The prestigious award presentation ceremony organised by Multicultural NSW was held on Thursday 24 August at the Sydney Theatre Company attended by finalists and their guests where the NSW Premier and Minister for Multiculturalism announced the winners.
The recognition came in honour of Dr Yucel’s profoundly moving article titled “How my faith helped me after the loss of loved ones in the earthquake,” published in February 2023 on AMUST multimedia platforms and newspaper, in response to the harrowing earthquakes that struck Turkiye and Syria on Monday 6 February 2023.
In addition to Dr Yucel’s triumph, AMUST achieved further recognition as a finalist for the Best Text Report category, thanks to the collaborative work titled “Islam, Muslim Australians, and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.”
Crafted jointly by Professor Halim Rane, Associate Professor Debbie Bargallie, and Dr Troy Meston, this article, published in May 2023, masterfully wove together the narratives of Islam, Australian Muslims, and the Indigenous Voice in parliament.
The report concluded with a gentle call to action, urging both Muslims and Australians to stand in support of Indigenous Australians, an integral facet of the collective healing process.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “ NSW is proud of its record as one of the most successful multicultural states in the world…. and these awards acknowledge that diversity.”
“I congratulate all the outstanding winners and finalists this year for bringing a voice to such important topics such as fighting racism, connecting communities through sport and celebrating the delicate intricacies of diverse Australian perspectives,” NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said.
Dr Yucel’s account of the heart-rending loss of six family members, including his sister, and 19 distant relatives, in the wake of the devastating earthquakes, struck a deep chord with those who have experienced the profound anguish of losing dear ones.
His article, an emotional tour de force, bore the title “How my faith helped me after the loss of loved ones in the earthquake.”
Through this piece, Dr Yucel vulnerably shared his own journey, recounting the moment he received the gut-wrenching news of the earthquake’s impact on his hometown of Adiyaman.
His words vividly portrayed the overwhelming sorrow that enveloped him, as he conveyed, “My eyes, heart, and soul wept in unison.”
Dr Yucel’s narrative artfully conveyed the far-reaching influence of faith, community support, and altruism in navigating the formidable depths of grief that accompany the loss of cherished individuals.
His story stands as an embodiment of hope for those confronted by parallel hardships, illuminating the potency of resilience, faith, and the binding ties that unite us amid times of acute sorrow.
A distinguished academic figure, Dr Salih Yucel holds the position of Associate Professor at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at Charles Sturt University.
His multifaceted career includes serving as an Imam at Sydney’s Redfern Mosque from 1987 to 1992, followed by a seven-year tenure as a Muslim chaplain at Harvard Medical Schools’ hospitals.
Subsequently, he assumed roles as a lecturer and senior lecturer in Islamic Studies at Monash University.
Dr Yucel’s academic achievements encompass a Master of Theology from the University of Sydney in 1996 and a Doctorate from Boston University in 2007.
The PMCAs, a celebration of distinction in multicultural media and marketing, recognise the pivotal role played by media and marketing professionals in effectively engaging diverse audiences across the state.
The accolades encompass a broad spectrum, encompassing journalists, editors, publishers, as well as marketing experts across text, radio, television, and digital media. Furthermore, these awards pay tribute to innovative marketing agencies and campaigns that kindle social unity and community concord.
The PMCAs recognise excellence in multicultural media and marketing acknowledging the important role marketing and media professionals play in communicating to diverse audiences across the state.
For further information on PMCAs, please visit: multicultural.nsw.gov.au/premiers-multicultural-communications-awards/
Winners of 2023 Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards (PMCAs) | |
Best Audio-Visual Report | Sharon Offenberger and Ghousoon Bisharat, Plus61J Media |
Best Audio Report | Stephanie Corsetti, Claire Slattery, Marcus Megalokonomos and Hannah Kwon, SBS |
Best Text Report | Dr Salih Yucel, AMUST |
Young Journalist of the Year | Olivia Yuan, SBS Mandarin |
Publication of the Year | Pawan Luthra and Rajni Anand Luthra, Indian Link Media Group |
Alan Knight Student Award | Suhayla Zahira Sharif |
Public Interest Award | Addison Road Community Organisation |
Lifetime Achievement Award | Haralambos Anargyrou Kritharis, known as Harry Crethar |
Marketing Awards | |
Agency Campaign of the Year | Think HQ and Cultureverse for the Australian Human Rights Commission |
Business Campaign of the Year | Savings Finder Campaign, Department of Customer Service |
Community Campaign of the Year | Moving Forward Together, Stop Racism Now |
Best Use of Digital or Social Media | Western Sydney Wanderers |