This Award is provided by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, The Honourable Lucy Hood MP, through the Multicultural Education and Languages Committee (MELC) and administered by the Australia Day Council of South Australia.
Nominations for 2027 are now open!
Nominations open 1 August and close at midnight 1 November 2026.
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Do you know an inspiring young leader passionate about languages and cultures and who advocates for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia?
The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures recognises outstanding young people who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to advocacy for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia.
This Award is provided by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, The Honourable Lucy Hood MP, through the Multicultural Education and Languages Committee (MELC) and administered by the Australia Day Council of South Australia.
The Multicultural Education and Languages Committee (MELC)
MELC is a ministerial advisory committee that works collaboratively with the three schooling sectors and community organisations in South Australia in the interrelated areas of languages education, multicultural education and the internationalisation of education. MELC works towards ensuring that education for all students is enriched by the value of engagement with linguistic and cultural diversity and that young people learn to operate with sophistication and ease with diverse people.
More information on MELC can be found here.
Award Categories
Category 1: Secondary school student
This award recognises a secondary school student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to their study of languages and cultures, promotes intercultural understanding, and who is using their intercultural capabilities to engage in and advocate for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia.
Category 2: A young person 24 years of age or under (no longer at school)
This award recognises a young person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to engaging in and advocating for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia through strong community leadership.
Selection Criteria
Category 1: Secondary school student
- Demonstrates sound capability in more than one language
- Demonstrates outstanding commitment to the study of languages and cultures
- Demonstrates effective intercultural capabilities
- Promotes and encourages others to engage in linguistic and cultural diversity within the school and/or the broader community
- Is enrolled in a South Australian school.
Category 2: Young person 24 years of age or under as at 1 November 2026 (no longer at school)
- Demonstrates sound capability in more than one language, effective multilingual communication skills and intercultural capability
- Demonstrates commitment to advocacy for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia
- Outstanding community leadership
- Promotes linguistic and cultural diversity within their community.
This award is designed to promote the study of languages and the development of intercultural capabilities. It is awarded to a secondary school student who has shown outstanding commitment to their study of languages and cultures at school, and who seeks to advocate for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia by fostering engagement in linguistic and cultural diversity within their school and broader community.
Process of Nomination
Individuals, schools or organisations may submit nominations.
The nominating person or organisation should complete the online nomination form addressing ALL of the selection criteria for the relevant award category and can provide relevant background information and supporting materials.
Nominations must include the name, email address and contact number for up to three referees who are familiar with the achievements of the nominee.
If you need assistance with your nomination, please contact Suzanne Malbut, Awards and Alumni Manager at the Australia Day Council of South Australia office: suzanne.malbut@adcsa.com.au or (08) 8212 3999.
Process of Selection
- The Selection Panel will consist of representatives from the Multicultural Education and Languages Committee and the Australia Day Council of South Australia.
- The panel will use the listed criteria to shortlist finalists for each of the categories.
- Finalists may be contacted for an interview to assist the panel in selecting the Award recipients.
- The Award will be announced and presented at an Awards Ceremony held at Government House in February 2027.
- Only successful Award recipients will be contacted.
2026 Recipients and Commendations
Anton Slobodian - Category 1 Recipient
Anton Slobodian is a Year 12 student, Prefect, and 2025 graduate of Blackfriars Priory School who exemplifies leadership through language, empathy, and action. He has a strong command of Ukrainian, advanced Stage 2 proficiency in Japanese, and excellent English literacy, using each language to connect people and foster understanding—from welcoming international students to supporting newly arrived Ukrainian refugees in Adelaide. He is a confident, effective communicator with a clear purpose: to advance cultural inclusivity and promote harmony in the community, underpinned by strong linguistic awareness developed through his studies in languages and cultures. As Anton reflects, “Language is the beginning of empathy.” Anton’s authenticity, humility, and quiet determination inspire others to approach diversity with curiosity and compassion. He models leadership grounded in empathy and integrity, fostering engagement through initiative, art, and community service He understands and effectively demonstrates that language is a living instrument of trust and inclusion — one that can heal division and strengthen our shared humanity.
Serena Xiao - Category 1 Commendation
As a multilingual student, Serena demonstrates an exceptional passion for languages and cultural diversity. She is a native speaker of Mandarin Chinese, fluent in English, and is learning Italian, Japanese and French, showing remarkable curiosity and dedication to understanding world cultures and communication. Her linguistic ability reflects a genuine love of learning and a deep respect for global diversity. Beyond the classroom, Serena embodies leadership through active involvement in numerous cultural and community events across South Australia. Serena has performed, organised, or volunteered at significant multicultural festivals and celebrations, actively applying her multilingual skills in real-world contexts. She volunteers as a translator and interpreter for the Royal Life Saving Society’s Beach Safety Events, supporting community education for people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds by sharing important water safety information. Serena is known for her respectful communication, creativity, and ability to bring people together across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Her contribution reflects a genuine belief in unity through diversity.
Nazdana Hussaini - Category 2 Recipient
Arriving in Australia as a young refugee at the age of 12, Nazdana Hussaini faced the challenges of learning a new language, adapting to a new environment, and rebuilding her life. Despite these hurdles, she excelled academically and quickly became a role model for others navigating similar journeys. As the current President of the Association of Australian Tertiary Students from Afghanistan (AATSA), she mentors students, supports their educational and career pathways, and advocates for their voices to be heard. In her work with newly arrived migrants and refugees, she offers guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, helping them settle into their new lives in Australia.
Her multilingual abilities allow her to connect across cultures and generations. She supports girls through sports programs, homework clubs, and social events, creating safe and inclusive spaces where young people feel seen and valued. Currently studying Law and International Relations, her passion for justice and global understanding is already shaping the world around her.
Melih Aslan - Category 2 Joint Recipient
Currently studying to become a teacher, Melih is a proud Turkish-Australian. Bilingual in English and Turkish, he is currently learning Arabic. Intelligent, socially engaged and resilient, Melih has shown an exceptional ability to connect with others. He consistently engages in community outreach and volunteer programs that promote language, culture and student wellbeing, emerging as a respected young leader among his peers. Melih's unwavering commitment to service, his leadership across diverse cultural settings, and his ability to balance academic pursuits with extensive community engagement make him exceptional. In 2024 Melih participated in a volunteer teaching program in Aceh, Indonesia, where he taught English at public schools and led an orphanage support project, successfully raising over $70,000 in collaboration with the Australian Relief Organisation. He articulates his ideas and goals with clarity and purpose, ensuring his message resonates with audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Whether speaking at community events, leading discussions, or mentoring young people, Melih communicates with confidence and empathy leading to successful projects that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity, strengthening social cohesion and community engagement.
