Western Sydney researcher recognised as Unsung Hero

Jinal Shashin Parmar believes that small, consistent contributions, rather than one-off grand gestures, are often what creates lasting impact.

With this belief driving her work, Jinal’s commitment to improving community health outcomes and student wellbeing has earned her the 2026 Western Sydney University Unsung Hero Award.

The award is part of the annual ZEST Awards led by the Western Sydney Community Forum, which celebrate and honour the diverse work of the community sector across Greater Western Sydney. Supported by the University’s Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, it also identifies and supports the next generation of leaders who are shaping the future of Western Sydney.

Jinal is currently studying for a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health within the Health Equity across the Lifecourse (HEAL) Research Lab in School of Medicine at Western Sydney University’s Campbelltown campus. She also works as a Sessional Academic at the School of Health Sciences, where she supports teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate health science and public health programs.

“My PhD research addresses health equity for culturally and linguistically diverse communities — focusing on health literacy, medication adherence, and chronic disease management, areas where language and cultural barriers often prevent people from getting the care they need,” said Jinal.

“My community engagement is carried out in collaboration with Western Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains and South Western Sydney Local Health District Multicultural Health Services, with a focus on addressing health equity and supporting culturally diverse communities. It also involves contributions to community-based programs such as Bright Smiles Bright Futures in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive and preschools in the Greater Western Sydney region, supporting oral health promotion and engagement with diverse communities across the region.”

“Alongside this, I have worked on peer support initiatives that help university students build connections and a sense of belonging, recognising that wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand.”

Appreciative of having her contributions recognised, the PhD candidate wants to acknowledge the communities and people that are a part of her journey.

“Winning this award means a great deal to me, as it recognises the kind of work that often happens quietly, behind the scenes — the conversations with community members, the slow process of building trust, the peer support work that doesn't always show up in a CV line,” she said.

“Western Sydney University has provided me with the opportunity to work closely with diverse communities and contribute to research that makes a real difference. This award reflects the value of community-focused work and the strong support I have received along the way.

“I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support of my supervisors, mentors and collaborators, including those from Multicultural Health Services who have supported this work. Their guidance has been instrumental in enabling my contributions across research, teaching, and community-focused initiatives.”

Western’s strong commitment to engagement, diversity and equity — values that closely align with Jinal’s own — drew her back in 2021 to pursue her PhD, after she completed her Master of Public Health at the University between 2015 and 2017.

“The University's focus on real-world impact, and on serving the Western Sydney region rather than simply studying it, was a big part of what drew me to choose Western again. It felt like a natural continuation rather than a new beginning,” Jinal explained.

“My supervisor, Associate Professor Amit Arora, leads the HEAL Research Lab and is recognised both internationally and within the Western Sydney community for leading projects that genuinely matter to the people they are designed for.”

Jinal, who is a resident of the Parramatta LGA, is looking forward to continuing to support students and diverse communities, and would encourage others to make a difference where they can.

“I think it's important to give back, especially in a region as diverse as Western Sydney, where community needs are often layered — language barriers, health literacy gaps, and disparities in access to care all intersect here.”

“I would absolutely encourage others to get involved, but in a way that aligns with their own skills and interests, rather than what looks impressive on paper — that's usually what makes the involvement sustainable.”

Western Sydney University’s Chancellor champions the Unsung Hero Award each year by providing the winner with a monetary gift to support their studies and continue their contribution to the community. Professor Westacott will also meet with Jinal over the year to provide mentoring as she continues her leadership journey.

This year, the award was presented to Jinal by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney and External Engagement, Professor Geoff Lee.

ENDS.

30 June 2026
Emily Neville, Senior Media and PR Advisor