Each year, the Premier’s Harmony Dinner recognises the efforts of individuals and community organisations in serving their communities with selflessness, care, and passion. The event showcases the best of NSW’s rich multicultural society and honours those who have made amazing contributions to the state.
Sixteen individuals and community organisations were recognised for their selflessness, care, and passion at the Premier’s annual Harmony Dinner in Sydney. The event saw 12 recipients of the Premier’s Multicultural Community Medal, one Highly Commended award, and three new members added to the Honour Roll. The Premier of New South Wales, Dominic Perrottet, praised each of the recipients and the Honour Roll inductees for showcasing the very best of the state’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.” The Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, echoed the Premier’s sentiments and added that the Harmony Dinner was truly a celebration of the state’s greatest asset, its people.
The Harmony Dinner is one of the biggest events of its kind in Australia, which is fitting given that the state has the strongest and most harmonious multicultural society. The caring and selfless people who were recognised at the event have made amazing contributions to the state, and without them, NSW would not be the great state it is today.
Dr G.K. ‘Hari’ Harinath OAM, the Emeritus Chairperson of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, 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 event also recognised the outstanding contribution of a community language teacher with an inaugural medal. Ms Odarka Brecko was 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:
Joanne Lee – Carla Zampatti Arts and Culture Medal
Ngac Thuy Han Do – All Graduates Interpreting and Translating Language Services Medal
Mahboba Rawi – Settlement Services International NSW Human Rights Medal
Henry Nan Hung Pan – SBS Lifetime Community Service Medal
Glen Crump – CommBank Regional Unity Medal
Amir Salem OAM – Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Harmony Medal
Herman Lotey – Village Plaza Sports Medal
Wi Meh – NSW Rugby League Youth Medal
Rose Lewis – NSW Rugby League Youth Medal – Highly commended
Odarka Brecko – Department of Education Community Languages Teacher Medal
MOSAIC Multicultural Centre – Welcoming Cities Local Government Business Excellence Medal
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW – Dr G.K. Harinath OAM Not for Profit Business Excellence Medal
Navitas Skilled Futures – Corporate Business Excellence Medal
The Honour Roll is a lasting public record that acknowledges the outstanding contributions of individuals in NSW, even beyond their passing. It serves as a posthumous recognition of their exemplary work and impact on society. The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is a testament to the NSW Government’s ongoing dedication to fostering a cohesive and inclusive society that celebrates the diversity of its citizens, including their cultures, languages, and religions.
The Honour Roll Inductees are:
Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad
Sunil C De Silva
Dr Zeina Merhi
The recipients of the awards and medals, as well as the Honour Roll inductees, serve as inspirations to others who strive to create a stronger future for NSW.