The event, hosted by the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper and attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, brought together community leaders, political representatives and cultural figures to honour individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to multiculturalism in the state.
Among the awards presented on the night, the Multicultural Community Medals 2025 recognised the commitment of outstanding individuals across various sectors such as sport, media, arts and culture, human rights and language integration.
Cuthbertson was a key figure in promoting multiculturalism in New South Wales. Arriving in Australia as an Italian migrant in the post-war years, she dedicated her life to advocating for migrant communities’ rights and shaping the state’s multicultural policies.
In the 1970s, she was appointed head of the Ethnic Affairs Unit in the Department of Community Services, laying the groundwork for the creation of the NSW Ethnic Affairs Commission, where she became its first Executive Officer in 1975.
She worked closely with Commissioner Paolo Totaro in drafting the Participation Report, a document that significantly influenced Australian multicultural policy.
Among her major achievements were the founding of the Illawarra Ethnic Council, Australia’s first regional ethnic council, and the establishment of the NSW Ethnic Communities Council, both of which remain fundamental in representing multicultural communities today.
Her advocacy also extended to government language services, ensuring migrant communities had fair access to information and public institutions.
In 1985, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. In 2004, she was recognised among the 50 Great Australians by the Human Rights Commission.
In the later years of her career, she served as a minister in the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly, overseeing key portfolios such as Justice, Health, Education and Immigration.
Cuthbertson’s induction into the Multicultural Honour Roll is a tribute to her legacy and tireless work for Australia’s multicultural community.
Her vision helped create essential institutions and services for migrants, positively shaping generations of new Australians.
The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is a key event during Harmony Week, an Australian initiative promoting inclusion and belonging in an increasingly diverse society.
According to the 2021 Census, more than 51.5 per cent of Australia’s population was either born overseas or had at least one parent born overseas.
With over 5.5 million people speaking a language other than English at home, multiculturalism is an integral part of Australian identity.
However, the 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion report by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute found that while 88 per cent of Australians support multiculturalism, 16 per cent have experienced discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or skin colour.
Events like the Premier’s Harmony Dinner not only celebrate diversity but also provide a platform for strengthening dialogue between communities, leaders and policymakers.
It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing efforts needed to achieve genuine and lasting inclusion.
