NSW Government, ZIMAA and African Diplomatic Leadership Unite to Champion Multiculturalism at 2026 Gala

Children Should Never Have to Choose Between Being Australian and Zimbabwean

"Not a Choice, But a Synergy": ZIMAA Gala Champions Multiculturalism Amid National Policy Debate

Paramatta — As Australia’s national political discourse continues to grapple with migration settings, population growth, and social cohesion, the Minns Labor Government delivered a firm, public defense of modern multiculturalism at the 2026 Zimbabwe Association in Australia (ZIMAA) New South Wales (NSW) Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner on Saturday, 26 September.

Against the backdrop of intensifying debate over integration and identity, state and local representatives joined African diplomatic leaders to champion a bold vision that young multicultural Australians should never have to compromise their heritage to belong in modern Australia.

Promoting multiculturalism, some of the delegates at the 2026 ZIMAA NSW Gala and Dinner.

"Children Should Never Have to Choose"

Taking center stage at the Parramatta event, State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis, representing Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper, positioned the government’s commitment to diversity as a cornerstone of Australian strength.  

Addressing guests, Davis highlighted the vital role that diaspora communities play in shaping an inclusive society while safeguarding cultural ties.

Drawing on her personal connections to Southern Africa, she highlighted Labor’s multicultural vision.

"Children should never have to choose between being Australian and Zimbabwean," Davis emphasised.

"They are Zimbabwean-Australians and they should always feel that connection to their roots. That is what true multiculturalism is all about," she said.

Davis underscored the Minns Government’s direct support for grassroots community infrastructure, including ZIMAA’s Shona and Ndebele language programs, youth traditional dance initiatives, mental health workshops and emergency bereavement funds.

State Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis, seated with some members of ZIMAA during the gala.

Diplomatic Front: Roots as Identity, Rhythm as Movement

Reinforcing the state government's message, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Australia and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Joe Tapera Mhishi, urged the diaspora to reject binary views of national identity.

Ambassador Mhishi framed cultural preservation not as an obstacle to integration, but as its engine.

"We can be proud Zimbabweans and be in Australia at the same time," Ambassador Mhishi said.

"We can celebrate our heritage while embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of life in Australia... Our roots give us identity. Our rhythm gives us movement," he said.

His Excellency, Ambassador Joe Tapera Mhishi (centre) at the 2026 ZIMAA NSW Gala and Dinner.

Grassroots Leadership: The Synergy of Dual Belonging

Bringing children on stage alongside political leaders, ZIMAA Chairperson Shepherd Mashingaidze presented a live demonstration of intergenerational succession.

Mashingaidze challenged the notion that migrants must shed their past to contribute to Australia’s future.

"Young people who are here embrace both Australia and Zimbabwe fully as part of their identity," Mashingaidze told the audience.

"The sum of the parts of Australia and Zimbabwe is less than the synergy created. We are not going to ask them to choose... embracing both makes us all better people," he said.

Local Governance: Heritage in the Mainstream

Representing the City of Parramatta, Councillor Sreeni Pillamarri highlighted the economic and civic contributions of the Zimbabwean community, particularly across Western Sydney's healthcare, technological and corporate sectors.  

"We carry our heritage and we also have to integrate that into the mainstream," Clr Pillamarri said, emphasising that multiculturalism thrives through mutual respect, legal framework and shared economic growth.

Premier’s Endorsement: 20 Years of Community Building

In a message delivered to attendees, Premier of New South Wales, The Honourable Chris Minns MP, commended ZIMAA’s two decades of community leadership under its banner, “One Zimbabwe, One People.”

"New South Wales is one of the most successful multicultural communities in the world because of organisations like yours," Premier Minns stated, acknowledging ZIMAA’s volunteers and leadership for building a welcoming home across Western Sydney.

Culture, Achievement and Celebration

Beyond the political and diplomatic keynotes, the evening celebrated community achievements and artistic heritage.

Cultural & Gospel Showcases, Minstrel Taffie Tafadzwa opened the cultural segment with a soul-stirring gospel set, followed by high-energy performances from Afro-beats artist Cisante and gospel powerhouse Apostle Dr. T.T. Chivaviro.

Apostle Dr. T.T. Chivaviro performing at the ZIMAA Gala.

Councillor Pillamarri presented the ZIMAA Rising Star Award and the ZIMAA Community Award, recognising grassroots volunteers and youth leaders.

Guests viewed a tribute video produced by Lazarus Ndlela, documenting ZIMAA's achievements over the past year.

Headline performance by music icon Sanii Makhalima closed the night with an extended headline set that brought the entire room to its feet.

As national debate over multicultural policy continues, ZIMAA's 2026 Gala delivered a consensus from government and community leaders alike that Australia's multicultural story is built not by assimilation, but by standing together in shared purpose.

Main act of the night, Sanii Makhalima performing during the ZIMAA Gala and Dinner in Paramatta, Australia.