Amar Singh JP
2023 Australian of the Year Local Hero
Founder and President, Turbans 4 Australia
Chairman, Diversity Now Australia
Over the years, Amar Singh’s roles have been many and varied. He is a charity founder, social entrepreneur, diversity advocate, dedicated volunteer and most recently, Amar’s efforts were recognised with a 2023 Australian of the Year Local Hero award – a title that he holds with pride.
Amar has become a respected community leader in Western Sydney and more broadly across New South Wales and the nation, where he, through his charity Turbans 4 Australia, goes above and beyond to support people and communities in need.
As a baptised Australian Sikh, Amar’s life philosophy centres on helping all people, regardless of religion, language, or cultural background. After experiencing racial discrimination for the turban he wore and the beard he grew, Amar realised that by engaging with others through charitable work, he could positively engage with people to break down initial stereotypes and misconceptions.
That’s when Amar founded Western Sydney not-for-profit, Turbans 4 Australia in 2015. Every year, Turbans 4 Australia packages and distributes up to 450 food and grocery hampers weekly to people experiencing food insecurity and disadvantage across Western Sydney.
In addition, Turbans 4 Australia volunteers travel the country offering support for communities as they recover from natural disasters. Turban 4 Australia volunteers were on the ground delivering hay to farmers experiencing drought; supplies to flood victims in Lismore and bushfire-impacted people on the South Coast; food hampers to the isolated and vulnerable during COVID-19 lockdowns; and supplies to the Salvation Army in central Queensland in the devastating wake of Cyclone Marcia.
The charity also raises awareness and funds for important causes while promoting multiculturalism and religious tolerance.
Amar firmly believes that the charitable work of Turbans 4 Australia and his roles within the community, help to form connections with people from all walks of life, break down the barriers of fear and misunderstanding, and follow the core Sikh values of equality, respect and service to humanity.
“As a proud Australian Sikh, it is my deepest hope that Turbans 4 Australia will continue to promote multiculturalism, interfaith dialogue, charity and compassion for many years to come.”
– Amar Singh –