A Samoan mother of seven, who has dedicated her life to supporting people with language difficulties, has been recognised for her work in Australia.

Lieta Sauiluma-Duggan is a strong advocate for diversity and multiculturalism in the ACT region and as such she was honoured during the  ACT Multicultural Awards. This was highlighted in a statement issued by ACT government on its website.

The 10th annual ACT Multicultural Awards was held at CIT’s Reid Campus. Established in 2011, the awards acknowledge outstanding contribution by individuals and organisation to promote multiculturalism in the ACT.

The 2020 award recipients were recognised for the significant contribution they have made to the community in ensuring that the ACT continues to be a welcoming city and equal society for all, regardless of their background. 

For Mrs. Sauiluma-Duggan, she was recognised for a number of endeavours where she provided outstanding support to people to better participate in Canberra’s social, cultural, economic and civic life. 

Her radio station work promotes community harmony, cohesion, and inclusion across the [Australian Capital Territory] ACT Government.  

She is a retired primary school teacher and mother of seven who has dedicated her life to supporting people with language difficulties has been recognised in this year’s ACT Multicultural Awards.

Mrs. Sauiluma-Duggan received the ACT Multicultural Individual Champion Award for her work as an advocate for diversity and multiculturalism in the ACT. 

A former President for the Ethnic Broadcasters' Council in the ACT and accredited interpreter and translator, Mrs. Sauiluma-Duggan is renowned for her passion, dedication and compassion in advocating for vulnerable members of the community, people experiencing language and financial difficulties, and young people.

She also recently established the Samoan Advisory Council for the ACT, which aims to support members of the community who are experiencing challenges due language difficulties or are simply unaware of how to get help.

“The Individual Champion Award represents a lot of people I come in contact within my work as a volunteer community advocate or just as a community volunteer,” Mrs. Sauiluma-Duggan said.

“It reminds me that voluntary work is extremely crucial to maintain harmonious living in the ACT as we strive to maintain peace and harmony in our community.”

The Australia High Commission in Samoa also issued a statement to congratulate Mrs. Sauiluma-Duggan for being one of the winners.

“We are pleased to see Australia and Samoa’s people-to-people links strengthened and brought closer together through role models such as Mrs. Sauliuma-Duggan.”

ACT Government - the Community Services Directorate is an organisation that delivers excellence through client centred services to those who need them. The Directorate strives to create a safe and equitable community where all Canberrans feel that they can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.