an exceptional person in every sense. He was loved and admired
Mr Don Khoury Pictured at the 2018 EBA Gala Dinner
by all at the EBA Foundation and we will miss him dreadfully.
This is a really special night. It’s a night to acknowledge those who have come to Australia, not to take a contribution, but to make one. And in making a great contribution to our country they’ve made us stronger. And their story has become part of the great Australian story and it’s something that we can all celebrate. And that’s what these awards are about. The Hon. Scott Morrison 30th Prime Minister of Australia EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 2019
And so my invocation to each of you as men and women of Australian business is, as the days get harder, and they will, to draw on every element of the talent and the skill and linguistic and cultural connectedness that you have with the rest of the world. To get out there and to work hard. To carry forward with confidence the great name of Australia in business. I am confident you will. For those of you who are here tonight as finalists in these Ethnic Business Awards can I say as Prime Minister of Australia, congratulations. Whether you win, whether you come second, or whether you come third congratulations – it is a great thing that you are here because you represent the hopes of us all. The Hon. Kevin Rudd 26th Prime Minister of Australia EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 2008
My best wishes to everyone attending the 2016 Annual Ethnic Business Awards. Since the first ceremony was held in 1988, these awards have been an important platform for celebrating diversity, multiculturalism and the achievements of migrants. The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull 29th Prime Minister of Australia EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 2016 (by message)
The beauty of the people we celebrate tonight – whether they be the ethnic business success stories or the Indigenous business success stories – is that in every case outsiders have become insiders. That is what we celebrate and that is at the heart of the Australian story: outsiders become insiders. The Hon. Tony Abbot 28th Prime Minister of Australia EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 2013
Since 1988, these awards have recognised the business success stories of people from diverse backgrounds and have provided an opportunity to promote an appreciation of the contributions overseas-born Australians have made to our community. Australia has benefited from the rich cultural traditions and enterprising spirit of people who have migrated from all over the world, or who have sought haven here. I welcome the contribution you have all made to our strong and vibrant nation and its economy. The Hon. Julia Gillard 27th Prime Minister of Australia EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 2012
It’s not possible to think of the economic growth of Australia over the last thirty or forty years without thinking of the massive contributions that have been made by the group loosely called ethnic Australians to the development of our country. The Hon. John Howard 25th Prime Minister of Australia EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 1996
I think that tonight we are really saying we’re taking the chance to highlight the tremendous achievements and efforts of some Australians who’ve come to this country, they’ve not started with the natural advantage of knowing it and have done things that are special which we can all identify with and which we can all celebrate. And that’s really I think what the Ethnic Business Awards are about. They are not a “leg up” for a group of people in business, they’re a celebration of all of us and that’s why I am so pleased to be associated with them. The Hon. Paul Keating 24th Prime Minister of Australia EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 1995
The Ethnic Business Awards, have long been a feature of our multicultural landscape. They pay tribute to the extraordinary achievement and contribution of people born on shores other than our own. They are a yearly reminder of our rich diversity. Of how privileged we are to enjoy a broad palate of colours, tastes, accents and dreams. These awards were the dream of Mr Joseph Assaf, who has been their guardian angel and passionate director across two decades. A voice and a flame for our migrant communities. The Governor General The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVD EBA Gala Presentation Dinner 2009
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ONE STOP FAMILY PRACTICE MEDICAL CENTRE GROUP Winner of Medium to Large Business category 2017 Ethnic Business Awards
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