The African-Australian community came together to celebrate successful stories from members of their communities last Saturday November 18th, 2017 in Melbourne, as part of the 5th edition of the prestigious AFROSHINE AUSTRALIA awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of individual Australians of African descent from around the country in 12 categories that include community leadership, business entrepreneurship, artistic talents, professional excellence etc.
Africa Media Australia (AMA) and African Professionals (APA) are the organisers of this awards program that started in 2012, initially as the Victorian African Community Awards (VACA), before it evolved into a national program and was renamed AFROSHINE AUSTRALIA AWARDS.
“These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of various Africans in the country. They showcase excellence in our communities and highlight the great stories of success and contribution of Africans into the Australian society”, stated Clyde Sharady, Chairperson of APA and CEO of AMA.
Over 100 African-Australians were nominated for 2017 edition since the nominations were opened in late August 2017. Approximately thirty African nationalities were represented in the pool of the nominees, which also includes non-African individuals and organisations supporting African communities in Australia and in the mother continent.
“Mainstream media in Australia often focuses on negative stories from African communities, but these awards offer a golden opportunity to see and meet great African achievers who are making Australia a better place to live for all”, stated Clyde Sharady.
List of all winners (see photos at the bottom of the page)
| Recipient | Award | Category |
| Richard Deng | Co-Winner | Community Leadership (VIC) |
| Shick J. Senior | Co-Winner | Community leadership (VIC) |
| Mercy Akongo | Winner | Women in Leadership (VIC) |
| Jane Chimungeni | Winner | Women in Leaderhips (ACT) |
| Catherine Loppy | Winner | Women in Leadership (TAS) |
| Lucky Ngoshi | Highly commended | Women in Leadership (WA) |
| David Smile | Winner | Revelation Artist of the Year (VIC) |
| King Bell | Winner | Artist of the Year (Music- VIC) |
| Privato Nyintunze | Winner | Young Artist of the year (SA) |
| Jas Rav | Commended | Artistic talents (Reggae music- VIC) |
| Walexy | Commended | Artistic talents (Pop music- SA) |
| Eric Kasukulu | Commended | Youth Leadership (QLD) |
| Raviro Nzenza | Winner | Professional Excellence (Legal- ViC) |
| John K. | Winner | Professional Excellence (Film- NSW) |
| Kamal Veerapen | Winner | Professional Excellence (Trades- VIC) |
| Dr Akin Fulaki | Winner | Professional Excellence (Public Service- TAS) |
| Rodney Majaya | Co-Winner | Professional Excellence (Media- VIC) |
| Ahmed Osman | Co- Winner | Professional Excellence (Media-VIC) |
| Christine Mutawara | Commended | Professional Excellence (Media-QLD) |
| Ahadi Lulerhe | Commended | Professional Excellence (Media-VIC) |
| Azulant Kora | Winner | Fashion & Modelling (WA) |
| Rhoda Mphande | Commended | Fashion & Modelling (VIC) |
| Ruby Lyn | Commended | Fashion & Modelling (QLD) |
| Agnes Rosina | Commended | Fashion & Modelling (VIC) |
| Mansura Nur | Commended | Unsung Heroes (Best Mum- VIC) |
| Mary Yeboah | Winner | Friend of Africans (NSW) |
| Dr Paddy Dewan | Winner | Friend of Africans (VIC) |
| Mohammed Almalki | Highly commended | Friend of Africans (VIC) |
| Thomas Matthew | Highly commended | Friend of Africans (VIC) |
| Single Mother Foundation | Highly Commended | Charitable organisations (VIC) |
| Sammy Bennet Foundation | Commended | Charitable organisations (WA) |
| All star Views | Commended | Organisations supporting Africans (SA) |
| Africa Find Inc. | Commended | Organisations supporting Africans (NSW) |
Some Photos of the winners
Mercy Akongo, Winner, Women in Leadership Category
Dr Paddy Deewan (right), Winner, Friends of Africans Category (Victoria)
Christine Mutwarara, Commended, Professional Excellence Category (Media)
Agnes Rosina (Left), Commended, Fashion Design Category
Kamal Veerapen, Winner, Professional Excellence Category (Trades/Cabinet Making)
Raviro Nzena (Left) Winner, Professional Excellence Category (Legal)
John K., Winner, Professional Excellence Category, Film
