A Portugal-born migrant who arrived in Australia 25 years ago, with no experience in business or finance, was among the winners at the 2005 Ethnic Business Awards night. Mr Fred Ferreria, Managing Director of Wideform Group of Companies was honoured as his business was presented with the Large Business Award. After 31 years of trading, the business has grown to become Australia’s largest formwork company and a leader in the building and construction industry. The Small Business Award was presented to the partners of Green Sprouts, Roger Green, Alasdair Irvine and Barry O’Dwyer. The partners, who emigrated from Zimbabwe, started their backyard business in 1989. Their business now employs 30 workers, who supply safe, healthy salad ingredients to markets and chain stores from Darwin to Sydney. The Special Initiative Award was received by Director of Nu-Door Pty Ltd, Turkish- born Mehmet Karamemis. The Initiative Award recognises outstanding determination, growth and potential. Mr Karamemis started the company in 1996 with poor English skills, a limited understanding of borrowing and a family to support. Today, the company is the premier manufacturer of vinyl wrap doors and post forming of laminates for bench tops. Migrants make an invaluable contribution to Australia and it is important their achievements are applauded, the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, John Cobb, said of the 2005 Ethnic Business Awards on Tuesday night. The winners of this year’s awards were announced during a gala dinner held at Le Montage, Sydney, held to celebrate the diversity of multicultural Australia. ‘Candidates for the awards are selected on creativity and innovation, growth and potential, and creation of employment opportunities,’ Minister Cobb said. ‘All the finalists presented their stories to the audience and they were inspiring tales of innovation and creativity, sharing how they adapted their skills to achieve success. ‘Australia has a long history of cultural diversity and we accept people from different backgrounds whose skills, commitment and hard work benefit Australia socially, culturally and economically. ‘It is important for Australian businesses to realise the enormous potential
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John Cobb MP
Australian Government Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs of Australia’s language and cultural diversity to foster business growth and success. ‘Tonight is a celebration of Australia’s multicultural society. The awards allow us to congratulate these migrants whose energy and optimism have resulted in outstanding success,’ Minister Cobb said. MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Chesson - 0418 415 597 |