Sydney hosted one of New South Wales’ most significant multicultural celebrations, as more than 1,600 guests gathered for the 2026 Premier’s Harmony Dinner. Hosted by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, the evening celebrated individuals and organisations whose work continues to strengthen social cohesion and cultural harmony across the state.

A heartfelt tribute was also paid to the 15 lives lost in the Bondi tragedy, with Ahmed Al Ahmed recognised on stage with a Community Hero Award for his bravery and selfless actions.

2026 Multicultural Community Medal Winners

This year’s winners represent a diverse cross-section of community leadership, service, and innovation:

Community Harmony Medal

Reverend Bill Crews AM
A tireless advocate for vulnerable communities, Reverend Crews has dedicated decades to supporting marginalised Australians. Through his foundation, he provides more than 200,000 free meals annually, along with essential services such as healthcare support and community outreach. His work reflects a deep commitment to equality, compassion, and multicultural inclusion.

Lifetime Community Service Medal

Ken Habak OAM
Recognised for an extraordinary 55 years of volunteer service, Ken Habak has been a cornerstone of the Lebanese-Australian community. After arriving in Australia in 1970, he founded an Arabic language school to preserve cultural identity among younger generations. His leadership extended across numerous organisations, including a 25-year tenure as Chair of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra.

Regional Unity Medal

Gargi Ganguly
As Chairperson of ORISCON (Orana Residents of Indian Subcontinental Nations), Gargi Ganguly has transformed Dubbo into a vibrant multicultural hub. Through initiatives like the Cross-Cultural Carnivale, she has brought together diverse communities, attracting thousands of visitors and fostering stronger regional connections.

Arts and Culture Medal

Leo Tanoi
A dynamic cultural leader, Leo Tanoi has dedicated his career to celebrating Pasifika culture. As a curator, DJ, radio broadcaster, and performer, he brings cultural storytelling to life across multiple platforms, strengthening cultural pride and awareness within the broader Australian community.

Community Languages Teacher Medal

Monica Njoroge-Eaton
Monica founded the Newcastle Kiswahili School in 2017 to meet the growing demand for language education within her community. Today, it stands as the only Kiswahili community language school in NSW, playing a vital role in preserving language, identity, and cultural connection for future generations.

Interpreters and Translators Medal

Marta Barany BEM OAM
With a career spanning decades, Marta Barany has been instrumental in supporting migrants and refugees. After arriving in Australia in 1951, she assisted Hungarian refugees and helped establish one of the first community interpreting services in the 1960s. Her later work as an Ethnic Affairs Commissioner contributed to shaping multicultural policy in NSW.

Multicultural Health Medal

CASS Care Ltd
Founded in 1981, CASS Care Ltd has grown into a major provider of culturally responsive social and welfare services. With over 850 staff and 450 volunteers, the organisation supports approximately 8,500 families each week, delivering services that cater to the unique needs of multicultural communities.

Multicultural Not for Profit Medal

Chinese Australian Forum
Since 1985, the Chinese Australian Forum has been a strong advocate for civic participation and representation. Initially focused on giving the Chinese community a voice, it has evolved into a broader platform addressing multiculturalism, social cohesion, and engagement in Australia’s democratic processes.

Multicultural Youth Support Medal

Adina Dawod
As a Senior Youth Worker with Youth Off The Streets, Adina Dawod works closely with young people from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds in South-West Sydney. Her work focuses on education, settlement support, and identity-building, helping young people navigate challenges and build a strong sense of belonging.

Sports Medal

NRL – In League in Harmony
This initiative uses sport as a unifying force, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds. The program creates inclusive spaces where participants can build teamwork, understanding, and respect, reinforcing the role of sport in fostering social cohesion.

Best Report in Multicultural Media

Khushee Gupta – Don’t Talk Back podcast
Through her podcast, Khushee Gupta, alongside co-host Ranesh Krishnan, has created a platform for younger South Asians to discuss topics often considered taboo. The series has gained significant traction, with tens of thousands of views, highlighting the growing importance of multicultural voices in media.

Multicultural Publication of the Year

Indian Link
Founded in 1994, Indian Link has become a leading voice for Australia’s South Asian community. With a strong presence across print, digital, and broadcast platforms, it serves a diaspora of over 700,000 people, providing news, entertainment, and community engagement in both Hindi and English.

Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year

CulturalPulse
CulturalPulse delivered a highly impactful campaign aimed at helping Pacific Islander communities access affordable remittance options. Over four years, the campaign reached more than 53 million people and generated over 16 million video views, demonstrating the power of targeted multicultural communication.

Multicultural Honour Roll Inductees

Five individuals were posthumously recognised for their lasting contributions to multiculturalism in NSW:

• Father Chris Riley AM – Founder of Youth Off The Streets, he dedicated his life to supporting disadvantaged youth, growing the organisation from a single van into a nationally recognised service delivering more than 30 programs.
• Mr Ali Karnib – A long-serving councillor in Liverpool and President of the Lebanese Community Council of NSW, he championed multiculturalism, interfaith dialogue, and community unity for nearly three decades.
• Ms Vivi Germanos-Koutsounadis OAM – A pioneer in multicultural childcare and community services, she played a key role in establishing Ethnic Community Services and became the first female President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
• Mr George Bartolo OAM – A founding member of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra, he spent over 60 years supporting the Maltese community through advocacy, translation, and aged care services.
• Mr Syed Atiq ul Hassan – A passionate advocate for multicultural media and interfaith harmony, he founded Tribune International and used journalism and community engagement to amplify diverse voices across NSW.

A Celebration of Unity

The 2026 Premier’s Harmony Dinner once again highlighted the strength of New South Wales’ multicultural identity. From grassroots volunteers to large organisations and media innovators, the night showcased the individuals and initiatives shaping a more inclusive future.

It served as a powerful reminder that harmony is not just a value, but something built daily through service, leadership, and a shared commitment to community.