Hamed Allahyari. © Australia for UNHCR/Aaron Francis

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.

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.

The 2024 Les Murray Award is now open for nominations. Nominations close on Thursday 29 February 2024.

Behind the Award

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 Award is supported by Les' daughters, Tania and Natalie Murray.

Les Murray in front of SBS sign. Australia for UNHCR award for refugee recognition.
Les Murray was a sports commentator, Hungarian refugee and refugee advocate.

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

How to apply

Submissions must explain how nominated individuals fulfil the selection criteria.

  • Please provide a brief biography and overview of the nominee’s refugee journey and resettlement (150 words max)
  • Please provide examples of the nominee’s work and their commitment to raising positive awareness of refugees and forcibly displaced people (250 words max)
  • Please provide details on how the nominee has engaged Australian communities in support of refugees (250 words max)
  • Up to five additional materials can be attached in support of the nomination, including: news reports, features and/or documentaries; social media posts or other images; published work; works of art; other accolades

Nominations must also include at least two references to verify the nominee’s work and how they have made an impact on Australian society.

Anyone can nominate an individual for the Award. An individual may also nominate themselves.

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

Nominations close on Thursday 29 February 2024, 5pm AEDT.

If you have any questions or would like to submit a nomination, please email [email protected]

“You can’t be neutral when it comes to issues of human rights. If you have the privilege and you have the voice, use it.”

Anyier Yuol, Les Murray Award winner 2023

Anyier Model (1)

Les Murray Award FAQs

Who can nominate?

Anyone can nominate another individual for the award. An individual may also nominate themselves.

Who can be nominated for the Award?

Nominees must be individuals who have settled in Australia as a refugee.

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

Who are you looking for in a nomination?

The Award will honour refugees who have engaged Australians and raised positive awareness about the situation of refugees. Nominations are sought from outstanding individuals who have settled in Australia as refugees.

How will the Award be judged?

The Award will be judged by a selection committee. The committee is looking for a refugee living in Australia who has made a significant contribution to the community and who has raised positive awareness about the situation of refugees.

In 2023, the selection committee consists of: Adrian Edwards, David Hua, Kate Dundas and Ann Odong.

What are the selection criteria?

Please view the selection criteria above.

What are the requirements for entry?

Please see the eligibility and selection criteria above.

How many people can win the Award?

One winner will be awarded.

Why is this Award named after Les Murray?

The Award commemorates Les Murray AM, a much-loved icon of Australian sport and a passionate supporter of refugees and human rights.

Les Murray was an iconic Australian sports broadcaster and a former refugee who embarked on a lifelong mission to unite people through football. Les drew on his own experience of fleeing Hungary in 1956 to reach eventual safety in Australia in his advocacy. His personal account offered Australians a positive view of the refugee journey and experience.

The Award is supported by Les’ daughters Tania and Natalie Murray.

Who is Les Murray?

Les Murray AM (László Ürge) arrived in Australia aged 11 from Hungary as a refugee.

Les became the voice and face of football on SBS. He hosted On The Ball, Toyota World Sports and The World Game; covered eight World Cup events; and established himself as Australia’s 'Mr Football'. To Les, football was the 'World Game', the 'Beautiful Game' and the 'Greatest Show on Earth' – and he understood the power of sport as a pathway for refugees to succeed in Australia.

As Les explained: "Refugees, perhaps more than other immigrants, are more likely to make a positive contribution to their new country, driven by a need to give something in return for being given a chance to start again after a terrible experience."

In 2006, Les was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to football and was also awarded the Australian Sports Commission's Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Sports Journalism.

Australians learned more about Les in 2011 through Les Murray’s Mission – a SBS Dateline documentary on his return to Hungary to find those who helped his family escape Soviet occupation in 1956.

His personal account offered Australians a positive view of the refugee journey and experience.