Meet our 2020 winners

Born and raised in Nigeria, Kemi is the powerful brain behind the success of Afrique Entertainment, Afrique Boutique and Afrique Food Mart which cater to the community in ways of fashion, cultural events and African produce. Kemi also provides employment for newly arrived African youth in NSW.

Lovemore is a prominent lawyer in Sydney specialising in Family Law and Criminal Law. The three-time world boxing champion is also a book author with his recent book 'Tough Love' hitting record sales on Amazon. Lovemore is the Principal solicitor at Lovemore Lawyers, a law practice he established in Rockdale NSW.

Born in Kenya, Jemimah has a Diploma in Leadership Management and cert IV in Disability support. She is one of the new Mental Health First Aid champions in the community having completed her training recently. Her passion is to help raise awareness of Mental Health in the community and help those struggling.

Samuel is co-founder of United Kenyans in Australia Cultural Association (UKACA). He is currently the vice president of the organization that aims to unite Kenyans in Sydney. Samuel also holds an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Barbara is the founder of Caring Hearts Foundation that she established in Sierra Leone for orphans whose parents were affected by the deadly Ebola outbreak. She is also a Registered Nurse working at West Meade Hospital and a celebrated caring African Australian in NSW. Barbara is also a vibrant member of the African community.

Isaac is the current president of the United Kenyans in Australia Cultural Association (UKACA). Through his leadership, UKACA has grown from strength to strength bringing members of the Kenyan community together through cultural activities and projects. His role in supporting others during COVID-19 pandemic is outstanding.

Princess is the powerful voice behind the Black Rhythms program aired on Koori Radio Station. Born in Nigeria, she is a producer and presenter whose role in supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic can not be under estimated. This is the 3rd year Princess has been acknowledged for her work in the wider community.

Goodson recently obtained his PHD in Theology. Originally from Zambia, he has real affection for helping people of African origin by engaging and empowering them get established and have a good start in Australia. He loves sharing Jesus with anyone who will listen and hopes to use his PHD to positively transform the community.

Mary is an Italian Australian with a huge African heart. She has been key in promoting and uplifting the entertainment industry among African Australians in Sydney for over 2 decades. She has featured in many films produced by John Kay and supports local schools in Sierra Leone.

Another new community organization on the block. AACE has hit the stage with a bang under its dynamic director Jay Pee (pictured). AACE has various projects aimed at promoting African culture, providing a platform for African Australians to express their views on the AACE Radio and other platforms.

The African Australian Inclusion Program is a partnership between Jesuit Social Services and the National Australia Bank (NAB) that aims at responding to workplace diversity, unemployment and under-employment. Over 100 African Australians in New South Wales have benefitted from AAIP since its inception in 2009.

Suzan has made herself a name in film, book authorship, fashion, modeling and of late singing and songwriting. Her book Un Apologetically Black has hit the stage with a bang attracting various leading media houses that have hosted her for interviews. The award was received by her mum pictured above.

Born in Kenya to Sudanese parents, Anyier is Chair of the Australian National Committee on Refugee Women, she is Blacktown Woman of the Year 2018, founder and CEO of Anyier Model Management and Miss Sahara Beauty Pageant..

Born in Ghana, Janet is currently a Clinical Nurse and Senior Midwife with a Master of Midwifery from University of Sydney (2004). Janet provides care to mothers and their newly born babies, educating women through antenatal & postnatal periods.

Emmanuel is a young artist from Ghana who commenced painting and drawing to deal with depression and personal experiences. He is a recent recipient of the 2019 Youth Achievement Award in Creative Arts, given by the mayor of Fairfield Council.

With over 30 years experience in operations, management education, corporate governance, operational command training, and traffic and transport management, Superintendent Carrett also specialises in managing and leading a diverse inner city police area command.

Ridley & Mieke have established life changing projects in war-torn Norther Uganda through the Mountain Blue Orchards Company. They have partnered with World Vision to build clinics, give people access to clean water and sponsor university students in Kenya South Sudan and Uganda.

Kylie has been involved with the African Australian Community in NSW for over 20 years on a personal and professional level. She is one of the known original promoters of the first ever African/R&B clubs in Sydney. She still promotes Afro entertainment in Sydney and supports schools in Africa.

N'valaye is a professional boxer who kick started his career in 2008 as an amateur boxer before turning professional in 2016. He has hosted various fitness boot camps for African Australians and promoted many upcoming youngsters in the profession.

Another uprising singer, songwriter and music producer who has taken over the music industry in style. Currency has produced hit songs that currently have a massive following on the YouTube. His budding profession is already glittering.

She helps ignite transformation of managers into purposeful leaders. She is founder and director of Make it Happen initiative, an award winning humanitarian organization. She has a Masters in International Law. And she is author of IGNITE 

The Rwanda Community NSW is one of the most vibrant among the African communities in Australia. They are remarkable for organizing events and projects that bring their members together and also connect with members from other communities.

