News

Celebrating Impact at the 2026 MY Education Awards 

Photos by Harjono Djoyobisono

Nearly 200 people came together with CMY to recognise the excellence, innovation, and commitment of those who have contributed to improving the education experience of young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds across Victoria. 

At Kensington Town Hall on 29 September 2026, CMY’s MY Education team hosted the 11^th annual MY Education Awards. 

For the first time, this year’s ceremony featured recognition of all three of MY Education’s key programs: the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP), School’s Standing Up To Racism (SSUR) , and Learning Beyond the Bell (LBB). This expansion reflects CMY’s ongoing belief that making a difference in education takes many forms, and the efforts of those working in all spaces deserve recognition. 

LetTeine Polynesian Dance Academy opened the event, sharing the richness and diversity of Polynesian culture with a series of dances that set a vibrant and upbeat tone for the proceedings. 

The event was emceed by CMY’s Youth Intern, Aeri, who warmly welcomed attendees and emphasised the shift in direction of this year’s event – to recognise and celebrate the impact of nominees in our community. 

We then heard from a student panel made up of Aleyna and Ali, who shared their experiences in migrating to Australia and attending school. They reflected on the diverse needs, experiences, and supports needed by multicultural youth, and the role of schools.  

“School is a second home for teenagers, the school should be supportive, helping students become confident, take chances and get opportunities.”  
– Ali 

Aleyna left attendees with a key message, one that resonates throughout all CMY’s work: “Lead with compassion and kindness.” 

CMY CEO Carmel Guerra OAM addressed the audience, acknowledging the work, dedication, and assistance provided by partners and all those involved. She highlighted that CMY is “very proud to stand here today and be a leader in championing learning spaces that are inclusive, culturally sustaining, and empowering for our highly diverse student population.” 

Carmel emphasised the need for multi-year funding for learning support programs to stabilise and protect the support they provide to students from migrant and refugee backgrounds across Victoria – a key priority in CMY’s 2026 State Election Platform. 

Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Iwan Walters followed this, echoing the sentiment and emphasising to all nominees a heartfelt “congratulations, and thank you for the contribution you make to making our community a better one.” 

Matthew Hilakari, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, closed out the guest speakers, asserting that CMY’s programs are “an important set of works that embrace our young people in a life of learning … for a lifetime of reaching full potential.” 

“Every young person in Victoria should have the opportunity to thrive and be the very best, and set out the best lives for themselves.” 
– Matthew Hilakari MP 

Carmel Guerra OAM and Matthew Hilakari then presented the awards to all winners and runners up. 

Congratulations to all the nominees at this year’s MY Education Awards and thank you for the all the work you continue to do to support the learning of multicultural young people in Victoria. 

Full List of Award Winners