University leaders recognised at 2026 Africa Day Australia Gala

L-R: Ali Faragalla, President of the African Health and Wellbeing Club; Wanja Wohoro, President of the African Studies Group; Professor Chibuike Udenigwe; Professor Sara Wills, Pro Vice Chancellor (Culture and Engagement); Padmini Sebastian, Director of Engagement and Partnerships; Lushomo Chinganya, President of University of Melbourne Student Union; Godefa G’her, Community Engagement Officer; Bulukia Abdullah; Aun Ngo, Community Engagement Manager; Betiel Beyin, Schools Outreach Program Officer, Student and Scholarly Services (SASS); and Remy Bravery, Student Recruitment Manager, SASS. Front: Fred Alale, Africa Day Australia Executive Committee.
L-R: Ali Faragalla, President of the African Health and Wellbeing Club; Wanja Wohoro, President of the African Studies Group; Professor Chibuike Udenigwe; Professor Sara Wills, Pro Vice Chancellor (Culture and Engagement); Padmini Sebastian, Director of Engagement and Partnerships; Lushomo Chinganya, President of University of Melbourne Student Union; Godefa G’her, Community Engagement Officer; Bulukia Abdullah; Aun Ngo, Community Engagement Manager; Betiel Beyin, Schools Outreach Program Officer, Student and Scholarly Services (SASS); and Remy Bravery, Student Recruitment Manager, SASS. Front: Fred Alale, Africa Day Australia Executive Committee.

Community Engagement Officer Godefa Berhane G'Her and Student Union President Lushomo Chinganya were named as finalists at the 2026 Africa Day Australia Gala Dinner, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Hosted by Africa Day Australia (ADA), a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation, the annual gala is a national celebration of African culture, heritage and leadership. It commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union.

The ADA event brings together community leaders, creatives and emerging voices, showcasing the breadth and diversity of African-Australian contribution.

This year’s program featured performances by the Agola West Acholi Dancers (Uganda), the Seben Brothers, acclaimed kora player Amadou Siso, and Africa’s Got Talent 2026 winner Zafty, alongside a strong representation of civic and community leadership.

Civic and government representatives in attendance included Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt, Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs Evan Mulholland, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nick Reece, and the Mayor of Maribyrnong Mohamed Semra.

Mr G’Her was named a finalist for African Australian Person of the Year 2026, recognising his longstanding work to strengthen connections across and between the University and African Australian communities in Melbourne and Victoria.

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised alongside so many wonderful leaders in our community. This genuinely reflects the collective work of many colleagues, students and community partners who share a commitment to connection, belonging and opportunity,” Mr G’Her said.

Ms Chinganya was a finalist for the Youth Achievement Award, recognising her leadership and advocacy as President of the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU), where she has worked to amplify student voices and support inclusive, student-led initiatives.

“It is a privilege to be named a finalist for the Youth Achievement Award. This recognition inspires me to keep lifting student voices and creating spaces where young Africans can lead,” Ms Chinganya said.

Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Culture and Engagement) Professor Sara Wills congratulated both finalists and acknowledged the broader impact of the University’s engagement work.

“I’m so thrilled that Godefa and Lushy have received this recognition for their wonderful work. Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate the depth of culture, knowledge and leadership within African communities. It also reminds us that meaningful engagement requires listening, respect and a willingness to learn, and that lasting impact is built through partnership over time,” Professor Wills said.

The University continues to build partnerships with the communities it serves, supporting initiatives that expand opportunity, strengthen belonging and enable community-led impact.