Little Homey Cafe
Business of the Year
Black-owned community cafe and bar located in a Brunswick laneway, a cultural hub.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
The 2026 AMARI Gala
The winners.
Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne. 2 May 2026. Eleven Awards. One Trailblazer. One Icon.
The night
The AMARI Gala continued its celebration of excellence, bringing together founders, industry leaders, creatives, executives and community leaders from across the country. Eleven Awards. One Trailblazer. One Icon. A room that reflected the excellence, ambition and influence of our community.
Business & Innovation
The builders.
Mary Akindele
Entrepreneur of the Year
Owner of Sam’s Café in St Kilda, Melbourne, dedicated to the late Samuel Akindele and renowned for its gourmet toasties.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Effie Nkrumah
Industry Innovator
Multifaceted Ghanaian-Australian interdisciplinary artist, actor, and director, Resident Director for MJ The Musical (Australia).
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Arts & Media
The makers.
Chika Ikogwe
Performing Artist of the Year
Award-winning Nigerian-Australian actor and writer, celebrated for her breakout role as Jojo in Netflix's Heartbreak High.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
KYE
Musical Artist of the Year
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in London before settling in Melbourne, KYE is known for her sun-soaked neo-soul sound.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Betiel Beyin & Leigh Lule
Visual Artist of the Year
Award-winning Melbourne-based duo behind the hit micro-drama CEEBS, released in 2025.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Maxi Ducer
Content Creator of the Year
Australian TikTok personality known for her fitness and lifestyle content, with more than five hundred thousand followers since 2020.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Sport & Impact
Community impact.
Gout Gout
Athlete of the Year
Gout Gout has captured the world’s attention by shattering national junior records and announcing himself as the next great Australian track athlete.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Nas Recovery Centre
Social Impact Award
Community-based alcohol, other drugs and mental health service in Victoria, supporting African-Australian youth, adults and families.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Dr Anei Ochan Thou
Spotlight Award
South Sudanese-Australian Anaesthesia Registrar and prominent advocate for diversity in medicine.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Standalone
The night’s highest honours.
Ursula Dyer Lepporoli
Trailblazer of the Year
Partner at KPMG Australia and Global Mobility Services Tax Lead for Victoria, 2022 Global Mobility Champion of the Year.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
Fred Alale AM
AMARI Icon
Co-Founder and Chair of the African Music and Cultural Festival, the largest African festival in Australia.
Winner, AMARI Gala 2026
2027 is next
The standard, kept.
The next AMARI Gala builds on this. Public nominations for 2027 open in February 2027.