David Smith (Bean, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my constituent and friend Victor Marillanca, who tomorrow night will be granted the very prestigious Ohtli award. This award is one of the highest honours from the Mexican government given to citizens outside of Mexico. It's awarded once a year per country and it celebrates individuals who have aided, empowered or positively affected the lives of Mexican nationals. What's especially unique about Victor receiving this award is that he is not a Mexican national but Chilean, having escaped to Australia as a political refugee during the Pinochet regime. Nevertheless, his support for the Spanish-speaking community within Australia and abroad has been far-reaching and worthy of this esteemed award. Victor helped establish the first Spanish-language radio program in the nation's capital, Conneccion Latino Americana. For 45 years, the program has provided a voice to thousands of Spanish speakers and kept them informed on important topics such as immigration, refugee programs and current politics. Frequently featuring academics, politicians and diplomats, the program has also supported human rights and strengthened diplomatic ties between Australia and Central and South America. Victor continues to provide valuable diplomatic support to Spanish-speaking countries, deepening ties between them and their communities here and in Australia. Congratulations, Victor, on 45 years of remarkable service and on this remarkable recognition from the Mexican government.