Sikh hero gives emotional speech at Australian of the Year awards as the winners are revealed

A humble Sikh hero delivered an emotional speech after being crowned Australia’s 2023 Home Hero as the night’s big winners are revealed.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that New South Wales man Amar Singh, founder of Turbans 4 Australia, was Australia’s 2023 Hometown Hero of the Year.

Mr Singh has been credited with promoting multiculturalism and religious tolerance by providing emergency aid to Australians in need.

Their efforts have resulted in essential supplies needed for Australians affected by drought, bushfires and floods, as well as weekly baskets.

The Sikh hero delivered an emotional speech as he accepted his award on Wednesday.

“What we want to do is create not only an understanding of our culture, but also of the cultures around us, of every beautiful meal, lunch box,” he said.

‘I want all children to be proud of their food, their language, their culture and their parents. As a practicing member of a religious community, it’s good to see that Australians of all faiths and all backgrounds treat me equally.

“I don’t want someone to be judged by their turban or hijab.”

Soceroo Awer Mabil (pictured) was crowned Young Australian of the Year with his proud mother and uncle accepting the award on his behalf.

Soceroo Awer Mabil was later crowned the 2023 Young Australian of the Year with his proud mother and uncle accepting the award on his behalf.

The winger is a co-founder of the non-profit organization Barefoot to Boots, which seeks to improve health, education, policy and gender equality for refugees.

Mabil grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp after her family fled the civil war in Sudan, before moving to Australia with her mother and sister when she was just 10 years old.

“I have been given the opportunity in such a beautiful country to be myself and for me the most important thing is to help the next generation and also to inspire them to be themselves and follow their dreams,” Soceroo said.

‘Australia gave me and my family the opportunity to follow our dreams. I went over to my soccer family and collected all the soccer boots.

“I took them to the refugee camp where I was born and Barefoot to Boots has grown ever since. It has become more than just football.

Mabil gave a special salute to his mother during his televised speech.

“I would love to thank my beautiful mother for always being there for me and my brothers. And she’s always been there, a single mom,” she said.

“You know, she moved us all over the world to give us this chance to chase our dreams and to me, she’s the biggest inspiration to me.”

More to come.