The 12 successful projects, collectively valued at just under $140,000, span topics from health monitoring technology to sustainable materials and social innovation.

As lead author of the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s SDA Design Standard, she helped establish minimum design requirements for new housing supporting people with extreme functional impairment—standards now embedded across the sector.

Dr Sadhai, a general practitioner at Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre since 2007 and a GP since 1995, has been a driving force in community health initiatives.

Bharat Nepal is the founding president of Australian Nepali Public Link Inc, a role he has held since 2012, and continues to serve as the organisation’s public officer and advisor.

Satwant Singh Calais is a co-founder of Sikh Youth Australia (SYA), established in 1999 to address a lack of organised resources and support for young Sikhs across the country.

The award recognises the work of Vasudeva Kriya Yoga (VKY) under the guidance of Rajendraji, whose decades-long contribution to yoga and community wellbeing in Melbourne and beyond formed the basis of the nomination.

Colonel Prateek Roy of the Indian Army has received the prestigious Geddes Gavel Award after completing the Defence Strategic and Studies Course at the Australian Defence College.

Space engineer Katherine Bennell-Pegg, named SA Australian of the Year, has become the first astronaut to qualify under Australia’s space program — a milestone she hopes will open doors for others to follow.

Dr Patel, who trained as a GP in the NT, has been recognised for going above and beyond his usual duties to support students undertaking clinical placements, mentoring them as they prepare for careers in healthcare.

Born in India, Dr Bishen, a University of Newcastle PhD graduate, works at WEF to collaborate with world leaders to shape global health agendas.