Umar Sheikh has been recognised as the 2026 Wyndham Young Citizen of the Year for his local leadership and dedication to education, enquiry and social justice.
The 23-year-old helps provide meaningful employment to people living with disabilities through volunteering at Soulful Spaces, as well as assisting with family events, cultural programs and youth mentoring at Building Cultural Connections Australia.
He tutors many members of the community as the founder of Squidz Tutoring and at Pulse with Purpose, founded by fellow citizen of the year Musarrat Saiyed.
Mr Sheikh said he was humbled to win the award.
“I feel very honoured and very humbled because I think there are so many amazing young people in Wyndham,” he said.
He said educational equity is among the issues nearest to his heart and that he prefers to incorporate fun in learning.
“At the tutoring, I don’t just focus on making people learn or helping them with their homework, I also make sure that they are having some fun.
“Life is too short and joy is a form of resistance.”
Mr Sheikh also has a passion for global justice, reflected in his involvement with Wyndham for Palestine, where he assists with outreach and fundraising, encouraging local solidarity with international humanitarian issues.
“I have realised over the past few years that oppression of any community in the world is directly linked to our own oppression.”
Despite personal challenges, Mr Sheikh continues to model empathy, integrity, and resilience.
His leadership has inspired others to volunteer, strengthened community participation, and created more inclusive spaces across Wyndham.
