Community
19 December, 2025
State honour for Daisy
WARRNAMBOOL’S Daisy Ye has been inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll.
The popular community leader was presented with the award during an official ceremony at Government House by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Gardner, Governor of Victoria.
This Honour Roll is one of Victoria’s highest recognitions for contributions to multiculturalism.
It acknowledges individuals whose leadership and service have created lasting, positive impact across communities.
Ms Ye is believed to be the first resident from Warrnambool (and the broader south west Victoria region) ever to receive this honour, marking a significant milestone for the local community.
A tireless advocate for diversity, inclusion, and community building, Ms Ye has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s multicultural landscape since moving to Warrnambool six years ago (just two years after arriving in Australia).
She is the co-founder and president of the Warrnambool Multicultural Association (WMA), and the driving force behind a range of high-impact initiatives across the south west in her volunteer capacity.
Her contributions include co-founding the Warrnambool Multicultural Association (now a key organisation fostering inclusion and cultural understanding in the region) and organising the award-winning Warrnambool Multicultural Festival (WMF), now one of the region’s most celebrated annual events.
Ms Ye has also co-organised the inaugural South West Victoria Multicultural Forum, bringing together local leaders, organisations and community groups to strengthen regional multicultural collaboration.
She has also initiated and collaborated on more than 20 intercultural programs, events, and partnerships, significantly raising cultural awareness and community participation across the region.
Through festivals, programs, and partnerships, Ms Ye has helped create vibrant, welcoming spaces where cultural diversity is celebrated, voices are valued, and people feel empowered to belong.
“Receiving this award from the Governor of Victoria is something I never could have imagined when I first arrived in Australia eight years ago, and in Warrnambool six years ago, simply trying to find my place in a new community,” Ms Ye said.
“To now be recognised for helping others feel that same sense of belonging feels incredibly full-circle.
“This award isn’t just mine. It belongs to every person and organisation who has supported multiculturalism here.
“To everyone who has volunteered, partnered, shared culture, welcomed newcomers, or simply believed in the power of inclusion, thank you. You’ve helped make this region feel like home for so many.”
Ms Ye’s leadership and commitment continue to inspire people of all ages across south west Victoria to embrace, champion, and actively participate in multiculturalism.
Her work has contributed to a growing sense of unity, pride, and cultural vibrancy across the region.
