Nominations open for the Les Murray Award (Australia)

The Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition honours refugees living in Australia who have made outstanding contributions to society and raised positive awareness about forcibly displaced people. The award includes a AUD 10,000 prize and recognises impactful work across media, advocacy, arts, community engagement, and public storytelling.

Nominations are open to the public and close on 28 February 2026 at 5:00 PM AEDT.

The Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition celebrates refugees in Australia who are using their voices, talents, and lived experience to improve public understanding of refugee journeys and the realities of forced displacement.

Named in honour of the late broadcaster and advocate Les Murray, the award highlights leadership, resilience, and positive impact within Australian society.

What Is the Les Murray Award?

The Les Murray Award is a national recognition initiative jointly supported by Australia for UNHCR and SBS.

It recognises a refugee living in Australia who has:

• Made a significant contribution to Australian society

• Raised positive awareness of refugees and forcibly displaced people

• Helped shift public narratives through storytelling, advocacy, creativity, or community engagement

Award Prize and Recognition

Cash Prize

• AUD 10,000 prize

• Generously donated by SBS

The prize recognises work that supports greater public understanding of refugee experiences in Australia.

Visibility and Impact

Award recipients gain:

• National recognition

• Increased visibility for their work and advocacy

• Validation of their contribution to refugee awareness and inclusion

Who Can Be Nominated?

Eligible Nominees

The selection committee is seeking:

• A refugee living in Australia

• An individual who has made a meaningful contribution to the Australian community

• Someone who has raised positive awareness about refugees and forced displacement

Ineligible Nominees

The following are not eligible:

• Current employees of SBS

• Current employees of UNHCR

• Immediate family members of SBS or UNHCR employees

Who Can Nominate?

• Anyone can nominate another individual

• Self-nominations are allowed

There is no requirement to be affiliated with an organisation to submit a nomination.

What Types of Work Are Recognised?

The award recognises a wide range of contributions, including but not limited to:

• Journalism and media work

• Documentary filmmaking or broadcasting

• Social media advocacy and storytelling

• Published writing or research

• Visual arts, performance, or creative expression

• Community leadership and grassroots engagement

Supporting Materials (Optional but Strongly Encouraged)

Nominations may include up to five supporting materials to strengthen the application.

Examples include:

• News reports or media features

• Documentaries or video content

• Social media posts or campaigns

• Images or works of art

• Published work or creative outputs

• Evidence of previous awards or recognition

Written References (Mandatory)

Each nomination must include:

• At least two written references

• References must verify the nominee’s work

• References must demonstrate the impact of the nominee’s contribution to Australian society

Nomination Requirements

All nominations must be structured and clearly address the selection criteria.

Required Written Sections

Each nomination must include the following components.

1. Biography and Refugee Journey (Up to 150 Words)

This section must outline:

• A brief biography of the nominee

• Their refugee journey and resettlement in Australia

2. Work and Awareness-Raising Activities (Up to 250 Words)

This section must explain:

• The nominee’s work and achievements

• How they have raised positive awareness of refugees and forcibly displaced people

3. Community Engagement in Australia (Up to 250 Words)

This section must describe:

• How the nominee has engaged Australian communities

• Their role in building understanding, inclusion, or support for refugees

Selection Criteria

The award is assessed by a dedicated selection committee.

Key criteria include:

• Impact and significance of the nominee’s contribution

• Demonstrated commitment to positive refugee representation

• Reach and influence within Australian society

• Authentic engagement with refugee experiences and narratives

Why This Award Matters

Public understanding of forced displacement is shaped by stories, representation, and lived experience.

This award:

• Amplifies refugee-led narratives

• Recognises leadership from within refugee communities

• Challenges harmful stereotypes

• Encourages inclusive and informed public dialogue

How to Submit a Nomination

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1
Prepare all written sections according to the word limits.

Step 2
Collect at least two written references.

Step 3
Select up to five optional supporting materials.

Step 4
Submit the complete nomination with all required documents before the deadline.

Incomplete nominations will not be considered.

Important Dates and Deadline

• Nomination deadline: Saturday, 28 February 2026

• Closing time: 5:00 PM AEDT

After the deadline, all eligible nominations will be shared with the 2026 judging panel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding word limits in written sections

• Submitting fewer than two written references

• Failing to clearly link the nominee’s work to refugee awareness

• Missing the submission deadline

• Submitting incomplete supporting documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can refugees nominate themselves?

Yes. Self-nominations are permitted.

2. Can organisations submit nominations?

Yes. Organisations may nominate individuals, but the award is given to an individual refugee.

3. Are supporting materials mandatory?

No. Supporting materials are optional but can strengthen the nomination.

4. Can I nominate someone who is not a refugee?

No. The nominee must be a refugee living in Australia.

5. How many supporting materials can be submitted?

Up to five supporting materials may be attached.

6. Will all nominees be contacted?

Only selected nominees may be contacted during the assessment process.

7. Can SBS or UNHCR staff apply?

No. Current employees of SBS or UNHCR and their immediate family members are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition is a powerful platform to honour refugees who are shaping public understanding and strengthening Australian society.

By recognising refugee leadership, creativity, and advocacy, the award reinforces the importance of lived experience in building empathy, inclusion, and lasting social change.