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 Blair Boyer 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 – A high school student

This award is designed to promote the study of languages and the development of intercultural capabilities. It is awarded to a high 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.

Category 2: A young person 24 years of age or under (who is no longer at school)

Awarded to a young person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocacy for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia and strong community leadership.

Selection Criteria

Category 1 – A high school student

• Sound capability in more than one language
• Outstanding commitment to the study of languages and cultures
• Effective intercultural capabilities
• Fosters engagement in linguistic and cultural diversity within the school and/or the broader community.
• A student who is undertaking their studies in South Australia

Category 2: A young person 24 years of age or under (who is no longer at school)

• Sound capability in more than one language
• Ability to operate successfully in linguistic and culturally diverse environments
• Commitment to advocacy for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia
• Outstanding community leadership

Nominations open on 1st August 2024!

** Nominations close on Friday, 1st November 2024.

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 provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of 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 Coordinator 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 2025.
• Only Award recipients will be contacted. Receipt of all nominations will be acknowledged formally after the Award Ceremony.