AIM Association celebrated another milestone year of community impact, multicultural empowerment and business excellence during its annual gala, held in conjunction with the Fourth Annual Oz Arab Media Gala Dinner and attended by approximately 600 guests from across Australia.
The event brought together ambassadors, parliamentarians, local government representatives, business leaders, community organisations, media professionals, volunteers and supporters, showcasing the strength and diversity of Australia’s multicultural communities.
The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on AIM Association’s continued growth and the expanding impact of its programs, which are designed to recognise achievement, empower communities, create opportunities and celebrate multicultural success stories.
AIM Business Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Achievement
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the AIM Business Awards 2026, which continue to grow as one of AIM Association’s flagship initiatives.
The awards recognise businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations that demonstrate excellence, innovation, leadership and a commitment to their communities.
This year’s finalists represented a diverse range of industries and backgrounds, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout Australia’s multicultural communities.
Business Category Finalists
- ATF Taxation
- CB Skinteq
- Knox & Floyd
Winner: Knox & Floyd
Non-Profit Category Finalists
- AusRelief
- Koorana
- Little Wings
Winner: Little Wings
Entrepreneur Category Finalists
- Jannatul Rafia
- John Azzi
- Memtaz Derbas
Winner: John Azzi
The winners were selected through a combination of independent judging and public voting, ensuring both professional assessment and community engagement played an important role in the outcome.
AIM Hero Award Presented to Scott Dickson
A special moment during the evening was the presentation of the AIM Hero Award to Scott Dickson, Chief Executive Officer of Bankstown RSL.
The award recognises individuals whose leadership, generosity and commitment have created a meaningful and lasting impact on multicultural communities.
Mr Dickson was acknowledged for his ongoing support of community initiatives and his contribution to fostering inclusion, engagement and opportunity across Western Sydney and beyond.
Official Launch of AIM TV
The gala also marked the official launch of AIM TV, a major new initiative designed to expand multicultural representation across digital media.
AIM TV has been created as a dedicated multicultural streaming platform featuring community stories, interviews, podcasts, entertainment, educational content and cultural programming.
The platform represents a significant step forward in AIM Association’s mission to provide greater visibility for multicultural voices and create new opportunities for content creators, community organisations and emerging talent.
Guests were invited to download the platform and become part of its early growth, with additional features and programming already planned for future releases.
Building Opportunities Through AIM Programs
During the evening, AIM Association President Dr. Charbel Tadros reflected on the organisation’s achievements over the past year and outlined its vision for the future.
He highlighted the success of the AIM Talent Awards, which continue to provide a platform for performers from diverse cultural backgrounds to showcase their abilities and gain valuable exposure.
Guests were also reminded that the AIM Talent Awards 2026 will take place on Friday, 2 October 2026, with expectations of another highly competitive field of performers from across Australia.
Dr. Tadros also spoke about the AIM Partners Program, which aims to help other multicultural communities establish their own awards programs and community recognition initiatives, allowing successful AIM models to be replicated across different cultural groups.
In addition, he acknowledged the growing success of the AIM Association Op Shop, whose proceeds help support community programs, events and initiatives throughout the year.
Celebrating Volunteers and Community Support
AIM Association paid tribute to the hundreds of volunteers, contributors and supporters who continue to make its programs possible.
From event coordination and media production to community outreach and fundraising, volunteers remain at the heart of the organisation’s success.
The evening also featured fundraising activities, including raffles and silent auctions, helping support ongoing community-focused initiatives and charitable programs.
Entertainment and Cultural Celebration
Guests enjoyed a diverse range of entertainment throughout the evening, beginning with a beautiful rendition of the Australian National Anthem by acclaimed soprano Phoebe Humphries.
The program also featured a special performance by Stephanie Milostic, winner of the AIM Talent Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional calibre of talent emerging through AIM’s programs.
Further entertainment was provided by internationally recognised comedian Sam McCool and Lebanese singer Claude Kachi, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the multicultural spirit of the event.
Looking Ahead
As AIM Association continues to expand its programs and community reach, the gala served as a celebration not only of past achievements but also of future opportunities.
Through initiatives such as the AIM Business Awards, AIM Talent Awards, AIM Hero Award, AIM Partners Program and the launch of AIM TV, the organisation remains committed to empowering multicultural communities, recognising excellence and creating platforms where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.
The evening reinforced AIM Association’s belief that multiculturalism is one of Australia’s greatest strengths and that by working together, communities can create a more connected, inclusive and prosperous future for all.
To view all the photos from the event, check out the gallery link here.
