MBF Honours 2009 Ethnic Business Award Winner The Boka Group
Release date: 3rd December 2009
Leading private health insurer, MBF, today paid tribute to the Boka Group, winner of the prestigious Medium to Large Business Award at the 2009 Ethnic Business Awards.
MBF, part of Bupa Australia*, is a proud sponsor of the prestigious awards, which recognise and celebrate the significant contribution of migrants to the Australian economy in their respective fields.
The Boka Group, awarded the Medium to Large Business Award, was established by three brothers who escaped the communist regime in the former Yugoslavia. Despite being housed in a detention camp on arrival in Australia, Marko Franovic and his two brothers built the Boka Group, a property goliath now turning over millions of dollars annually.
Bupa Australia Chief Financial Officer, Hisham El-Ansary, said he was particularly proud to recognise and support each finalist given he and his family immigrated to Australia from Egypt 40 years ago.
"The story of the Franovic brothers is inspirational and I would like to congratulate them on the contribution they've made to Australia's business landscape," El-Ansary said.
"Additionally, they should be enormously proud of the commitment and perseverance they displayed in order to build a large and successful property group, and to win this prestigious award.
"Without doubt, their journey will make them role models for all Australians - regardless of your background or where you were born."
The awards exist to recognise the determination and competitive spirit of Australia's migrant community by awarding business owners who have excelled in either the small or medium-to-large business categories.
Importantly, the awards celebrated their 21st year with a record of more than fifteen hundred nominations covering all states and territories. Finalists were flown in from all over the country, representing homelands including Lebanon, China, Italy, Mauritius, Ireland, Poland, Croatia, and Egypt.
"The Ethnic Business Awards are a natural fit for Bupa Australia, given our ongoing commitment to supporting migrants and other visitors to Australia in managing their healthcare needs," El-Ansary said.
Bupa specialises in providing health cover for 'inpats', 'ex-pats', overseas students and skilled workers and their families entering Australia on a 457 working visa through MBF's sister brand, HBA.
Importantly, HBA's customer service specialists can advise businesses - or visa holders - about the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's requirement that all 457 working visa holders maintain an adequate level of health cover for themselves and their families for the duration of their stay in Australia.
"Bupa is extremely proud to be affiliated with these illustrious awards and I would like to personally congratulate each of the 2009 Ethnic Business Award winners and nominees on the amazing contribution they've made to Australia's economic landscape," El-Ansary said.
For further information about MBF Services, call 132 623 or visit www.mbf.com.au
* Bupa Australia operates the trusted and respected brands MBF, HBA, Mutual Community and ClearView
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About MBF
MBF has been looking after Australians for more than 60 years. As a leading private health insurer, our primary aim is to help all Australians live longer, healthier and happier lives.
MBF proudly covers around 1.7 million Australians - giving them the confidence to better manage their healthcare needs. We have a broad range of quality health insurance products and an extensive national member centre network. Recently, we were independently assessed by CANNEX and named the national winner of the Outstanding Value Private Health Insurance Award.
In addition to private health insurance, MBF offers life and travel insurance, as well as financial planning, superannuation and managed investment products through ClearView Retirement Solutions.
About Bupa Australia
Bupa Australia is a leading healthcare provider. With a significant presence in every Australian state and territory, the company operates under the trusted and respected brands, HBA, MBF, Mutual Community and Clearview, proudly covering over three million Australians.
Bupa Australia is driven by the vision of "Taking care of the lives in our hands". The company is focused on providing sustainable health insurance and financial services solutions that represent real value to customers, and on leading the industry in the promotion of preventive health and wellness.
Bupa Australia's products and services include cover for hospital, medical, ancillary and ambulance services, as well as travel, life, car and home insurance, and retirement planning and lifestyle management services.
As part of the international Bupa Group, Bupa Australia draws on the strength and expertise of an international healthcare leader. The Bupa Group covers more than 10 million people in more 200 countries and provides other health and financial services to many more millions of customers around the globe.
