Mandurah Social Worker Recognised for Multicultural Mental Health Contributions
Silver Sands resident Michael Elwan has been honoured at the 2026 WA Multicultural Awards, receiving the outstanding individual achievement award for his significant work in the multicultural mental health sector. The awards ceremony, held on March 12, celebrated individuals who promote inclusion and cultural respect across Western Australia.
Award Highlights Dedication to Community Service
Michael Elwan, an accredited social worker and PhD candidate in mental health, expressed humility upon receiving the award. "Being honoured felt humbling. I see it as shared recognition; shaped by my own lived and living experience, but also by the many people, families and communities who have trusted me with their stories," he said. "It’s not something I had been working towards, so to hear that the work had been recognised in that way was meaningful."
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Elwan moved to Australia in his late 20s, where he balanced studying, volunteering, and night work in residential care and youth services. He founded Lived Experience Solutions, a telehealth counselling service operating nationwide, which focuses on the intersection of culture, migration, and mental health.
Focus on Multicultural Mental Health Challenges
Elwan's work involves supporting individuals and organisations through therapy, supervision, training, and advisory roles. "Much of my work focuses on the intersection between culture, migration, and mental health," he explained. "Through therapy, supervision, training, and advisory roles, I support individuals and organisations navigating the realities of multicultural Australia."
He helps clients address issues such as identity exploration, migration stress, and emotional pressures associated with living between cultures. Elwan emphasised that awards like these bring visibility to often-overlooked contributions. "A lot of multicultural work ... doesn’t always get recognised," he noted. "Awards like this don’t just celebrate individuals, they acknowledge the communities and contexts behind the work."
Recognition Strengthens Inclusion Efforts
Receiving the award reinforced the importance of mental health systems recognising multicultural experiences. "Receiving the WA Multicultural Award for outstanding individual achievement reminds me how important it is for mental health systems to recognise the experiences of multicultural communities," Elwan said. "I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to conversations that strengthen inclusion, cultural understanding, and community wellbeing across Australia."
Multicultural Interests Minister Tony Buti praised the award winners, stating that the annual event reflects the strength and vibrancy of WA's culturally and linguistically diverse community. This year saw a record number of nominations, with Dr Buti describing the dedication and service of recipients as truly inspiring.
The 2026 WA Multicultural Awards underscore the vital role of individuals like Michael Elwan in fostering a more inclusive and supportive society for all Australians.
