Community leaders driving social cohesion and community harmony were celebrated last night at one of the state’s most significant multicultural gatherings.
More than 1,600 guests came together for this flagship celebration of cultural diversity, hosted by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper.
The evening showcased the outstanding contributions of community leaders, announcing the 2026 Multicultural Community Medals winners and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.
A dedicated tribute acknowledged the 15 lives lost in December’s tragic Bondi attack. Ahmed Al Ahmed, one of the many heroes during the attack, appeared on stage and was honoured with a Community Hero Award for his selfless acts of bravery.
The Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations. Among this year’s outstanding recipients:
- The Reverend Bill Crews AM received the Community Harmony Medal for 50 years of service to the most vulnerable, marginalised and diverse communities. His foundation provides more than 200,000 free meals each year to people who need them.
- Ken Habak OAM, received the Lifetime Community Service Medal in recognition of an extraordinary 55 years of volunteer service. Arriving from Lebanon in 1970, Ken became a driving force for his community, founding an Arabic school to support young Lebanese Australians and preserve their cultural
- heritage. He was also chair of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra for 25 years, retiring last year.
- Marta Barany BEM OAM – winner of the Interpreters and Translators Medal. Marta has dedicated her life to supporting new arrivals in New South Wales. Born in Hungary in 1932, Marta migrated to Australia in 1951 and became an interpreter for refugees from the Hungarian Revolution. She helped establish one of the first Community Interpreting Services in the 1960s and later served as an Ethnic Affairs Commissioner in the 1980s, shaping the foundations of multicultural policy in NSW.
- Khushee Gupta took home the ‘Best Report in Multicultural Media’ for her boundary-pushing podcast, Don’t Talk Back. Aimed at younger South Asians, the series tackles topics in their community often considered taboo, with the latest season attracting more than 37,000 YouTube views.
Five individuals were also honoured posthumously through the Multicultural Honour Roll, recognised for their enduring legacy in building a more inclusive, resilient and harmonious NSW.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“The Multicultural Medals recognise the individuals and organisations who quietly make an extraordinary difference in our communities. Their dedication really does enrich the lives of people across New South Wales.
“They are also a reminder that the social capital that makes our state so strong is built every day – through conversations, connection and the coming together of people from many cultures and faiths.
“My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. You are champions for a harmonious and inclusive NSW.”
Multicultural NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer James Jegasothy said:
“The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an event that so many people look forward to each year.
“Everyone in the room is a hero in their own right. They are proud custodians of their culture and living proof that, with intention and care, we can build a NSW where every person is valued, included and able to contribute.”