Canberra-based community advocate Mohammed Ali has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for service to the community of the Australian Capital Territory.
The announcement forms part of a national honours list recognising 948 Australians across the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and conspicuous service awards.
“As Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, I am delighted to announce and congratulate the remarkable Australians receiving honours in The 2026 King’s Birthday list,” said Sam Mostyn.
“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia. In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”
Mr Ali has been recognised for long-standing service to multicultural engagement, humanitarian support and community development across the ACT, with a focus on assisting vulnerable individuals and strengthening social cohesion.
He is the founding president and volunteer of Helping ACT, a community organisation established to support disadvantaged residents through outreach programs, coordination of assistance services and partnerships with other welfare agencies. He has held the role since 2018 and remains actively involved in its operations.
His community work spans more than two decades and includes leadership and participation in organisations focused on refugee and asylum seeker support, multicultural advisory structures and interfaith and inclusion initiatives in Canberra.
Mr Ali has also been involved with a range of community service organisations through fundraising, coordination and volunteer support roles, including the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and the RSPCA, often assisting with emergency relief and welfare programs.
He has contributed to ACT-based advisory and governance bodies, including multicultural and community engagement committees, and has been a long-time member of organisations supporting social inclusion and ethical community development.
His work has also included engagement with academic and civic institutions, including participation in ethics-related advisory processes at Charles Sturt University, reflecting his broader involvement in community policy and social research discussions.
Mr Ali migrated to Australia from Pakistan in the early 1990s and has since built a long career in both professional and volunteer capacities, combining scientific training with community service. He has also previously worked in the public health and regulatory sector, including roles connected to national medical and therapeutic standards.
He was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2022 in recognition of his sustained contribution to community welfare and multicultural engagement in the ACT.
The King’s Birthday Honours List this year includes 702 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, along with 34 military awards, 149 meritorious awards and 63 conspicuous service awards.
The Governor-General said the honours system reflects Australians from all walks of life whose service strengthens communities across the country.
Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months to formally receive their awards.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
