A prestigious honour for a paediatrician who has dedicated his career to life-changing healthcare and education.
Western Health Consultant Paediatrician Dr Angraj Khillan is Victoria's 2023 Australian of the Year.
As a medical student in India, Dr Raj, as he is best known to patients and colleagues, sold offerings outside a temple to pay for his text books, now he is changing lives across Australia and beyond.
Dr Raj was recognised for delivering life-changing healthcare and education to culturally diverse communities in Australia as the co-founder of the Health Awareness Society of Australia (HASA)
HASA helps dispel taboos, myths and misinformation about health. It utilises a network of volunteers to deliver forums and virtual sessions in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Arabic on topics from mental health to COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dr Raj also played a key role in energising and extending fly-in fly-out paediatric service for Aboriginal children in remote communities after migrating to Australia in 2004 and becoming the Royal Darwin Hospital's paediatrician.
The 56-year-old moved to Melbourne in 2010 where he has worked to raise awareness of domestic violence and dowry abuse and raised funds for philanthropy in India, East Timor, Australia and much more.
Dr Raj provides care to children at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's at Sunshine Hospital and also works in private practice servicing children in Melbourne's west.
He is now in the running to become Australian of the Year Awards. The winner will be announced on January 25, 2023.
*Pictured: Dr Angrai Khillan receiving his award for Victoria's Australian of the Year 2023. Credit: NADC/Salty Dingo.
