Go Back To Where You Came From was the an example of the finest television Australia had to offer in 2011. Intelligent, engaging, and highlighting key issues in a manner that was accessible to all. These wins are entirely deserved by SBS and Cordell Jigsaw and sets a very high expectation for season two, due to screen later this year. From the press release:

SBS’s hit television series, Go Back to Where You Came From, has been awarded two prestigious awards at the Rose d’Or Awards ceremony in Lucerne, Switzerland, overnight.

Go Back to Where You Came From has received one of the highest international accolades for a television program, being awarded the coveted Golden Rose for Best of 2012 across all programs in all categories. It is the first time an Australian production has won this prestigious prize. The three-part documentary series also won the award in the factual entertainment category. SBS is the first Australian broadcaster to ever win, as well as be nominated in this category. For both of the awards, the decision of the jury was unanimous.

Michael Ebeid, SBS Managing Director, said: “Go Back to Where You Came From has set a new standard for SBS television content. The series sparked national debate about a topic so often hijacked by political campaigning and media headlines, by providing a unique and compelling perspective on the realities of refugee life. “The recognition Go Back to Where You Came From continues to receive, both locally and internationally, is acknowledgement of its success in connecting with audiences, and testament to SBS’s commitment to producing content that inspires and challenges our viewers,” he continued.

The jury chose the show not only for its entertainment value but for its cultural relevance, and for being an example how entertainment television can tackle critical social issues.

Go Back to Where You Came From which aired on SBS in 2011, followed six Australians as they experienced the life of a refugee for 25 days. The series has already received industry recognition, winning a TV Week Logie Award in 2012 for Most Outstanding Factual, picking up two awards at the 2011 United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Awards for best television documentary, and for its promotion of multicultural issues. The series also won the award for Most Outstanding Coverage of Migration in the Media at the Migration Institute Awards in 2011.

The Rose d’Or Festival is one of the world’s most important international entertainment television festivals. Founded in 1961 in Montreux, it recognises originality, quality and creativity, and sets the standard for entertainment television. More than 400 programmes from 40 different countries were submitted this year to participate in this prestigious competition.

Go Back To Where You Came From is a Cordell Jigsaw production for SBS Television.