NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2015 PREMIER’S MULTICULTURAL MEDIA AWARDS

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka today issued an invitation to the community language media to enter the 2015 Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards.

Mr Baird said the annual awards would be held again this year to recognise the excellent work of the state’s ethnic media professionals.

“The multicultural media represents a large portion of our media landscape, which caters to more than 200 languages and dialects spoken in homes across NSW,” Mr Baird said.

“These awards recognise the best and most inspiring work of ethnic professionals working across all mediums, including print and online publications, radio and television services.

“Almost one in every four people in NSW was born overseas so the community media plays a major role in keeping our ethnic communities informed about what’s happening both here and in their homeland.

“I conduct regular interviews with the community media and am always impressed by the level of professionalism shown by our ethnic media reporters and support staff.

“I would like to encourage everyone who believes they have worked on an outstanding story over the past year to enter the 2015 Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards.”

Mr Ajaka joined Mr Baird in emphasising the significance of the multicultural media in NSW.

“We need to highlight the importance of the multicultural media, its professionalism and what a fantastic resource it is. The best way to make that point is for editors and producers to nominate for these awards and demonstrate the quality of their work,” Mr Ajaka said.

“We are a multilingual society. The strength of the multicultural media supports the maintenance of our multilingual skills.”

Nominations are now open until 5pm on Friday 22 May 2015. The winners will be announced at the Multicultural Media Awards presentation on 25th June.

Application details are available on the Multicultural NSW website, www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au