South Asian Engagement Strategy
Amar Singh
Amar Singh is a dedicated and recognised humanitarian in Australia, where he has made significant impact through founding the non-profit organisation Turbans 4 Australia. After moving to Australia from India and facing racism and discrimination as a teenager, he became passionate about educating others on the Sikh community and building stronger multicultural communities. Turbans 4 Australia provides support for everyday Australians through providing food hampers in Western Sydney while promoting multiculturalism, however gained attention for its emergency goods delivery services like hay for farmers, flood victim supplies, food hampers during COVID-19 lockdowns, and Salvation Army support after Cyclone Marcia. Amar was recognised for his work by receiving the 2023 Australian of the Year Local Hero Award, celebrating his enduring commitment to social justice and inclusive societies.
ContactDr Lurion De Mello (PhD, SFHEA)
Dr Lurion De Mello is a passionate cricket advocate, community leader, and South Asia Cricket Ambassador with Cricket NSW, dedicated to growing the game and strengthening connections across multicultural communities. A Cricket Australia Level 1 coach, he plays an active role in grassroots cricket as a member of the Northern Districts Cricket Association Executive Committee and Junior Secretary at Carlingford Waratah Cricket Club, where he supports junior development, participation pathways, and club governance. Deeply committed to fostering inclusive cricket environments, Dr De Mello has been actively involved in multicultural cricket initiatives and cross cultural exchanges, helping bring together young players from Australian and South Asian backgrounds. His work focuses on creating opportunities for emerging talent, promoting access to facilities and mentoring, and building stronger community engagement through cricket. Alongside his contributions to cricket, Dr De Mello is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Finance at Macquarie University and Course Director of the Master of Applied Finance. With over 25 years of academic experience, he is an economist specialising in macroeconomics, financial markets, and energy economics, with a strong public profile across global media including the BBC, Bloomberg, and ABC. As a South Asia Cricket Ambassador, Dr De Mello brings together his leadership, community engagement, and passion for the game to support Cricket NSW’s vision of growing participation and strengthening connections with South Asian communities across the state, ensuring cricket remains inclusive, accessible, and representative of modern Australia.
ContactSyed Ammar Nazar Sibtain
Syed Ammar Sibtain is an Australian sports administrator, community leader, and the Founder of Sydney Cricket League, one of Australia's leading multicultural community cricket initiatives. With over a decade of experience in sports management, community engagement, and cricket administration, he has successfully delivered 25 multicultural cricket events that have increased participation and strengthened community connections across New South Wales. Syed holds an MBA in Sports Management and was awarded the NSW Premier's Sports Medal in 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to community sport. He has also contributed to international cricket through the World Championship of Legends (UK) serving the Pakistan Champions franchise, and participated in the Real Madrid C.F. Madrid Vision 2032 sports management project in Spain, and continues to champion inclusive participation and pathways that connect communities through cricket. Syed holds an international accreditation of Certified Project Master - CPM and is currently doing Graduate Certificate of Sport Performance Analysis. Syed has recently been selected for Cricket NSW Representative Coaching Course (Level-II).
ContactSaaz Kaur Sahdra
Saaz Kaur Sahdra is a trained data scientist, lecturer and PhD student at the University of Sydney, and founder and chair of Kaur Sports Incorporated. Kaur Sports is a sports club with over 200 members within Sydney, that aims to promote and provide opportunities to South Asian women to participate in sport and physical activity. Saaz is passionate about removing barriers for underrepresented and multicultural communities to participate in sport.
ContactJerose Joseph
Jerose Joseph is an experienced registered nurse and healthcare leader based in New South Wales, currently serving as an After Hours Facility Manager with Western NSW Local Health District. With a strong background in intensive care nursing, he has developed expertise in delivering high-acuity patient care while supporting clinical teams in fast-paced hospital environments. Jerose began his nursing career in India before moving to Australia in 2009 to pursue advanced studies in nursing. He completed a Master’s degree in Intensive Care Nursing and went on to establish his career at Dubbo Base Hospital, where he worked in the Intensive Care Unit and progressed into a team leadership role. His clinical practice is grounded in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, respect, and holistic care. Beyond his professional contributions, Jerose is deeply engaged with the local community. He has actively promoted cultural connection and inclusion, notably through initiatives that bring Indian culture to regional Australia, including community events, cricket, and film screenings. His efforts reflect a commitment not only to healthcare excellence but also to fostering diversity and social connection.
ContactTaj Dosanjh
Born and bred on the North Coast of NSW, Taj Dosanjh has been an integral part of the Woolgoolga cricket community since the age of seven. A lifelong player who grew up on the local pitches, he now serves as the President of the Woolgoolga Cricket Club, passing down his love for the sport to his three children who actively play today. Professionally, he is the Director of a finance and financial planning business, balancing his corporate career with a passion for hobby farming. He is deeply committed to the growth of the game and the greater good of the community. For him, sports, gym, and functional movement are vital pillars of a healthy society. He champions cricket not just for the competitive results, but for the invaluable mental health benefits and lifelong connections it creates, aiming to inspire the next generation of players to find their community on the field.
ContactSaguna Gevariya
Saguna Gevariya is a community leader and the Chair of the Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council (AWECC), a role she has held since 2022. With more than 20 years of cross‑sector experience across healthcare, business, operations, and community development, Saguna brings a strong commitment to strengthening multicultural inclusion across the Border region. A passionate advocate for diversity, youth engagement, and community wellbeing, She contributes her expertise through multiple board and volunteer roles, helping build regional capacity and ensuring diverse voices are represented in key decision‑making spaces. Saguna’s contribution to community life has been widely recognised. She has featured in Wodonga Council’s tourism campaigns, was celebrated in the Women of Wodonga 2025 portrait series, and received the prestigious Wodonga Citizen of the Year Award (2025) for her outstanding contribution to social cohesion and community leadership.
ContactJawaid Pardehi
Jawaid Pardehi is an experienced community development and multicultural engagement leader with over 10 years of experience designing and delivering programs that promote inclusion, participation, and social cohesion. As the Manager of Settlement, Families and Communities at Mosaic Multicultural Connections, I lead initiatives that support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities through partnerships, capacity building, and community engagement. I am passionate about using sport as a vehicle for social inclusion, leadership development, and community connection. I have worked extensively with government agencies, sporting organisations, educational institutions, and community groups to improve access and participation for people from diverse backgrounds. Outside work, I am a history enthusiast and a passionate cricket fan. I cherish spending time with my family, particularly enjoying exploring the beautiful landscapes of regional Australia.
ContactDr Shivakumar Hampasagar
Dr. Shivakumar Hampasagar is an experienced anaesthetist based in Wollongong, New South Wales, with a strong focus on delivering safe, patient-centred care across a broad range of surgical procedures. He is an Australian-registered medical specialist with extensive involvement in both public and private healthcare settings in the Illawarra region. Dr. Hampasagar has contributed to the growth of specialist services at Wollongong Hospital and is part of the region’s network of skilled visiting medical officers supporting evolving community healthcare needs. His clinical work includes anaesthetic management for routine and complex surgeries, with particular involvement in advanced cardiac and interventional procedures at Wollongong Private Hospital. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes, emphasising safety, precision, and continuity of care throughout the perioperative journey. As part of a broader anaesthetic network, he remains engaged in contemporary practice and continuous professional development.
Contact