Daily Archives: October 21, 2026
16 Years of Advocacy for Oromia, 16 Years of Impact
Marking a Milestone of Dedication, Resilience and Progress
For 16 years, the cause of Oromia has been carried forward with unwavering commitment — through advocacy, community engagement and a steadfast belief in justice, dignity and development for the Oromo people. Today, we mark 16 years of advocacy and 16 years of impact.
What began as a shared vision among a dedicated few has grown into a sustained movement built on perseverance, solidarity and the collective voice of a community determined to be heard. Over these 16 years, advocacy for Oromia has taken many forms — raising awareness, amplifying community concerns, fostering dialogue, and championing the rights and aspirations of the Oromo people both at home and in the diaspora.
The impact of this work is reflected not only in the milestones achieved, but in the lives touched, the voices empowered and the awareness built across communities. Each year has brought new challenges, and each challenge has been met with renewed resolve. Through it all, the commitment to Oromia’s future has remained constant.
This milestone belongs to everyone who has contributed to the journey — the advocates, the community members, the partners and the supporters who have stood together over the years. Your dedication has made a difference, and your efforts continue to shape a brighter path forward.
As we celebrate 16 years of advocacy and 16 years of impact, we look ahead with hope and determination. The work continues, and so does the vision of a prosperous, peaceful and dignified Oromia.
Here’s to 16 years of dedication — and to the many years of impact still to come.
16 Years of Advocacy for Oromia. 16 Years of Impact.
Celebrating 75 Years of Impact: AMES Australia Honors a Legacy of Building New Lives
For 75 years, AMES Australia has been a cornerstone of the nation’s multicultural success, and last night, community leaders, politicians, and advocates gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone.
Under the glowing banner of “75 Years of AMES Australia, 75 Years of impact,” attendees reflected on the transformative power of support, training, and opportunity. The celebration highlighted the absolutely incredible stories and achievements of refugees and migrants who have successfully built their new lives in Australia.
The event underscored why Australia’s multiculturalism remains so successful and vibrant. It is the result of dedicated organizations like AMES providing vital services—from settlement and employment assistance to English language training and ongoing support. These foundational pillars have helped nearly one million clients transition into their new communities and thrive.
The anniversary was a moment to honor the visionaries and hard workers behind the organization’s success. Special congratulations were extended to Melinda Collinson (GAICD), Vanda Fortunato (PhD, FAICD), the current and former AMES Board members and CEOs, and the entire AMES Australia team.
The celebration also brought together notable figures, including Laura Lo Bianco-Smith, Matt Carrick, Lee Tarlamis OAM MP, and Meena Naidu (GAICD), who gathered to recognize the profound #Impact that skills and education (#Skills) have had on the state of Victoria (#Victoria) over the decades.
As AMES Australia marks 75 years of making a difference, the evening served as both a powerful retrospective of past achievements and a hopeful look toward the future, continuing its mission of empowering individuals and strengthening the fabric of Australian society.
Celebrating Our Community This Mashujaa Day
Honouring the Heroes Among Us
Mashujaa Day is a time to reflect on the spirit of heroism that lives within our communities — not only in the historic figures who shaped our nation, but in the everyday people whose quiet dedication, sacrifice and resilience hold us together.
This Mashujaa Day, we celebrate our community and the many heroes who walk among us: the parents working tirelessly for their families, the volunteers who give their time without hesitation, the neighbours who lend a hand in times of need, and the young people striving to build a better future.
Heroism is not always loud. Often, it is found in small acts of kindness, in perseverance through hardship, and in the commitment to lift others as we rise.
Today, we honour every member of our community who contributes to making it stronger, kinder and more united. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and your spirit inspires us all.
Join us in celebrating our community — because the true heroes of our nation are the people who make it what it is, every single day.
#MashujaaDay #CelebratingOurCommunity #HeroesAmongUs
