2025 Premier’s Harmony Dinner Program
Program
Welcome
Welcome to Country – Yvonne Weldon AM
MCs – Janice Peterson and Joseph La Posta
Opening performance
Lucky African Dance Group
Jael Wena – World in Union
Opening address
Speech – The Hon. Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism
Official proceedings and award presentation
Presentation of Multicultural Honour Roll Inductees
With a performance by Chloe Chung and Maharshi Raval
Presentation of Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals
Lifetime Community Service Medal sponsored by SBS
Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Harmony Medal sponsored by Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Dr G.K. Harinath OAM Sports Medal sponsored by Sydney Thunder
Interpreters and Translators Medal sponsored by NAATI
Interlude
Presentation of Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals
Multicultural Youth Medal sponsored by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)
Community Languages Teacher Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Education
Arts and Culture Medal in honour of Carla Zampatti sponsored by Powerhouse
Multicultural Not for Profit Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Regional Unity Medal sponsored by myGuardian
Human Rights Medal sponsored by Settlement Services International (SSI)
Best Report in Multicultural Media
Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Anti-Discrimination NSW
Multicultural Publication of the Year sponsored by Village Plaza
Speech – Nick Kaldas APM, Chair Multicultural NSW Advisory Board
MC Closing
Final Performance
Jael Wena – Higher Love
After Party Performance
Nat Sax
Masters of Ceremonies & performances
Top-
Janice Peterson
Janice Petersen has worked as a cross-platform journalist and news presenter for two decades and currently presents SBS World News five nights a week. Janice brings to SBS a strong background in journalism after many years at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation where she reported on and covered breaking news events. In her current role, she regularly interviews leading news makers and has contributed live updates on major national and international news stories. She’s travelled across the globe to countries including Iceland, South Africa, Taiwan and Singapore to report on the ground.
Janice has been at the helm of landmark SBS programs including forum series Insight, international current affairs program Dateline and Go Back to Where You Came From. Janice is the host of popular small business podcast, The Company You Keep and is the voice of SBS Chill. She has also hosted numerous high-profile events, including the ANU Crawford Leadership Forum, Australia Day Lunch, the Australian Open Inspirational Series with Anna Wintour and INAS Global Games.
Joseph La Posta
As the CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph is driven to improve access and services for our newest Australians. He is also passionate about supporting established communities to preserve and nourish their cultures and language.
Since joining as CEO in January 2019, Joseph has overseen the delivery of Multicultural NSW’s strategic plan for 2021 to 2025 and the implementation of a new award for the Language Services business. In addition, the Multicultural NSW team has grown to over 125 staff and more than 1,000 interpreters and translators.
-
Opening performance
Lucky African Dance Group
The Lucky African Dance Group is a dynamic performance ensemble that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Africa through vibrant dance, music, and traditional storytelling. Formed to celebrate and preserve African traditions, the group performs a variety of dance styles originating from different regions of the continent, often accompanied by live drumming and energetic rhythms.
Their performances highlight the beauty and diversity of African cultures, bringing communities together through their captivating artistry. The Lucky African Dance Group has gained recognition for its passionate performances at festivals, cultural events, and educational programs worldwide.
Jael Wena
Jael Wena is one of Australia’s finest female soul voices, known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Of Congolese Australian heritage, she first gained national attention representing Australia at Junior Eurovision, later making waves on The Voice Australia, Australia’s Got Talent, and The Voice Generations.
This past year, Jael has headlined major events, including the Australian Open – performing on Centre Court at Rod Laver Arena, – Carols in The Domain, and the 2024 Australian Grand Prix. With a voice that echoes the soul and power of Whitney Houston, Jael is a rising star whose talent is set to leave a lasting mark on the world.
Honour Roll performance
Chloe Chung
Chloe Chung is a multi-style flautist, playing Western classical flute and dizi (Chinese bamboo flute), teaching music, and collaborating with others to foster unexpected musical forms and connections throughout Sydney and beyond.
Chloe’s recent feature performances include at the Sydney Opera House Re-Tuning festival, BackStage Music, Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, and most recently as the multi-flutes player in the touring orchestra of the Miss Saigon Asia tour.
Maharshi Raval
Maharshi’s love for music started at a young age when he was introduced to tabla by his grandfather the late Shri Gajanan Raval. Having received traditional training in tabla from some of the greatest maestros in India, including Pandit Nandan Mehta and Pandit Pooran Maharaj, he has established the Gajanan Cultural Mission, which aims to promote and preserve Indian classical music and dance in Australia.
