Eight Australians were honoured for leadership, professional achievement and selfless service as more than 300 guests celebrated a community contributing an estimated $15.5 billion annually to Australia’s economy.
Seven prominent federal and state parliamentary representatives from across the political spectrum gathered at Shangri-La Sydney on Saturday, 29 August, for the sold-out third Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence.
More than 300 guests attended the national celebration, where eight awards recognised Australians whose achievements span community service, healthcare, sport, agriculture, arts and culture, industrial design and youth leadership.
The awards are an initiative of Sikh Youth Australia and are supported by the Young Sikh Professionals Network. Founded in 2023 and held every two years, they seek to bring national attention to Australians whose professional achievements and longstanding service have strengthened their communities, often without widespread recognition.
Photo Credit: Jindeep Photography & Videography
The 2026 recipients were selected from 20 finalists across seven categories following more than 100 nominations from across Australia. A separate Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented posthumously.
Bipartisan recognition of Sikh Australian achievement
The parliamentary representatives attending the ceremony were:
- The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General of Australia and Member for Greenway
- The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy
- The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, Sport, Jobs and Tourism
- Senator Dave Sharma, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
- Kellie Sloane MP, NSW Leader of the Opposition and NSW Liberal Party Leader
- Gurmesh Singh MP, NSW Nationals Leader
- Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the achievements recognised at the ceremony reflected the Sikh principles of equality, compassion and selfless service.
“Whether it’s in business, the arts or your remarkable charitable work, Sikh Australians have contributed to every aspect of modern Australia,” Ms Rowland said.
“The achievements on display tonight reflect the Sikh values of equality, compassion and selfless service.”
In a further statement provided for the article, Ms Rowland highlighted the contribution she witnesses through her work as the Federal Member for Greenway.
“As the Federal Member for one of Australia’s most diverse communities, I see firsthand the enormous contribution Sikh Australians make to our nation,” she said.
“The awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of those Sikh Australians who help make our country an even better place to live.”
Dr Andrew Charlton said the awards recognised people who consistently contributed to their communities, professions and country.
Photo Credit: Jindeep Photography & Videography
“The Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence are now in their third year, recognising people who show up for their communities, their professions, and their country,” Dr Charlton said.
“It was a privilege to celebrate this year’s recipients alongside the wider Sikh community – a community that gives so much of itself and asks for so little in return.
“That spirit reflects seva, the Sikh tradition of selfless service to others, and this year’s recipients showed it in fields from healthcare and aged care to sport and the arts.
“Australia is built by neighbours looking out for each other, and these awards are an important opportunity to say thank you.”
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper congratulated everyone recognised at the ceremony.
“It was a privilege to be at the Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence again this year,” Mr Kamper said.
“The Sikh community’s contribution to this state is significant. Congratulations to all winners and finalists on what they’ve achieved for NSW.”
Photo Credit: Jindeep Photography & Videography
Senator Dave Sharma, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, described attending the awards and celebrating the Sikh community’s achievements as a privilege.
“It was a privilege to join the Sikh community at the Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence and join with them in celebrating the achievements and contributions made by Sikh Australians across so many fields of endeavour,” Senator Sharma said.
“The Sikh community is strong, vibrant and valued, and their contributions to Australia over many decades are significant and appreciated.
“I extend my thanks and appreciation to Sikh Youth Australia and the organisers for such a meaningful evening of celebration.”
NSW Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane described the event as a celebration of the success, ingenuity and resilience of Sikh Australians.
“It was a fantastic evening at the Australian Sikh Awards, joining with the community to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Sikh Australians from across the country,” Ms Sloane said.
“The story of the Australian Sikh community is a story of success, ingenuity and resilience. The Sikh community has a proud history in Australia and continues to make an enormous contribution to our state, from local businesses and entrepreneurs to volunteers and those simply looking out for others in their community.
“I want to congratulate all of this year’s award winners and nominees, and Sikh Youth Australia for bringing everyone together for such a special night.”
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh reflected on the opportunities Australia has provided to Sikh Australians and the community’s strong commitment to giving back.
Photo Credit: Jindeep Photography & Videography
“Australia has given many of us so much. A career, a home, friends, and a place where we belong. But we give back too,” Mr Singh said.
“It’s great to be part of an awards night that celebrates the very best of the Sikh community across Australia. From fields as diverse as agriculture, sport, media and the arts, so many talented Sikhs were recognised for excellence in their chosen field, and I congratulate them all for the work they do and for being ambassadors for the Sikh community in Australia.”
The presence of representatives from government and opposition at both federal and state levels reflected broad recognition of the Sikh community’s contribution to Australian life.
A young and growing Australian community
According to the Young Sikh Professionals Network’s 2023 economic study, Australia’s Sikh population exceeds 210,000 and grew by 92 per cent during the five years to 2021.
The study estimates that Sikh Australians contribute approximately $15.5 billion annually to Australia’s gross domestic product, close to twice the estimated contribution recorded in 2016. The community also sustains a skilled workforce of more than 113,000 people.
With 82 per cent of Sikh Australians aged under 40, the community’s future contribution across business, the professions, public service, sport, culture and community life is expected to continue growing.
The 2026 award recipients
Bijinder Dugal OAM – Australian Sikh Woman of the Year
Bijinder Dugal OAM was recognised for her longstanding commitment to improving the wellbeing of older Australians.
