Congratulations to Elizabeth Lang, Diversity Focus – Winner of BUSINESS MIGRANT OF THE YEAR AWARD at the 30th Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards

In front of an audience of over 400 attendees, Elizabeth Lang at Diversity Focus was one of the many Western Australian small business winners in the 30^th Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards 2023 on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Held in the grand ballroom of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the ‘Night of Stars Event’ celebrated excellence in business and community achievement.

The welcome address was delivered by City of Belmont Deputy Mayor Cr Deborah Sessions, together with our MC’s for the evening, Member for Belmont, Cassie Rowe MLA, and Belmont BEC Inc. Patron Louise Percy. The night’s entertainment was provided by Kaylene Taylor, with welcome to country performed by Dadajaal Daniel Garlett.

Many VIP guests were in attendance including; Member for Swan, Zaneta Mascarenhas MP; Member for South Perth, Geoff Baker MLA; Consulate General of Viet Nam in Perth, Consul Thao Vu; Honorary Consul Slovak Republic in WA, Paul Faix; Honorary Consul Republic of Mauritius, Ian Whitaker; Honorary Consul Philippines, Virma Symons; Honorary Consul Sri Lanka WA, Doctor Rosh Jalagge; City of Belmont Councillors Cr Phil Marks, Cr Bernie Ryan, Cr Tamak Vijay, Cr George Sekulla, Cr Natalie Carter; Belmont BEC Chair Jules Lewin; TCFWA, Chair, Irving Lane; Business & Professional Women Australia, National President Jacqueline Graham, BPW WA State President Kate Waters, BPW Perth President Lynne Doyle, BPW Belmont President Deggi Altangerel; Hong Kong Australia Business Association WA, President Winnie Lai Hadad; Philippines Business Council WA, Jenny Ryall;  Racing & Wagering WA, Catherine Ferrari; Western Australian Racehorse Owners Association, Mark Luzi; Perth Racing, Ryan Crowley; National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, Kapila De Silva;  Young Afghan Leaders, Chair Maria Aziz; Presidents from Rotary Club Ascot, Rotary Club Belmont, and the Rotary Club Welshpool.

The Designer Showcase Fashion Parade for 2023 featured stunning designs from visiting Filipino designer Eleven S and WA designers Silver Star Designs, Jilaga Designs, Kirrikin and Miss Scarlett with models from Metro Agency.

Winner for 2023, Elizabeth Lang, Diversity Focus is committed to empowering workplaces to create more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces that cultivate belonging. Research, consulting, training, and executive coaching services have helped Elizabeth bring her mission to life.  Arriving in WA in 1998, Elizabeth is now recognised in the Global 100 ‘Under 40’ Most Influential People of African Descent.

Elizabeth says, “Diversity Focus fosters professional development for individuals and organisations through the provision of research-based, tailored small group in-person or online facilitated workshops.”

Supporting this award in 2023 is Belmont BEC and MY Business Incubator. Business migrants play an integral part of the WA business community, with Western Australia having the highest rate of migration of all states in Australia.  Belmont BEC since 1994, has always attracted an extensive network of culturally and linguistically diverse clients who wish to start a new business and/or grow their existing business, as a result, Belmont BEC has delivered many migrant related projects, and has linkages with a long list of trade associations and global trade networks that assist with opportunities to support our client base.

CEO Carol Hanlon said, “Celebrating our 30^th anniversary in 2023 is both an amazing and proud achievement for the organisation. Now in its 30^th year, our Small Business Awards are an exciting event on the calendar that provides well-earned acknowledgements to those

Western Australian businesses striving for excellence in business and community achievements. We sincerely thank the valuable support from our Category Sponsors which make this amazing small business event possible, our Major Sponsor the City of Belmont for their long-term support.”

For further details on all winners of the 30^th Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards 2023 visit www.belmontbec.com/awards