For Vinuri Gange-Foenander, her role as a lawyer is more than just a job – it’s a reflection of her commitment to justice and equality. We meet the inspirational winner of the Youth Award at the 2018 Governor’s Multicultural Awards.
When Vinuri Gange-Foenander moved from Sri Lanka to Port Augusta at 14, she wasn’t expecting to be thrust into the spotlight. But a few years later, she found herself co-winning the Youth Award at the 2018 Governor’s Multicultural Awards. Here’s her inspiring story.
South Australia: The land of opportunity
Vinuri’s parents moved the family to South Australia seeking better educational and professional opportunities for their children. For Vinuri, the transition to life in Port Augusta was surprisingly smooth. “A lot of people are really surprised to hear that I had such a positive experience because they expect acclimatising would be really difficult in a regional area, but it was just a really good experience. Everyone was so welcoming,” she says.
“I was one of the very few people of colour in school, but I was never isolated, or had any bad experiences with any racism. It was a very blessed experience.”
Despite joining Caritas College later than most, and being a Buddhist at a Catholic school, she quickly made an impact and was appointed deputy head prefect in her final year. “That really built up my confidence that they took a chance on me,” she says.
A passion for law and community
After finishing high school, Vinuri moved to Adelaide to pursue a Bachelor of Laws and International Relations at the University of Adelaide, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. But her time at uni wasn’t just about hitting the books. Vinuri also threw herself into community work, including serving as the secretary of the Australian Sri Lankan Association and taking on various leadership roles.
This dedication to her community was recognised when she was crowned co-winner of the Youth Award at the 2018 Governor’s Multicultural Awards. “The doors that winning the award opened up for me have been really great,” she says. “It’s very validating to see what you do in the community be recognised, and it positively reinforces you to do more and be even more present in your community.”
Giving Back: A year in Sri Lanka
In 2022, Vinuri took a break from her studies to return to Sri Lanka, where she worked as a communications agent for the Australian Government’s Skills for Inclusive Growth Program. “It was truly one of the best experiences of my life,” she says. The program focused on empowering marginalised women by providing them with skills training to enter the workforce, even during the challenging COVID pandemic.
“We were giving them access to the skills during COVID time, and once the tourist industry increased again, they had these amazing jobs, and they were able to financially support their families,” Vinuri says. This experience not only deepened her connection to her roots but also strengthened her commitment to advocacy and social justice.
Delnia Palani survived a refugee camp. Now she’s tackling healthcare inequality. Read the incredible story of the Youth Award winner in the 2023 Governor’s Multicultural Awards.
Creativity and advocacy: A balancing act
Beyond her legal ambitions, Vinuri has always been creative. During university, she explored choreography, dancing and musical theatre, as well as regularly transforming into an IRL princess to bring joy to sick children.
Now a practising lawyer, she balances her legal career with modelling and acting. “It’s hard work managing that with full-time work, but I have a really understanding agent and boss,” she says.
For Vinuri, modelling is a way to support diversity and inclusion. “It’s about something bigger than myself – I think it’s important to represent people who look like me in the media.”
‘Justice for all’: Vinuri’s legal passion
Today, Vinuri works for the Legal Services Commission in Adelaide as a duty solicitor, advising or representing people who come to the family court as a self-representing litigant.
She says she connected with the work straight away, and finds joy in helping her clients. “It can be very emotional and very difficult, but it’s very rewarding as well,” she says. “I’m currently doing my Master of Applied Law and Family Law to become more specialised in this practice area.”
For Vinuri, this role is more than just a job – it’s a reflection of her commitment to justice and equality. “The principle of ‘justice for all’ is something that I am really passionate about,” she says. “The reason I got into law from the get-go was so that everybody knows their rights and entitlements and no one has to feel disadvantaged by the legal system.”
South Australia: The multicultural state
Vinuri’s love for South Australia is infectious. She’s convinced several family members that SA is the best place to come and live. “Everywhere I go, I sing the praises of South Australia. It’s close to everything, and you don’t have to live a high-paced life, yet you have the luxury of city experiences,” she says.
But for Vinuri, the multiculturalism in South Australia is what makes it truly special. “There’s been an increase in multiculturalism over the last few years, but it’s really interesting how much social cohesion there is,” she says. “It doesn’t feel like each person stays in their own communities, everyone is so integrated, and it’s the best.”
Why you should nominate someone today
“I would absolutely recommend people nominating for the Governor’s Multicultural Awards,” Vinuri says. “It’s just very validating to see what you do in the community be recognised, and it positively reinforces you to do more.”
So, if you know someone who’s making a difference in South Australia’s multicultural community, take a moment to nominate them for the recognition they deserve. As Vinuri’s story shows, recognition can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing for positive change.
South Australians can be nominated for paid or voluntary work across nine categories, including outstanding individual achievement, arts and culture, community sector, media, private and public sector, volunteer, senior volunteer, and youth. The awards also recognise community groups, businesses, and government agencies promoting multiculturalism and increasing understanding of the benefits of cultural diversity in our community.
Nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Multicultural Awards are now open. Read more about the awards and how to nominate here.
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