Community Pillar Award

Dr. David Mickler

Dr. David Mickler

David Mickler is a Senior Lecturer in Foreign Policy & International Relations, and Director of the Africa Research and Engagement Centre at the University of Western Australia. David is also the founding Co-Chair of the Worldwide Universities Network’s Global Africa Group which builds collaborations between African and non-African universities.

David is passionate about creating deeper linkages between Australian universities and African-Australian communities and actively works to transform universities so that they are better placed to address the challenges facing CaLD communities. Over the past three years, David has worked with state and federal governments, the private sector, and community partners to create positive awareness about Africa in Australia and about Australia in Africa, resulting in his founding directorship in 2018, of Australia’s first ever Africa Research & Engagement Centre.

From an early age, David developed a strong sense of social justice and of the need to work in partnership with CaLD communities to overcome structural inequalities and institutional racism, and to create equal opportunities for all citizens.

A mentor and teacher, David continues to provide local Australian students with the opportunity to learn about the key issues and opportunities facing Africa and African diasporas around the world, including African-Australian communities.

Christina Ward

Nyat Mulugeta

Christina Ward is the Deputy Director of the Edmund Rice Centre (WA) which provides essential settlement services to Humanitarian Entrants who have been in Australia for less than five years. It also provides community education activities.

Christina is passionate about social justice and actively works to support the integration of people who have fled traumatic circumstances into Australian society. She has also volunteered with ASeTTs to provide services for refugee survivors of torture and trauma.

Always working to provide the best advice, advocacy, and support, Christina sits on the boards of the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre, Sudbury House, and the WA Football Association Junior Football Committee representing CaLD interests and integration.

Through her various roles, Christina works towards making systemic changes that will lead to communities that are equal and fair.

Dr. Casta Tungaraza

Nyat Mulugeta

Casta Tungaraza is a well-respected leader, advocate, and influencer who strives to create an Australian society that is equal and fair for all. Over the years, she has developed innovative community engagement strategies in consulting, dialoguing, and working with Western Australians from diverse backgrounds to address a wide range of social issues.

Casta is the Co-Founder and Director of the Australia-Africa Trade and Investment Conference & Expo. She is also the Director of the Australian Institute of Kiswahili Language and African Culture. She is the Chair of the Advisory Group on Australia-Africa Relations, which reports to the Minister for Affairs and Trade, Hon. Julie Bishop. She is also the Deputy Chair of the Western Australia Prisoner’s Review Board. Casta also sits on the board of the Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors and is the President of the African Women’s Council of Australia.

In 2015, Casta was awarded the African Union’s Global Africa Diaspora Award, for visionary and inspiring leadership in the promotion of African women in all facets of development. In 2012, she was inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame.

A tireless advocate, Casta is dedicated to promoting the ideals of multiculturalism and gender equality.