The Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition recognises and celebrates the contribution of refugees who are shining a light on the situation of forcibly displaced people.

This Award is offered in memory of Les Murray AM, the iconic sports broadcaster and much-loved host of The World Game on SBS television. Les was a refugee who fled Hungary in 1956, eventually reaching safety in Australia. He used his public profile and his own refugee experience to advocate for refugee rights.

The winner receives $10,000, generously donated by SBS, in recognition of their work in the arts, sports or media to promote positive awareness and understanding of refugees.

If you have any questions or would like to submit a nomination, please email LMA@unrefugees.org.au

Eligibility and selection criteria:

The judges invite nominations for individuals who are promoting positive awareness and understanding of refugees. Nominees could be authors, artists, actors, sportspeople, film-makers, journalists or community leaders.

Nominees must: 

• Be individuals who have settled in Australia as refugees
• Demonstrate significant contributions to raising awareness of refugees and forcibly displaced people in Australia through their work in the arts, sports or media
• Be committed to continuing to engage the Australian public in support of refugees
• Show a willingness to engage in Australia for UNHCR and SBS events, and to participate in media coverage as requested

Please note: Current employees of SBS and UNHCR and their immediate families are ineligible to apply for the Les Murray Award.

• Email: LMA@unrefugees.org.au