Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards. 

Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year – Jason Le, JRNY Digital Australia 

This award recognises the success, creativity and energy of a multicultural young business leader under the age of 35, celebrating both their contribution to their community and Brisbane’s continued economic prosperity.

Jason was born in Sydney to parents who fled the Vietnam War. His upbringing was a rich blend of Vietnamese traditions and the challenges of integrating into Australian society. His business was born out of necessity during the coronavirus pandemic. By building an incredible team and focusing on authentic storytelling, JRNY Digital has collaborated with some of Australia’s most renowned brands Throughout its growth, the company has remained committed to its mission of uplifting businesses from diverse backgrounds. Jason’s journey, from overcoming challenges to being recognised as a previous award finalist, reflects his relentless drive for excellence. His personal approach not only empowers businesses to succeed but also fosters a deeper sense of inclusion in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year - Dr Tugrul Durali, Avian Management Services Pty Ltd

This award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader that demonstrates through their business success, entrepreneurial flair, embedding a culture of innovation as a central pillar to their growth strategy. The recipient will personify the best in entrepreneurialism, possessing qualities from clear leadership and sound management to determination and ambition.

Originally from Bandirma, Türkiye, Tugrul was born into a farming family. He and his wife came to Australia for postgraduate studies, but soon made it their home. Despite challenges with English as his second language, he persevered. Seeing a gap in poultry-tech consulting, he founded Avian Management Services, bringing new technologies to the Australian market, including a fully automated composter to support poultry farmers, nodding to his agricultural roots. His business thrives on meeting the unique needs of remote farmers. Tugrul is also the founding President of the Queensland Turkish Chamber of Commerce & Industry Association.

Multicultural Business Person of the Year – Dr Deling Ma, Director, Eco-Global Termite Doctor Pty Ltd and MPL Training Centre Pty Ltd

This award recognises a successful multicultural Brisbane business leader and celebrates the recipient’s contribution to the Brisbane economy and recognises them as a local champion of enterprise who may have a global outlook for their business. 

Dr Ma, born in China and trained as an entomologist, moved to Australia in 1996 and earned his PhD from the University of Queensland in 2001. In 2005, he transitioned from research and development to urban pest management, quickly excelling in eco-friendly solutions. He founded Eco-Global Termite Doctor in 2008 and became the owner and Principal of MPL Training Centre in 2019, providing pest management training across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. During the coronavirus pandemic, Dr Ma and his team adapted by offering training via Zoom, nearly doubling MPL’s staff. As President of the Australia Queensland Shandong Association, he exemplifies leadership and community commitment. 

Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year - Ginger Mendoza Andersen, Batch Cookie Bar

This award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader who has shown outstanding progress early in their career and business. The award celebrates the recipient’s notable success in their business innovation, introducing new products/services, and commitment of giving back to the community.

Ginger, born in the Philippines, was raised by her grandparents in a home where love and sharing were expressed through food. This nurturing environment fuelled her passion for cooking and community. In 2006, she moved to Australia to seek better opportunities and expand her culinary skills. Ginger launched her culinary venture, Batch Cookie Bar, in 2020, offering top-tier cookies in Brisbane. Profits were reinvested to launch Lunar Pies and Tita’s Canteen, broadening her culinary influence. Through her food brands, Ginger brings the flavours and traditions of the Philippines to Brisbane, creating a sense of belonging and nostalgia for the Filipino community while enriching the city’s culinary tapestry.