As co-founding Director of AASHA Australia Foundation, she has helped develop initiatives supporting active ageing, dementia awareness, elder rights and social inclusion, while working to protect older people from abuse and financial exploitation.
Her contribution to aged welfare was also recognised through the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Hasrat Kaur Gill – Excellence in Sports
Hasrat Kaur Gill was honoured for her achievements in cricket and her growing influence as a young Australian athlete.
Born in Amritsar and raised in Melbourne, she has represented Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League, played for Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League and represented Australia at Under-19 level.
Her achievements are also creating greater visibility for young Sikh Australians aspiring to participate in elite sport.
Associate Professor Dr Narinder Pal Singh – Excellence in a Professional Field
Associate Professor Dr Narinder Pal Singh 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 use of artificial intelligence and computational methods in healthcare, with work focused on improving diagnosis and treatment, including for underserved communities.
Late Sardar Ajmer Singh Gill JP – Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Sardar Ajmer Singh Gill JP, a founding member of Sikh Youth Australia who died at his Victorian home at the age of 81.
In 2007, he led the first Sikh contingent of 28 participants in Sydney’s Anzac Day march, wearing his father’s wartime medals. The Sikh contingent continues to participate in the march.
Mr Gill also opened Sydney’s first camp for young Sikhs in 1998, founded the Multicultural Communities Council of NSW, advised the Australian Defence Force on Sikhism and helped establish the Sikh marriage celebrant system in NSW.
His decades of work also supported Punjabi language and education, youth participation, interfaith understanding and greater recognition of Sikh identity in Australia.
Maneet Singh – Young Australian Sikh of the Year
Maneet Singh was recognised for his achievements in industrial design and his commitment to creating products that respond to real-world needs.
As a lead designer at Australian design company Orbitkey, he has worked on projects including AirLift, which was designed to help healthcare workers reposition patients more safely, and Reverie, a dementia-care system incorporating reminiscence therapy.
“What I’m proudest of is being recognised for the impact of my industrial design work, especially Reverie, a dementia-care system,” Mr Singh said.
His work has received national design recognition and demonstrates how thoughtful design can improve healthcare and quality of life.
Harmohan Singh Walia – Excellence in Community Service
Harmohan Singh Walia was recognised for more than three decades of community involvement 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 contribution has focused on strengthening connections between communities, preserving important moments in Australian Sikh history and encouraging younger generations to participate in community life.
Amanpreet, Manjinder and Kamaljit Singh Grewal – Excellence in Agriculture
Amanpreet, Manjinder and Kamaljit Singh Grewal were recognised for their contribution to Australian agriculture and regional enterprise.
Drawing upon their family’s Punjabi farming background, they developed Golden Grain Mills at Cullulleraine in Victoria.
Their agricultural operations encompass grain milling and almond, citrus and berry production. Their business also supports surrounding farming communities through local purchasing and employment.
Bali Padda – Excellence in Arts, Culture or Music
Bali Padda was recognised for his work across Australian theatre, television and film, both as a performer and behind the camera.
His screen and stage career has been accompanied by work with organisations including Screen Australia and Screen NSW, supporting greater diversity within Australia’s creative sector.
Through Little Goat Arts and Entertainment, he has continued creating opportunities for stories that reflect Australia’s multicultural character.
Recognising excellence grounded in Sikh values
Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence Patron Harinder Sidhu AM, a former Australian High Commissioner to India and New Zealand, said the finalists reflected the breadth of the Sikh Australian community.
“Finalists this year represent the full diversity of Sikhs in Australia. They are of all ages and from all walks of life,” Ms Sidhu said.
“But they have in common a deep commitment to Sikh values and to bringing their skills, energy and enterprise to strengthen their communities and make Australia a better place.”
Chair of the 2026 Selection Panel Dr Sarvjit Girn FAICD said the recipients’ achievements had created an impact beyond their respective professional fields.
“Their work and achievements have not only made a positive impact to the communities around them and contributed to the social and economic development of Australia, but also inspired others to aim for excellence in their own field,” Dr Girn said.
The awards reflect the Sikh principle of seva, meaning selfless service to others. Across the eight recipients, that principle could be seen in work supporting older Australians, improving healthcare, creating employment, advancing design, strengthening cultural representation and serving local communities.
Community support behind the celebration
Sikh Youth Australia President Satwant Calais thanked the organisations, performers, judges, volunteers and guests who supported the sold-out event.
The platinum sponsors were SBS, Sedha Consulting and SOMA Wellness. Silver sponsors included HP Accountants and Associates, Surjit’s Indian Restaurant, Desi Australia and Jindeep Videography.
Desi Australia was proud to support the national celebration as a silver sponsor and media partner.
Mr Calais also acknowledged performers Ruhani Dhillon and Lashkare Punjab De, whose performances helped set the tone for the evening, along with the judging panel, event volunteers and more than 300 guests.
Sikh Youth Australia is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1999 to serve the social, cultural and spiritual needs of Sikh youth and new migrants.
The organisation has chapters across most Australian states, with programs including the Future Leaders Program, Young Sikh Professionals Network, Culture Care, Sikh to Give, Natural Disaster Assistance and participation in Anzac Day parades. According to the organisation, these initiatives reach more than 100,000 people across Australia each year.
The 2026 Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence demonstrated that the success of Sikh Australians is not measured solely through individual accomplishments. It can also be seen in the communities they strengthen, the industries they advance and the spirit of service they bring to Australian society.
More information about the recipients is available at Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence.
