Indian-Australian nursing academic Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards, recognising more than three decades of work in nursing education, dementia care, aged care, palliative care and culturally responsive health services.
The University of Canberra lecturer, widely known as Dr Suja Shan, was one of four winners announced at this year’s awards ceremony in Canberra. The ACT Government said the awards recognise women and gender-diverse people whose work has created lasting change locally, nationally or internationally.
Dr Shanmugasundaram’s recognition carries particular resonance for Australia’s Indian community. The ACT Government specifically acknowledged her advocacy for Indian communities in Australia and research aimed at improving services for culturally diverse populations.
Her career spans around 35 years across clinical practice, teaching, research and professional leadership, including work in acute care, aged care and palliative care. She is currently a lecturer in nursing at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Health.
The ACT Government said her contribution had strengthened nursing education, dementia care and aged-care practice, while her professional leadership had helped advance nursing knowledge and standards.
According to the government, Dr Shanmugasundaram has accumulated at least five fellowships, three professional certifications and 15 awards, published 25 papers in refereed journals and delivered around 30 presentations at national and international conferences during her career.
Her research interests have ranged from palliative and aged care to chronic illness, nursing education, simulation and oncology. She has also undertaken research examining how healthcare systems can better respond to cultural and religious needs.
One of her published studies explored culturally appropriate end-of-life care for Hindu patients and their families in Australia, examining the importance of understanding religious practices and cultural expectations when caring for terminally ill patients.
She has also researched the development of palliative care in India, including challenges around access to services, particularly in rural communities.
More recently, Dr Shanmugasundaram was among University of Canberra researchers involved in a 2026 systematic review examining non-pharmacological sleep interventions for people caring for those living with dementia.
Speaking after receiving the ACT honour, she said the award represented more than an acknowledgement of her own career.
“For me, this award is not simply about what I have achieved – it is about the people I have had the privilege to serve, the students and emerging leaders I have mentored, and the difference we have made together,” she said.
Her work has been strongly shaped by the belief that older people and those approaching the end of life should receive care centred on dignity and compassion.
Dr Shanmugasundaram has previously said that experiences caring for older people and patients with dementia led her to question whether the health system could do more to protect comfort, dignity and quality of life rather than focusing primarily on treating disease.
That question — “Can we do better?” — became an important influence on her work across dementia, gerontology and palliative care.
She has also made mentoring nurses and emerging healthcare leaders a major part of her career.
As a nursing leader in the ACT region of the Australian College of Nursing, she has worked to strengthen professional practice, advocate for nurses and contribute to discussions about health outcomes and workforce development.
Her recognition also highlights the growing contribution of culturally diverse professionals to Australia’s health and aged-care systems.
The University of Canberra said her work had contributed to better services for culturally diverse communities and recognised her advocacy for Indian Australians.
Dr Shanmugasundaram said she hoped her own career would encourage other women from diverse backgrounds to pursue leadership roles.
“I hope my journey inspires other women, particularly women from diverse backgrounds, to believe in their potential, find their voice and step into leadership,” she said.
Her university colleagues described the award as recognition of work extending well beyond the classroom.
University of Canberra Deputy Dean of Health Professor Bernie Bissett said Dr Shanmugasundaram’s research had influenced palliative and dementia care and that students and researchers at the university had benefited from her experience. Canberra University
The Lifetime Achievement category was one of several revamped ACT Women’s Awards categories introduced in 2026.
The ACT Government redesigned the program this year to focus more broadly on the type and impact of a person’s contribution rather than traditional age-based categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award specifically recognises sustained work that has produced enduring change through leadership, service or innovation.
Ashlee Berry, ACT and Capital Region Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, received the Excellence in Industry Award for her work in the property sector, including housing policy, supporting women in industry and community initiatives.
Robyn Smith received the Gender Equity and Social Change Award for advocacy, education and support for people living with inherited cancer risk.
Katherine Berney, Director of Prevention of Gendered Violence at the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, received the Minister’s Impact Award for work influencing policy and systems aimed at preventing gender-based violence. CMTEDD
Minister for Women, Seniors and Veterans Caitlin Tough said the four winners demonstrated leadership and commitment across their respective professions and communities.
The ceremony also recognised 14 new inductees to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll, which records women and gender-diverse people recognised for contributions to Canberra, Australia and internationally.
For Dr Shanmugasundaram, however, the Lifetime Achievement Award is not being treated as the end of her work.
She said the recognition had strengthened her determination to continue advocating for older Australians, people living with dementia, compassionate palliative care and future generations of nurses.
“To me, a lifetime achievement is ultimately about legacy,” she said, describing that legacy as leaving behind better care, stronger leaders and a more compassionate community.
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