Lavac nominated in ‘Unsung Hero’ category

Sydney-based criminal barrister Peter Lavac has been nominated for the “Unsung Hero” category in the 2026 Sydney Awards – a Committee of Sydney initiative – by several members of the Jewish community, including Australian Jewish Association president Robert Gregory and Sydney solicitor Romy Dinte.

The winners of all categories will be announced at an already sold-out gala dinner at the Crown Sydney on September 17.

Dinte nominated Lavac for his “courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to justice”, noting that he is not Jewish, yet has become one of the most “fearless and vocal public defenders of Jewish Australians, at a time when many others remained silent”.

“He has consistently chosen principle over popularity, action over words, and service over self-interest … at great personal and professional risk,” Dinte wrote.

Since the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, Lavac has stood publicly with Jewish communities in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, speaking at rallies and synagogues and in media interviews against antisemitism.