NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian presented the Regional Communities Medal to Promila Gupta as part of the 2018 Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals.

Ms Gupta was nominated by Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald who said it was outstanding to see a local community member recognised with one of the Premier’s prestigious medals.

“Ms Gupta has dedicated her professional life to promoting harmony in the Newcastle community,” Mr MacDonald said.

“She demonstrates that food is one of the best ways to our hearts. Food is often our first experience of a diverse community and builds intercultural respect and understanding.

“She has written two cooking books and currently writing a third, runs tours to India and operates her own business.”

Ms Gupta is the President of the Indian Association of Newcastle Inc. and teaches Indian cooking at the WEA Hunter campus.

“Harmony for me is a bridge between cultures. A shared experience can help with relationships and one way I do this is with food,” Ms Gupta said.

“Being able to share my recipes and educate and enrich other people’s lives with new skills, brings me so much joy.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams congratulated Ms Gupta on her achievements.

“Day in day out, people like Ms Gupta strengthen our harmonious multicultural society and set an example for every member of our community,” Mr Williams said.

Ms Gupta has previously been awarded the Pride of Australia Award in 2006, Australian Citizen of the Year for South Australia in 2007 and worked for three years as a commissioner in Multicultural South Australia.