NSW Premier names 2023 Multicultural Champions

·

The selflessness, care and passion of 16 individuals and community organisations have been recognised at the Premier’s annual Harmony Dinner in Sydney last night.

Of those recognised, 12 received a Premier’s Multicultural Community Medal and one Highly Commended award, while three new members were added to the Honour Roll.

The Premier’s Harmony Dinner. All photos: Salty Dingo.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said each of those recognised and the Honour roll inductees showcased the very best of NSW’s rich multicultural society.

“Since 2012, the NSW Government has been celebrating the dedication of people who passionately serve their communities all to make our state a better place,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Each of the people and organisations we are honouring tonight show that while we all come from different backgrounds, we are all driven by the same goal of wanting to create a stronger future for NSW.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure echoed the Premier’s sentiment, adding that the Harmony Dinner was truly a celebration of the state’s greatest asset—its people.

“This is one of the biggest events of its kind in Australia, and I believe that is fitting given we have the strongest and most harmonious multicultural society,” Mr Coure said.

“Of course, we wouldn’t have the great state we do without the amazing contributions of the caring and selfless people we champion tonight.”

Emeritus Chairperson of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, Dr G.K. ‘Hari’ Harinath OAM, was honoured for his ongoing commitment to supporting the state’s diverse communities with the Not for Profit Business Excellence Medal presented in his name.

For the first time, the outstanding contribution of a community language teacher was also recognised with an inaugural medal, with Ms Odarka Brecko being awarded for more than 50 years of advocating for and supporting the maintenance of the Ukrainian language, culture and traditions. Her leadership in education and within the community has directly influenced more than 5,000 young people.

The Premier’s Harmony Dinner © Salty Dingo 2023 BH

The community medal winners are:

The Honour Roll Inductees are:

  • Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad
  • Sunil C De Silva
  • Dr Zeina Merhi

The Honour Roll is a permanent public record, which posthumously recognises the exemplary contribution by people in NSW that extends beyond their passing.

The Premier’s Harmony Dinner continues to celebrate the NSW Government’s commitment to a cohesive and inclusive society in which the cultures, languages and religions of all citizens are embraced.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Chris Christofi becomes highest fundraiser in Vinnies CEO Sleepout history

Melbourne entrepreneur and long-time Vinnies ambassador Chris Christofi has raised $400,000 in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Over $17,000 raised for St John NT through Darwin GleNTi 2025 festival

More than $17,000 was raised for St John NT at this year’s Darwin GleNTi festival, thanks to the generosity of attendees.

Major changes for Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation as language program nears end

Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation held its Annual General Meeting at the AHEPA Hall on Sunday, June 22 from 4:30pm.

Derbies, underdogs, and big clashes set for Australia Cup Round of 32

The fixtures for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 have been revealed following the tournament’s Official Draw on Wednesday night.

Estudiantina of Melbourne to perform soulful tribute to Greek music pioneers

Estudiantina of Melbourne return to Bird’s Basement on Friday, July 25 to present a heartfelt tribute to Rita Abadzi and Kostas Roukounas.

You May Also Like

Government spokesman Petsas: Migration influx has subsided, both on land and sea

Government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Saturday stressed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' firm support for the work of police authorities, "whose morals we rely on,...

Inaugural Global ‘Women and Hellenism’ Conference kicks off in Ioannina

A warm welcome in Ioannina, Greece marked the start of the inaugural Global ‘Women and Hellenism’ Conference.

Nick Kyrgios backs decision to allow Novak Djokovic to play at 2023 Australian Open

Tennis star, Nick Kyrgios, has backed the decision to allow Novak Djokovic to compete at the 2023 Australian Open in Melbourne next month.