A community leader whose breast cancer screening initiative helped detect cancer early in two women and a volunteer who coordinated more than 10,000 free meals have been recognised at the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Indian Australians Jagdeep Sukhija and Mahendrakumar Patel were among 16 older Victorians honoured for their community service. Sukhija received a Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award, while Patel won the Emerging Impact Award.
The awards were presented at Government House on Tuesday, 20 October, by Governor Margaret Gardner, alongside Victorian Minister for Seniors Nick Staikos and COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria president Robert Caulfield.
For both men, the recognition reflects work addressing everyday barriers faced by older migrants, from social isolation and language difficulties to accessing health information and affordable meals.
Sukhija founded Compassionate Hands Inc. in 2020. Since then, the organisation has supported more than 175 older people and multicultural families through social gatherings, educational activities and practical assistance.
Its calendar includes health awareness sessions and celebrations such as Baisakhi and Diwali, giving older people opportunities to maintain cultural traditions while building connections with the wider community.
Among Sukhija’s initiatives was a breast cancer screening program involving 115 women from the organisation and surrounding community. According to his official award citation, two women received early diagnoses and timely treatment described as life-saving. Seniors online
The citation also recognised his personal approach to supporting people: listening to their concerns, offering guidance and encouraging them to participate in community life.
Members who had previously experienced isolation have gone on to volunteer, attend events and share their skills with others.
Patel’s Emerging Impact Award recognises the contribution of someone relatively new to volunteering who is already making a difference locally.
He joined the United Seniors Club in 2022 and, during his four years as secretary, has helped the organisation grow to support 380 members.
His work focuses on helping older migrants navigate daily life with greater independence. He tutors members in Gujarati and Hindi to help them prepare for driver’s licence tests, and organises healthcare seminars in both languages.
These activities give members access to information they may otherwise struggle to understand or use.
Patel has also coordinated more than 10,000 free meals for older migrants. His “Cooking together” program produces nutritious meals at low operating costs, while reusable crockery at weekly gatherings helps reduce waste.
The club charges a nominal, one-off membership fee, with no ongoing membership charges, encouraging older people to participate and contribute their own skills. seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
Sukhija was one of nine recipients of this year’s COTA Victoria Senior Achiever Awards, which recognise local champions contributing to positive ageing.
COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria chief executive Ben Rogers said the recipients shared a commitment to helping people connect.
“These honourees are united by a determination to help others feel valued, welcomed, and connected,” he said.
Other recipients across the broader awards program included Sandra Verdam, recognised for her work supporting people living with dementia and their carers, and Mark Edmonds, who received the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year.
The awards have celebrated older Victorians’ contributions through volunteering for more than 30 years and form part of the annual Victorian Seniors Festival.
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