Deepak Vinayak OAM (born 8 November 1972) is an Indian Australian community leader from Melbourne.[1] He was appointed as the People of Australia Ambassador by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard for two consecutive terms in 2012 and 2013.[2][3]
Deepak Vinayak | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 November 1972 Punjab, India |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Spouse | Monica Vinayak (m. 1998) |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | Melbourne, Australia |
| Alma mater | Thapar University, Victoria University |
| Profession | Community leader, Public figure |
| Website | Official website |
Career
Deepak completed BTech in civil engineering from Thapar University, Punjab of India and migrated to Australia in 1996.[4] He has also graduated from Victoria University with a Diploma of Engineering in Advanced Trade.[5] He currently works for the Metro Trains Melbourne.[6] He was appointed People of Australia Ambassador[7][8] for two times 2012 and 2013 by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.[3] Deepak also has been a four-time Australia Day Ambassador.[9][10] He was a member of Regional Advisory Council for North and West Metropolitan at Victorian Multicultural Commission, State Government of Victoria.[11][12]
Community engagement
He founded South Asian Community Link Group-Australasia,[13][14] South Asian Youth Connect Australasia and Global Organization for People of Indian Origin Chapter in Melbourne[15][16][17][18] to engage with South Asian Australians in Victoria. He has extended support in community work by youth,[19] engaged with multifaith communities,[20][21] has hosted community gathering to engage policy makers with local community[22] and has partnered in Suicide Prevention.[23] He is also an R U OK and White Ribbon Ambassador.[24] He has been recognised as a Community Champion by Victoria University[25]
Notable Awards
- Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 2018[26]
- Pride of Australia Medal (2018) Victoria[27][24]
- Victorian Multicultural Commission, Government of Victoria, Multicultural Champion of Victoria is nominated as a Multicultural Champion for service to multiculturalism in Victoria, 2018[28][29]
- Australia Day Ambassador for consecutively four times during 2014–17, National Australia Day Council[30]
- Victorian Multicultural Commission, Government of Victoria, Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence in category of Meritorious Service to the Community–Individuals, 2015[31]
- People of Australia Ambassador for two terms, 2012 and 2013, appointed by Prime Minister of Australia[32]
- Victorian Multicultural Commission, Government of Victoria, Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence in category of Service Delivery to Multicultural Community-Individuals, 2010[33]