Tino is a celebrated Actor/Model from Nigeria who has taken on film production with a zeal. A true role model in the industry, Tino has taken on supporting and lead roles in renowned blockbuster movies like Runway (2021) Survive or Die (2018) and Greener Pastures (2018). The sky is no longer the limit for this dynamic youngster.

Hawa is one of the most enterprising young African Australian in NSW. She is a youth leader, an actress, a motivational speaker and volunteers in various community activities. Originally from Liberia, Hawa is an inspiration to many youngsters and she is also a student of Nursing at the famous Australia Catholic University.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Edward is the brain behind the budding AFROLITE RADIO, an online platform that is helping in entertaining and sharing of relevant information among the African Australian community in NSW. AFROLITE RADIO has helped communicate key information to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Nancy is the founder of Flawless Youngsters, an organization that mentors equips and empowers tween and teen girls to build on their worth and self-confidence. She holds a Bachelor in Ministry, Bachelor of Teaching and a Diploma in Event Management.

Originally from South Sudan, Emmanuel  has an Advanced Diploma of Human Resources and Management and he is also an advocate for refugees. He is currently undertaking his Masters in Business Administration at Western Sydney University and he is leader of the Southern Hope Community Organisation.

Born and raised in Uganda, Sharon is a highly experienced journalist who has written for Australian Mining, CEO Magazine and Business Insider Australia. She also hosts a podcast and YouTube channel “That’s Lit” which celebrates achievements of people from diverse backgrounds in Australia.

Fr. Alex plays a pivotal role in helping the youth in Kenya through the Shukrani Foundation. Fr. Alex has established various projects in Kenya looking after the disadvantaged youth by empowering and educating them in various skills. 4th year that Fr Alex and his foundation are recognized at the awards.

Martha is a Consultant Pediatrician also involved in advocating for children and young people across NSW. She recently completed an accreditation course as a Mental Health First Aider and she is one of our community Mental Health Champion. 3rd consecutive recognition for Martha. 

Paul is one of our committed volunteers whose contributions and dedication have ensured that we host a successful function year after year. He is an academician and a committed member of the community who has called Australia home for the last two decades. He is very passionate seeing African Australians network on a large scale.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nadine is model, a fashionista, influencer and an actress. She has participated in Fabric of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) fashion shows in Sydney. She has acted in an episode of Dangerous Women and also appeared in various commercials. She has a  strong passion to help others.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Antoi is an inspiration to youngsters in her birth country. She has given back to her community by establishing and supporting various  humanitarian charities aimed at giving the children a better future. She is currently studying Bachelors in Children Services in Sydney.

Originally from South Sudan, DJ Zinger is now a household name in the Sydney entertainment space. The youngster has made himself a name with his afrobeat mixes that have been acknowledged by the wider community. DJ Zinger volunteers his time and resources at the annual awards dinner since 2019.

Alice (Lilian) is a Rwandan born  who works at UNSW as a Project Officer in ASPIRE Program. Her passion is to help others enrich their lives by promoting education, self-development, and self-reliance. She has a Master of Environmental Management

Holla is a Youth Ambassador and Projects Officer at the Multicultural Youth Affairs Network (MYAN). A champion for young people, Holla is a graduate of Bachelor of Law and Theology at ACU. She has a skincare business called Ayia Skincare.

Elizabeth has over a decade of experience in financial services across marketing, operations, strategy, project management and customer remediation. She is Vice President and also Secretary of African Professionals Australia NSW (APA).

Bob has lived and worked in western Sydney for over 40 years. He was in the first intake of bricklayers at Mount Druitt TAFE, and after completing his apprentice worked in the local area. Bob joined the NSW Police Force in the 1980s. He has been a special guest at various Awards dinners.

Genevieve (Genna) is founder and CEO of Gennarosity Abroad, a Not-For-Profit organisation that provides education, skills, vocational training, health, literacy, clean water, employment and support to communities in Kenya.  Gennarosity Abroad is a registered Australian charity with DGR status.

Kenya born Loise has a Diploma in Nursing and works with NSW Health at Blacktown hospital. She is also an Assistant Secretary at KISWA and a member of Swahili Mass. She is a leader of Women Empowerment Sydney.

King is another African Australian who has not disappointed in the music industry as a singer, songwriter and producer. He has made his presence felt in almost every state and territory in Australia hosting big live concerts.

With a hat-trick of recognition, Kenyan born Consolata boasts numerous academic and social work achievements. She has a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree (Psychology) and also boasts of numerous local and international scholarships.

