Comedian, singer and cabaret artist Reuben Kaye will host this year's Honour Awards, New South Wales' premier rainbow community awards celebration. He will be joined on stage by entertainment powerhouses Samantha Jade and Casey Donovan, as well as a host of drag, burlesque and community icons.
One of Australia's most recognisable performers, Reuben Kaye is known for razor-sharp comedy, powerhouse vocals and unapologetically political shows that have toured across Australia, the UK and Europe. Recent highlights include hosting the first Australian tour of The Drag Roast and his critically acclaimed show, Hard to Swallow.
"I'm excited to be hosting the Honour Awards and look forward to celebrating amazing and inspiring heroes bringing love, joy, power and strength to rainbow communities," Kaye said. "See you at Honour 2026!"
Casey Donovan, the Gumbaynggirr and Dungati singer who made history as the youngest-ever winner of Australian Idol at just 16 years old, will take to the Honour stage to blow attendees away with her powerhouse vocals. Over the past two decades, Donovan has established herself as one of Australia's leading musical theatre stars, appearing in productions including Chicago, Sister Act and We Will Rock You, while also winning I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
“I’m excited to be joining the celebrations at this year’s Honour Awards and I can’t wait to perform for everyone," Donovan said. "It’s going to be a wonderful, inspiring and fabulous occasion!”
Also appearing on stage is the incredible Samantha Jade, who became the first woman to win the Australian version of The X Factor. Known for her bright vocal style and dance-pop sound, she has built a career spanning music, television and acting, including roles in Home and Away and Pretty Woman The Musical.
Greeting guests as they are drag queen Mulan and burlesque star Gogo Bumhole – they'll be adding pizzazz and flair on the red carpet. Broadcaster and host Matty Mills will on hand for social interviews and vox pops, while iconic house DJ Kate Monroe will be serving up her signature tunes.
Now in its 19th year, the Honour Awards celebrates outstanding leadership, service and achievements within rainbow communities in NSW.
Over 500 guests will attend this year's event to recognise over 30 individuals and organisations whose efforts have made an impact to the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
Honour Awards 2026
Thursday 8 October 2026
Red Carpet Arrivals 5.30pm
Awards Ceremony 6.30pm
Paddington Town Hall, Paddington
Tickets $45pp General Admission available from here.