Through this he has organised many concerts, workshops, and lecture-demonstrations, bringing together music enthusiasts, artists, and scholars to celebrate the richness of Indian culture.
After party performance
Nat Sax
Natalie Sax stands out with her unique blend of talent and innovation. A Sydney-based musician with a Bachelor of Music, she began teaching and performing as a saxophonist alongside DJs in clubs. Her soulful playing quickly turned local gigs into national bookings. After catching the mixing bug, she began DJing and incorporating her sax into her sets, leading to top billing at events. Natalie’s international career has taken her to the UK, Ireland, Malaysia, and more.
Natalie has performed with top artists like Timmy Trumpet and Tigerlily, and released singles like Keep On Rocking and BLOW. A true trailblazer, Natalie is the only female DJ in Australia to blend live instrumentals with DJ sets, creating a high-energy, unforgettable experience.
Judges
Top
Judge
Malaemie Fruean OAM
Judge
Cassandra Gibbens
Judge
Ömer R. Incekara
Judge
Lexia McColl-Jones
Judge
Dr Saba Nabi
Judge
Mark Painting
Judge
Shoba Rao
Judge
Lilian Saleh
Judge
George Vardas
Judge
Sana Zreika
Multicultural Honour Roll Inductees
TopThe Multicultural Honour Roll is a posthumous recognition commemorating the legacy and impact the recipient had on influencing an inclusive, resilient and peaceful society for all.
Inductees of the Multicultural Honour Roll are remembered in a permanent public record for their lasting contribution to the community in New South Wales that extends beyond their passing.
Major partnerships
Top-
With over a hundred years of supporting communities across Australia, CommBank is committed to building a brighter future for all. From designing products and services that are accessible and inclusive, supporting local not-for-profit organisations, to fostering a diverse workforce – we’re here for our community.
-
My Guardian, your FIRST choice for Aged and Disability Care, is the Proud Partner of the 2025 Premier’s Harmony Dinner. As one of the leading care providers in NSW, they’re dedicated to delivering quality aged and disability care services such as in-home care, NDIS services, disability accommodation and more.
-
As Australia’s multicultural and First Nations public broadcaster, SBS inspires all Australians to explore, respect and celebrate our diverse world, contributing to an inclusive and cohesive society. Started in 1975, SBS today offers multiplatform content and essential services across TV, audio and online in more than 60 languages.
Category sponsors
Top-
Sydney Thunder are a professional cricket club competing in the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Proudly representing Western Sydney, we are passionate about our communities and improving the lives of those people. Driven by a relentless commitment to win on and off the field, we strive to make a positive impact across the Thunder Nation.
-
A museum of applied arts and sciences, Powerhouse is Australia’s largest museum group. It sits at the intersection of the arts, design, science, and technology, and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. Our new flagship museum, Powerhouse Parramatta, is currently under construction.
-
The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors, STARTTS is a specialist, not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1988. It provides culturally relevant psychological treatment and support, and community interventions, to help people and communities heal the scars of torture and refugee trauma and rebuild their lives in Australia.
-
NAATI is the national standards and certifying authority for translators and interpreters in Australia. We certify people wishing to work as a translator or interpreter. Talk to us about the steps to becoming certified in your language and contribute to our vision of a connected community without language barriers.
-
SSI is a national not-for-profit organisation providing dedicated human services to a multicultural, and a diverse Australia. With community at the heart of everything we do, our purpose is to create a world in which everyone has access to equal opportunities.
-
Nestled near the picturesque wharf, Village Plaza beckons with its unique charm and curated selection.
Showcasing the latest trends to specialty shops offering unique treasures, there’s something for everyone. With ample parking and a welcoming atmosphere, our shopping centre is your ultimate destination for leisure, entertainment, and retail therapy.
-
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) works to support a safe, just, inclusive and resilient New South Wales, where everyone has the opportunity to realise their potential.
-
Empowering students across NSW to embrace their heritage language by fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging.
-
Anti-Discrimination NSW is the state government body that administers the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. They strive to eliminate discrimination in NSW by:
• answering enquiries
• investigating and resolving complaints
• raising awareness about discrimination and its impacts
• granting exemptions to the Act
• advising the government about discrimination issues.
Corporate table sponsors
