The Bryan Brown Theatre came alive on Friday, 3 October, as the AIM Talent Awards 2025 unfolded in a dazzling display of music, dance, and cultural pride. Hosted by the charismatic Carol Ferrone, the evening brought together dignitaries, community leaders, families, and supporters to celebrate the remarkable diversity of talent in Australia.
Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency Mr Jose Vasquez Rivas, Consul of El Salvador; the Hon Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, and South-Western Sydney; the Hon Lynda Voltz MP, Member for Auburn; Mrs Kylie Wilkinson MP, Member for East Hills; the Hon Anthony D’Adam MLC; Mr Jared Turkington, representing the Hon Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP, Member for Coogee and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport; Clr Rachelle Harika, Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown; Clrs Chris Cahill, Clare Raffan, David Walsch, Conroy Blood and Khodr Saleh of the Canterbury Bankstown Council; and Clr Sreeni Pillamari of Parramatta Council.
AIM Association President Dr Charbel Tadros JP opened the evening with heartfelt words of gratitude to the volunteers, partners, sponsors and finalists. His message captured the essence of the night: “Alone, we might be great, but together, we are unstoppable.”
The Finalists Who Lit Up the Stage
Chloe Lofthouse, 11-year-old Miss Junior Earth Australia 2025, impressed with her confidence and natural presence. Through public speaking and performance, she continues to inspire young Australians with kindness and gratitude.
The Falun Dafa Sydney Performing Dance Group enchanted the audience with a graceful classical Chinese dance that celebrated the beauty and heritage of one of the world’s oldest cultures.
Raeann Ng, a doctor from Melbourne with Singaporean roots, captivated everyone with her emotive vocals, weaving her journey of migration and identity into a soulful musical performance.
Oliver Alkhair, known for his roles in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and School of Rock, marked a powerful return to the stage after five years with a performance full of raw emotion and artistry.
Alessandra Tsirigotis, 14, showcased nine years of flamenco mastery alongside her background in ballet and contemporary dance, stunning the crowd with both passion and precision.
Percy Chiu, soon to debut in Qtopia, radiated enthusiasm for musical theatre, delivering an energetic and uplifting performance that left the audience smiling.
Kajaal Sutharshan, 14, brought together her Indian classical training and modern vocal style, her confident stage presence earning admiration and applause.
Marta Hackett, a professional bellydancer, mesmerised the audience with elegance and strength, her fluid movements reflecting both skill and sisterhood.
Stephanie Milostic, Pop/Soul singer and The Voice Australia 2024 contestant, commanded the stage with an unforgettable performance that combined vocal power, precision, and emotion.
Antoun closed the line-up with original music drawn from his life experiences, offering the audience a heartfelt reminder of music’s power to connect and heal.
And the Winners Are
After an evening of breathtaking performances, the votes from both jury and audience revealed the top three finalists:
First Place – Stephanie Milostic
Stephanie’s Pop/Soul performance electrified the theatre, her voice captivating the audience and securing her the title of AIM Talent Awards 2025 Champion.
Second Place – Marta Hackett
Marta’s masterful bellydance combined grace, strength, and technical brilliance, captivating the jury and earning her second place.
Third Place – Kajaal Sutharshan
Kajaal’s performance showcased remarkable maturity and talent, her seamless blend of Indian classical and contemporary vocals earning her third place.
A Celebration of Unity and Support
The success of the AIM Talent Awards 2025 was made possible by the generosity and support of its sponsors and partners.
AAA City Removalist served as the major sponsor, with CEO David Amaneddine presenting the winners’ prizes and reaffirming his company’s commitment to community empowerment. Bankstown RSL and the Council of the City of Canterbury Bankstown provided vital backing, helping bring the event to life.
Elite Ballerz sponsored and provided the trophies, while Mind Architecture offered all three winners a one-month training program valued at $2,500 each, focused on maximising success through personal and professional growth.
Special thanks were also extended to the jury panel—Nissy Mattar, Andsley Dennis, Alexy Francis and Karenza De Leon—for their dedication and expertise; and to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the evening a triumph.
With finalists flying in from Queensland and Victoria, the 2025 AIM Talent Awards marked a milestone—transforming what began as a local celebration into a growing national platform for multicultural creativity.
As the night ended with photos of the winners alongside dignitaries, judges and sponsors, one thing was clear: while talent belongs to the individual, its celebration belongs to everyone.
