The Minns Labor government is calling for communities across the state to nominate people and organisations that have championed social cohesion in 2025.
Multicultural NSW has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Multicultural Community Medals and Multicultural Honour Roll.
Leaders, volunteers, change makers, innovators, artists, creatives, and sporting trail blazers are recognised through the program for their inspiring contributions to social cohesion and harmony in NSW.
The medal nomination categories for 2026 include:
Community Harmony Medal
Lifetime Community Service Medal
Arts and Culture Medal
Community Languages Teacher Medal
Interpreters and Translators Medal
Multicultural Health Medal
Multicultural Not for Profit Medal
Multicultural Youth Support Medal
Regional Unity Medal
Sports Medal
Best Report in Multicultural Media
Multicultural Publication of the Year
Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year
The Multicultural Honour Roll is a posthumous recognition commemorating the legacy and impact the recipient had during their life on influencing an inclusive, resilient and harmonious society.
These awards will be presented at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner in March 2026 – one of the biggest multicultural events in Australia.
For more information and to nominate please visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/multicultural-community-medals/
Nominations close 11.59pm on Sunday 28 September.
Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said:
“This is your chance to nominate an individual or organisation from Penrith that has made a lasting contribution to multiculturalism.
“This recognition inspires the next generation of community champions, so make a nomination if you have someone or something in mind.
“I’d love to see our local heroes get the recognition they deserve for all they do for our Penrith community.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:
“There are so many profound stories of resilience, selflessness, innovation and collaboration across our state.
“NSW is one of the most diverse communities in the world, and we want to recognise the people and groups that work both visibly and behind the scenes to champion social cohesion.
“I’m excited to meet the upcoming medal winners at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner next year.”
Quotes attributable to Neena Sinha recipient of the 2025 Interpreters and Translators Medal:
“I get a great sense of satisfaction knowing that my work as an interpreter in NSW Courts has made a difference.
“It was such an honour to be awarded this medal - I now look back over the past 40 years and know I did something meaningful with my life.”
