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.

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 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.