Sydney Awards 2024: NSW Premier Chris Minns and Liberal leader Mark Speakman to judge winners

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman will put their differences aside as they join the judging panel for the Sydney Awards. Meet the unsung heroes in the running.

Sydney Awards 'unsung hero' nominee Peter Sabbagh (centre) runs Bodega Collective – a studio in Annandale catering to young up-and-comers. Picture: Rohan Kelly

If there’s one thing that the NSW Premier and his political rival can agree on, it’s that Sydney and its people are truly exceptional – the “undisputed number one”.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Premier Chris Minns and Opposition leader Mark Speakman have joined the judging panel of the Sydney Awards, a celebration of the men and women who make our city the powerhouse of the nation.

The pair will decide on the winners alongside this masthead’s editor Ben English, Macquarie Business School executive dean Professor Eric Knight, Campbelltown City Council general manager Lindy Deitz and Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell.

Readers have until 11:59 PM on Monday to nominate extraordinary change-makers and the underappreciated pillars of their local community alike, in one of four categories: Sydneysider of the Year, Young Sydneysider of the Year, Unsung Hero and Project of the Year.

The Premier said the event was a “fantastic opportunity” to celebrate the people who make Sydney great.

“One of the best things about my job is meeting exceptional people, from all walks of life, who are doing extraordinary things for the people of this city,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, who will be co-judging the Sydney Awards, at The Rocks in Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

NSW Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman, pictured in Cronulla, will need to reach agreement with his political adversary as he judges the awards. Picture: Tim Hunter

Mr Speakman said he was “honoured” to be presiding over the awards, and urged anyone considering making a submission to do so.

“Sydney is a great place to live, work and play, and the Sydney Awards do a great job of recognising and celebrating the people who make it so,” he said.

“I feel honoured to be part of the judging panel who will get to hear the outstanding stories and accomplishments that put Sydney far above anything on offer in any other state or country.

“I encourage everyone to nominate our community champions and visionaries, to give us a chance to thank them for their contribution to making Sydney the undisputed number one.”

Among the growing list of nominees is 29-year-old music producer and Bodega Collective founder Peter Sabbagh, whose Annandale recording studio attracts ARIAs afterparties and sets the scene for the rising stars of Western Sydney.

With the concept born in the warehouses and sharehouses where Peter and his mates “sharpened their tools”, Bodega Collective was finally brought to life as a multipurpose space “for artists and creators of all disciplines” in 2019.

In the studio: Bodega Collective founder and Sydney Awards 'unsung hero' nominee Peter Sabbagh. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“We built the studio with our hands – we did our own carpentry for the first time, ever,” Peter said.

“It’s a very underground place, and I think that’s the beauty of it. We work with artists no matter their size or their relevance, but we’ve also worked with big brands.”

Corporate dollars from the likes of JBL and Nike in turn support facilities for young talent like award-winning teenage rapper LEE and Blacktown-based hip-hop producer Isaac Puerile.

Bodega Collective’s Peter Sabbagh (centre) with young Western Sydney creatives (L to R) Isaac Puerile, Jasper Karolewski, Monica Figueroa and Chris Siegfried. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“Some rent it, some just get it for free – that’s just how we are,” Peter explained.

Competing against the young producer in the Unsung Hero category is YCK Laneways founder Karl Schlothauer – who created a whole new night-life precinct in Sydney by uniting the owners of hidden bars in the York, Clarence and Kent Street CBD block – and Marjorie Tenchavez, creator of the Welcome Merchant online marketplace for refugee entrepreneurs.

Stitch Bar owner Karl Schlothauer is also in the running after creating the YCK Laneways night-life precinct. Picture: Richard Dobson

Meanwhile, former Vice Chancellor of Western Sydney University Barney Glover, Plate it Forward founder Shaun Christie David and 24 Hour Economy Commissioner Mike Rodrigues are among those in the running for Sydneysider of the Year.

Finalists will also be entered into the People’s Choice Award, to be voted on by readers of The Daily Telegraph.

To nominate a person or project for a Sydney Award, go to sydney.org.au/vote/