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
Home
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.
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