Reported by Suprovat Sydney: On the evening of September 19, the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown transformed into a vibrant hub of culture and creativity for the AIM Talent Awards 2024. This remarkable event, organized by the AIM Association, drew a sold-out crowd of around 300 guests eager to celebrate Australia’s rich multicultural talent through a captivating lineup of performances that ranged from powerful vocal showcases to traditional music.

Renowned media personality Carol Ferrone expertly hosted the evening, infusing her opening remarks with inspiration and warmth. She underscored the significance of the Awards, expressing admiration for the remarkable individuals and the community spirit that define this celebration. The event began with a moving Welcome to Country by Uncle John Dickson, honoring Australia’s Indigenous heritage and the land on which the gathering took place.

The presence of distinguished dignitaries added to the evening’s significance. Among the notable guests were The Hon Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism; The Hon Lynda Voltz MP, Member for Auburn; and Clr. Bilal El Hayek, Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown, alongside other council members. Their attendance highlighted the strong community and government support for initiatives that promote multiculturalism and the arts.

The program was rich with exceptional talent. The night kicked off with a dynamic performance by professional drummer Lachy Winter, whose high-energy rhythms electrified the audience. His experience performing with internationally recognized musicians was evident in his captivating display.

Lebanese-born singer Nahida Baz mesmerized the crowd with her powerful rendition of an Egyptian song, beautifully embodying the transcultural essence of the event. Her emotional connection to the music illustrated the profound ways artists can celebrate Australia’s diverse cultural landscape.

In third place was Abalenga, a lively ensemble of five women who transported the audience to Colombia’s Caribbean coast with their Afro-Latino rhythms and traditional instruments. Their performance seamlessly blended Indigenous and African musical traditions, showcasing the unifying power of traditional music.

Second place went to Joe Ramen, a one-man band celebrated for his unique fusion of bluegrass and street performance. Originally from the U.S. and raised in Malaysia, Joe’s eclectic background shone through in his lively set, which combined traditional bluegrass with modern influences, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience and judges alike.

The evening’s highlight was the stunning performance by 17-year-old Keira Blackmore, who delivered a breathtaking rendition of ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All.” With her commanding stage presence and powerful vocals, Keira left an indelible mark on the audience. A seasoned performer with over 16 musical theatre productions to her credit, including iconic roles in Mamma Mia, Frozen Jr., and Beauty and the Beast Jr., she was a deserving winner.

The judging panel, comprised of esteemed professionals, played a critical role in evaluating the performances. The panel included philanthropist Nissy Mattar, Alive 90.5 FM Chairman Andsley Dennis, Mrs. Universe Australia Charity Queen Sophia Sarkis, talent agent Alexy Francis, and Miss Charity Australia Karenza De Leon. Throughout the evening, they shared insights on what constitutes a winning performance, ensuring a fair evaluation grounded in their diverse expertise.

In between performances, the audience was treated to an electrifying beatboxing set by Australian Idol star Joel Turner, whose unique fusion of hip-hop and acoustic melodies captivated all in attendance.

As the night drew to a close, Carol Ferrone invited all participants on stage for the eagerly anticipated announcement of the winners. Keira Blackmore took home the top honor, followed by Joe Ramen in second and Abalenga in third. The crowd erupted in applause as the winners posed for photographs and received their awards, marking the culmination of a truly unforgettable evening.

The AIM Talent Awards not only provided a platform for performers to showcase their skills but also highlighted the vital role of multiculturalism in fostering an inclusive arts community. Supported by partners such as Bankstown RSL, Multicultural NSW, and the Australian Lebanese Cultural Union, the event beautifully illustrated how cultural diversity can be celebrated through the universal languages of music and performance.

This resounding success celebrated talent, culture, and community at the heart of Bankstown, leaving attendees, including Mohanned Zakkir Hossainn (Raju) and Taslima Jahann, thrilled to witness such an extraordinary program.