National platform aims to recognise and celebrate Sikhs who excel and contribute to the socio-economic development of Australia
AUSTRALIA, 2 September 2024 – The winners of the 2nd Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence were announced on 31 August 2024 at a gala ceremony held at the Shangri-la Sydney. The event was well attended by the community, business professionals and dignitaries, including The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications; The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Sport; and Mr. Gurmesh Singh, Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, and Shadow Minister for the North Coast.
Conceptualised by Sikh Youth Australia (SYA) and the Young Sikh Professionals Network (YSPN) in 2023, this national awards initiative aims to recognise unsung heroes from the Sikh community who have gone over and beyond in their contributions to the socio-economic development of Australia.
The 2024 award winners were selected from 24 finalists across eight categories for their work within the Sikh community and the broader Australian society. A total of 160 nominations were received across all states, with panellists making their selections based on the demonstrated excellence or expertise of nominees in the respective categories, all while upholding core Sikh values such as seva (selfless service).
2024 Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence Winners
Excellence in Agriculture: Jasminder Kaur (Hillston, NSW)
Excellence in Arts, Culture or Music: Parvyn Kaur Bennett (Adelaide, SA)
Excellence in Business and Enterprise: Deepa Pasricha (Gold Coast, QLD)
Excellence in Community Service: Kulwant Singh Dhillon (Launceston, TAS)
Excellence in a Professional Field: Satvir Mand (Sydney, NSW)
Excellence in Sports: Tanveer Sangha (Sydney, NSW)
Australian Sikh Woman of the Year: Harinder Kaur OAM (Sydney, NSW)
Young Australian Sikh of the Year: Devraj Singh Grewal (Canberra, ACT)
In his message to the Sikh Youth Australia on the occasion of the Awards, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP and Prime Minister said, “The Sikh community in Australia is established and vibrant. As professionals, leaders, and volunteers, you continue to provide an inspiring example of dedication and hard work.
Tonight’s winners and finalists have displayed extraordinary passion and energy. From farming, medicine and finance, to literature and sport, you have invested in your communities and added to the story of our nation.”
Commenting on the Awards, Her Excellency Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand and ASAE Patron, Harinder Sidhu AM, said “Tonight we highlight the significant contributions that Sikhs make to Australia. What all our finalists have in common is their commitment to the Sikh values of seva (service), charity and humility.
Each has a compelling story to tell. They are proud to be Sikhs and proud to be Australian. It is inspiring to see the many different ways Sikh Australians are making a positive impact to their communities and to Australia. May we all aspire to do the same.”
Impressed by the objective and calibre of the Awards, The Hon. Stephen Kamper made a $10,000 contribution on behalf of the NSW Government, affirming that the contributions of Australian Sikhs goes beyond their support for community affected by natural disasters, and into the areas agriculture, sports and business.
Tanveer Sangha, winner in of the Excellence in Sports category said, “More than winning the award, it is inspiring the upcoming generations to lead their way into sports, (and that) is what thrills me. I am honoured to have been the recipient.”
“Sikhs have rolled up their sleeves to help Australians at any given opportunity, and especially in times of need. It is therefore important we recognise the contributions of these individuals and celebrate where they have excelled as role models in society.
This is not just to make them feel proud of their achievements, but also to create a positive and informative view in the broader community of the Sikh faith and our values, identity and culture.
I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to this year’s winners and hope that the outstanding work they do continue to inspire all those around them and the generations to come,” said Satwant Singh Calais, President, Sikh Youth Australia.
Sikh Youth Australia extends its heartfelt thanks to all the attendees, sponsors, and volunteers for supporting this year’s awards and encourages more people to nominate any Sikh doing amazing work for the community for the 2025 awards. A special thanks to Rooh Punjab Dee, Lashkare Punjab De and Parvyn Kaur Bennett for their vibrant cultural performances that truly set the tone for the evening.
You can learn more about our winners and their contributions by visiting: https://www.sikhawards.com.au/awards/
Media contact:
For more information or event photographs, contact:
- Satwant Singh Calais, President, Sikh Youth Australia – 0411 081 244; satwant@sikhyouthaustralia.com
- You Ccan view the full photo album through this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LXpIWASuHFl2tlRDsTUEp1rveVNyJFj7
About Sikh Youth Australia
Sikh Youth Australia is a volunteer run, not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1999 to service the social, cultural and spiritual needs of Sikh youth and new migrants. We are recognised as the peak organisation representing Sikh youth in Australia. From humble beginnings, SYA has grown to be the largest youth organisation representing Sikhs in Australia with chapters in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Over the past 20 years, Sikh Youth Australia (SYA) has been a progressive, national organisation enriching the lives of Australian Sikh youth and families by empowering Sikh youth, young adults and parents to understand and enjoy their identity and positively contribute to the social and economic development of Australia.
Starting from its flagship Summer Camps, SYA has slowly built a full suite of programs focusing on the spiritual, charitable, cultural and leadership development of the Sikh community. Today, these activities have impacted over 100,000 lives across Australia. This has included initiatives such as the Future Leaders Program, Young Sikh Professional Network (YSPN), Culture Care, Sikh to Give, Women in Leadership, Spiritual and Self-Development Workshops, Natural Disaster Assistance, ANZAC Day Parades, as well as multifaith collaboration events.
To learn more, visit: https://www.sikhyouthaustralia.com
