Sabaratnam has been heavily involved with community activities around Darwin for almost 40 years and is a two-time graduate of CDU with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Certificate in Teaching. He has developed several community-based initiatives that focus on equality and inclusivity in the greater Darwin community, including the development of the Hindu society and its temple over 30 years ago.
Sabratnam has lectured in civil engineering for over 45 years, with 42 of them taking place in Darwin beginning at the Darwin Community College to his present position with CDU where he has been an Associate Professor of Engineering since 2005. He previously held positions as a Senior Project Officer at the Office of Multicultural Affairs and as a Manager for Construction Industry Policy in Darwin while simultaneously committing to his lecturing responsibilities. He is also an active member of over 50 committees and local groups that focus on the development of the community, including many industry training advisory boards across Australia.
Sabratnam’s achievements include:
- The “Paul Harris Fellowship” award from the Darwin Rotary Club, the highest award for an individual who makes a substantial contribution.
- Appointed district governor for all northern Australia and Timor-Leste from 2023 to 2024
- Sourced more than $1.5 million in funding to build a Hindu Temple and a Community Hall called Harmony hall in Malak
- Awarded “Maruthi Award” by Kamban Kazhakam an international body promoting Tamil and Hindu cultures for making a substantial contribution for the Tamil and Hindu Society across the Northern Territory
- AUSTAFE Award for Leadership in Education
- Recognition by Chief Minister Shane Stone, Northern Territory Government, for 20-year service to the Northern Territory
Sabratnam’s commitment to community participation is felt on many levels. During the course of his tenure, he has supervised and examined the thesis of nearly sixty Master degree and Honours students. He has contributed to the local Indigenous populations by providing a store for the Beluyn community, and funded toilet blocks for a school, and donations to the hospital in East Timor.
He has served as president of the Multicultural Council and the Hindu society where he helped develop the temple and facilitated cultural identity for international students and locals from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Fiji, and more. He has also sponsored eight children through World Vision on average every year and supported Amnesty International for twenty years. Harmony Hall is a community center built with funds he raised. The cost was $1.5 million dollars. The Hall is now used for cultural functions, physical activities, dance classes, weddings, birthday parties, etc. Sabratam is a strong community supporter of refugees and the under-privileged. The construction industry in Darwin and beyond are full of graduates that studied under him in civil engineering. These students have elevated the standard of engineering in Australia and beyond, while speaking of Sabratam in continued respect and affection for his selfless, community focussed nature.