The 2026 Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence have recognised eight individuals and groups whose work spans community service, professional achievement, sport, agriculture, arts and cultural contribution, and youth leadership. More than 300 guests attended the awards celebration, which highlighted the breadth of Sikh Australian contributions to communities and Australian society.
The awards, an initiative of Sikh Youth Australia in partnership with the Young Sikh Professionals Network, are designed to recognise achievement while highlighting values including service, hard work and community contribution. The 2026 recipients represent different generations and professional backgrounds, with their work extending from healthcare and agriculture to cricket, creative industries, community engagement and design.
Bijinder Dugal OAM – Australian Sikh Woman of the Year
Bijinder Dugal OAM has been recognised for her longstanding commitment to the wellbeing of older Australians. As co-founding Director of AASHA Australia Foundation, she has helped develop initiatives focused on active ageing, dementia awareness, elder rights, social inclusion and protecting older people from abuse and financial exploitation. Her contribution to aged welfare was also recognised with an OAM in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Hasrat Kaur Gill – Excellence in Sports
Hasrat Kaur Gill has been honoured for her achievements in cricket and her growing influence as a young athlete. Born in Amritsar and raised in Melbourne, she has represented Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League, Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League and Australia at Under-19 level. Her sporting journey also provides visibility for young Sikh Australians seeking opportunities in elite sport.
Dr Narinder Pal Singh – Excellence in a Professional Field
Associate Professor Dr Narinder Pal Singh has received recognition for his contribution to medicine, research and technology-driven healthcare. He serves as Head of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Westmead Hospital and is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. His research includes the application of artificial intelligence and computational methods to healthcare, including work aimed at improving treatment and diagnosis for underserved communities.
The Late Ajmer Singh Gill – Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented posthumously to Ajmer Singh Gill, who died in 2024. His legacy is associated with decades of advocacy for Sikh recognition and community development in Australia. His work included support for Punjabi language and education, youth engagement and interfaith understanding, leaving a lasting contribution to the development and visibility of the Sikh community.
Maneet Singh – Young Australian Sikh of the Year
Maneet Singh has been recognised for his achievements in industrial design and his efforts to develop products that address real-world challenges. As a lead designer at Australian design company Orbitkey, he has worked on projects including AirLift, designed to help healthcare workers reposition patients more safely, and Reverie, a dementia-care system incorporating reminiscence therapy. His work has received national design recognition.
Harmohan Singh Walia – Excellence in Community Service
Harmohan Singh Walia has been recognised for more than three decades of community involvement, with his contribution spanning interfaith engagement, multicultural media, photography and community advocacy. A mechanical and industrial engineer by profession, he has also worked as a Punjabi radio broadcaster and documented thousands of community events. His extensive work has focused on strengthening connections and encouraging younger generations to contribute to society.
Manjinder, Kamaljit and Amanpreet Singh Grewal – Excellence in Agriculture
Manjinder, Kamaljit and Amanpreet Singh Grewal have been recognised for their contribution to Australian agriculture and regional enterprise. Their family journey from a Punjabi farming background eventually led to the development of Golden Grain Mills at Cullulleraine in Victoria. Their agricultural operations include grain milling alongside almond, citrus and berry production, while their business also supports surrounding farming communities through local purchasing and employment.
Bali Padda – Excellence in Arts, Culture or Music
Bali Padda has been recognised for his work across Australian theatre, television and film, both as a performer and behind the camera. His credits include screen and stage productions, while his work with organisations including Screen Australia and Screen NSW has also involved supporting greater diversity within the Australian creative sector. Through Little Goat Arts and Entertainment, he has continued creating opportunities for stories reflecting Australia’s multicultural character.
A Celebration of Sikh Australian Contribution
Together, the 2026 recipients demonstrate the wide range of ways Sikh Australians are contributing to the country. Their achievements cover professional excellence, sporting representation, agricultural enterprise, creative storytelling, community service, innovation and advocacy, reflecting a generation of Australians whose work connects personal achievement with broader community impact.
The awards also continue a national initiative established to bring greater attention to contributions that can sometimes remain outside the mainstream spotlight. The Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence has grown since its inaugural ceremony in 2023, with the event now operating as a biennial national recognition platform.
The 2026 winners were celebrated at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney on 29 August, bringing together members of the Sikh community, professionals, community leaders and guests to recognise achievement and service. The ceremony reinforced the awards’ broader purpose: acknowledging individuals whose work contributes not only to the Sikh community but to Australia’s wider social, cultural and economic life.