Ugandan born Susan is a Sydney-based Actress, Model, Fashion designer and stylist. She manages a fashion label ‘Suzan Mutesi’ which symbolizes structure and class and gives women of all body types the ability to feel confident, comfortable and beautiful.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Elizabeth is one of the very few African Australians with a Bachelor degree in Naturopathy and a Diploma in Pharmacy. She boasts of a Naturopathic clinical practice in Parramatta called Hutano Natural Health Solutions that mainly works with women to improve their health and lifestyle.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Donald is a dynamic innovative African Australian who sees no limits in opportunities. He is Director of Care Metaz, a disability and aged care business employing over 100 people in NSW. He holds a Diploma in Business Management, a Diploma in Community Services and a degree in Engineering.

Nigerian born Abi has called Australia home for the last 2 decades. Represented at the awards, Abi has established himself as a successful businessman running his own establishment and providing employment to others. A true hustle, Abi has a car washing business that has grown from strength to strength.

Samuel is  a Church leader and co-founder of Full Gospel International Christian Church. He holds a Bachelor of Community Services and an Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management. He is another brain behind the budding United Kenyans in Australia Cultural Association.

Edith is a community leader, promotes networking and a champion of women across the state of NSW. She is currently a partner at Taste of Indoke, Cooking and Food Tour channel that has over 12,000 followers online. She is also currently studying BA in Counselling at Edith Cowen University. 4th consecutive acclode for Edith.

Born in Kenya, Alex is an IT professional specializing in ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning systems). He is passionate about businesses using technologies to make their processes efficient, get competitive and boost employee performance.  He is a BSc Computer Science Graduate from University of Nairobi.

India born Taru has a strong African connection through her cooking channel Taste of Indoke. The channel that has attracted many followers celebrates multiculturalism and has helped to expose the African food culture to the world. Taru works with and supports African Australians. 

Sierra Leone born Mustapha, has a Master of Financial Economics from the University of Sydney and a PHD in Property Economics from Western Sydney University. He is currently a University lecturer and Justice of the Peace in NSW offering help to many members of the African community and other ethnic backgrounds.

Kylie is been known to the African Australian community for over two decades. She has promoted the entertainment industry in the community and her role in the birth of Afrolite Radio is open book. Kylie also supports schools in Sierra Leone with various scholastic materials.

African Enterprise is a charity organization that has brought peace, reconciliation and hope to African nations through various humanitarian projects for over 50 years. The group represented by Ben Campbell (pictured) reaches over one million Africans every year giving them hope for a better future. 

Rosemary was chief guest at the 8th Celebration of African Australians annual awards dinner held at Wests Ashfield in December 2020. In Jan 2021, Rosemary received the Local Hero of the Year at the Australian Day Awards held at Canberra. Rosemary is and has been a revelation to many.

Despite his busy schedules, Ken always finds time to volunteer at the annual awards dinner whenever called upon. His attention to detail has ensured the awards run smoothly and successfully over the years. He also volunteers as a leader for Africa Professionals Australia.

Jennifer is the powerful lady behind the success of the annual awards over the years. A Registered Nurse by profession and an entrepreneur, her administration and organization skills account for the smooth flow of events at the awards. She is also a previous winner in various categories.

Born in Kenya, Esther is an academician and entrepreneur. She is a gem in making African ornaments and runs her own shop in Bankstown. She is also a vibrant member of the wider African community who promotes networking.

Born in Zimbabwe, Emeldah is an Oncology and Palliative nurse at Sydney Adventist Hospital. She is involved with educating and emotionally supporting patients and their families through the stress of the diagnosis and treatment.

Hon. Damien is the NSW Minister for Finance and Small Business in the second Berejiklian ministry since April 2019. He was Guest of Honor at the 2019 Celebration of African Australians Awards Diner hosted by Canada Bay Club in Sydney. He loves cricket and tennis and is a big fun of Sydney Swans.

Mary is an Italian Australian with a huge African heart living in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. She has supported the African community for decades and in so many ways but mainly in the areas of music, film, and entertainment. Mary has also sourced school supplies that she has sent to schools in Sierra Leone.

Ethiopian/Aussie Destiny is the 2018 Miss Junior Diamond queen.

She is an Australian Athletics Medalist, Hip Hop Dancer Gold Champion and the 2018 Junior Parliament Member. She is also an advocate for youth trauma victims.

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Edith is one of the champions of women in NSW and has started her own company Ida Events. She engages African Australians through hosting events mainly targeting women like at the African Women's Dinner Dance.

Fr. Alex is a co-founder of the Shukrani Foundation, a charity organisation that helps youngsters in the impoverished suburbs of Kenya to gain access to education and also participate in poverty alleviation projects.

Dr Nadine is Co-Founder of GLAPD Int. She is also Health Program Administrator at Westmeade Children’s Hospital and member Advisory Group on Australia-African relations at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.