The AIM Talent Awards 2026 brought an inspiring mix of talent, culture and community to the stage on Friday, 2 October, as performers from across Sydney came together to demonstrate what can happen when people are given an opportunity to shine.
Presented by the Australian International Multicultural Association (AIM Association), the awards were created around a simple idea: talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always follow.
This year’s event demonstrated exactly why that platform matters.
From young emerging performers to adults pursuing long-held creative ambitions, the finalists represented different cultures, generations, professions and personal journeys. What united them was the courage to step onto the stage and share their talent with an enthusiastic audience.
And the 2026 winners are…
The night belonged to 11-year-old dancer Ishaan Aaryan, who was crowned the AIM Talent Awards 2026 winner following an energetic performance that impressed both the audience and jury.
Despite his young age, Ishaan already brings tremendous enthusiasm and personality to his performances, combining Bollywood and contemporary dance while drawing inspiration from performers including Michael Jackson, Prabhu Deva and Hrithik Roshan.
Alexis Rose Vella secured second place, bringing years of training across singing, dancing and acting to the competition, while Sydney-based Turkish-Australian singer-songwriter BÜ ARAS finished third, showcasing his distinctive fusion of musical and cultural influences.
Yet the AIM Talent Awards have never been only about who finishes first.
Finalists Rawnak, Estina, Grace Su, Opi, Luke Jordan, Latai and Gulia Nolan each brought their own stories and talents to the stage. Their journeys ranged from teaching and healthcare to songwriting and professional careers, demonstrating that there is no single path towards pursuing a passion.
A celebration of multicultural Australia
The diversity among the performers reflected the broader mission of AIM Association: creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to participate, connect and be recognised.
The evening was attended by representatives from government, business and multicultural and community organisations, including H.E. Mr Ahmed Abdellatif, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Sudan; Kylie Wilkinson MP, Member for East Hills; Cr Rachelle Harika, Deputy Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown; Cr Chris Cahill; Cr Immanuel Selvaraj; Dr Abraham Constantin, President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union; Badawi El Hage, Continental President of the Australian Lebanese Cultural Union; Wally Mehanna, CEO of the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce; and Simon Chan, Chair of the Board of Multicultural NSW.
Their presence alongside families, supporters and members of the wider community helped make the awards much more than a talent competition.
It became a celebration of what multicultural Australia looks and sounds like when people are encouraged to share their creativity.
More than an award
AIM President Dr Charbel Tadros JP said the purpose of the Talent Awards extends beyond recognising the three performers who ultimately stand on the podium.
“The AIM Talent Awards are about creating opportunities. Winning is wonderful, but having the courage to walk onto that stage, share your talent and allow hundreds of people to see what you can do is already an achievement.”
“We want AIM to be an organisation that doesn’t simply talk about inclusion. We want to create real opportunities where people from different ages, cultures and walks of life can participate, connect and be celebrated.”
For an 11-year-old such as Ishaan, that opportunity has now resulted in an AIM Talent Awards title.
For every finalist who took part, however, the hope is that the experience represents not an ending, but another step forward.
Thank you to our community
An event of this scale would not be possible without the organisations, businesses, volunteers and individuals who believe in AIM’s mission.
AIM Association extends its sincere appreciation to major partners Bankstown RSL and the City of Canterbury Bankstown, as well as sponsors Strong Wills, Dreem Coaching, Elkhair Florists, Elite Kitz and Elite Drive Rentals, together with the many other supporters who contributed to the success of the evening.
Most importantly, AIM thanks every finalist who trusted us with their talent, every family member and friend who supported them, every volunteer who worked behind the scenes, and every audience member who helped create the atmosphere on the night.
Congratulations to Ishaan Aaryan, Alexis Rose Vella and BÜ ARAS, and congratulations to every finalist who stepped onto the AIM Talent Awards stage in 2026.
The trophies may have gone to three performers, but the stage belonged to all of them.