Two community advocates of Indian heritage, Jagdeep Sukhija and Mahendrakumar Patel, have received recognition at the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards for their commitment to improving the lives of older people and multicultural communities.
Their contributions were acknowledged at a ceremony held at Government House on 20 October 2026. Sukhija received recognition through the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards, while Patel was named the recipient of the Emerging Impact Award.
Both have played important roles in building community organisations that address social isolation, improve access to essential services and create opportunities for older migrants to remain active and connected.
Jagdeep Sukhija: Building a Community Around Care and Connection
As the founder of Compassionate Hands Inc., established in 2020, Jagdeep Sukhija has developed a community support initiative that has reached more than 175 older people and multicultural families.
The organisation brings people together through regular social gatherings, cultural programmes and educational activities. Celebrations such as Baisakhi and Diwali provide opportunities for older participants to maintain connections with their cultural heritage while building relationships within the wider Victorian community.
A particularly significant part of Sukhija’s work has been improving health awareness and access to screening services. He organised a breast cancer screening programme for 115 women from the organisation and the broader community. The initiative resulted in two early diagnoses, enabling the women concerned to receive timely treatment.
Beyond organised programmes, Sukhija provides personal assistance and emotional encouragement to people experiencing difficult circumstances. His approach focuses on listening, offering guidance and helping individuals regain confidence and a sense of belonging.
Through these efforts, people who previously experienced social isolation have found opportunities to participate in community activities, volunteer and contribute their own abilities to support others.
Mahendrakumar Patel: Helping Older Migrants Become More Independent
Mahendrakumar Patel has made a substantial contribution through his work with the United Seniors Club, where he joined in 2022 and serves as secretary.
During his time with the organisation, the club has expanded its reach to approximately 380 members, reflecting the growing demand for services that support older people from migrant backgrounds.
One of Patel’s priorities has been reducing the language difficulties that can prevent older migrants from accessing everyday services. He provides Gujarati and Hindi tutoring to help members prepare for their driving licence tests, supporting greater independence and mobility.
He has also arranged healthcare information sessions in both languages, allowing participants to understand important health information more comfortably and make better-informed decisions.
Food assistance has been another major area of his work. Patel has coordinated the provision of more than 10,000 free meals for older migrants through the club.
Its flagship initiative, ‘Cooking Together’, focuses on preparing nutritious meals at a modest operating cost. The introduction of reusable crockery at weekly gatherings has also helped reduce disposable waste and make the programme more sustainable.
The club has adopted an accessible membership structure, charging a nominal one-time fee without recurring membership costs. This approach encourages older members to participate, share their experience and contribute their skills to community activities.
Community Service Making a Lasting Difference
The recognition of Sukhija and Patel highlights the important role played by grassroots organisations and volunteers in supporting older Australians, particularly those navigating the challenges of ageing in a multicultural society.
Their work addresses different but closely connected needs: maintaining social relationships, improving health awareness, overcoming language barriers, accessing essential services and ensuring older people have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Their achievements also demonstrate how community-led initiatives can create practical support systems that extend beyond individual assistance and encourage participation, dignity and independence.
As Victoria continues to recognise the contributions of its older population, the work of these two community leaders offers examples of how consistent service and local leadership can strengthen connections across generations and cultures.
