Across the country, about 18,000 people were expected to become Australian citizens on January 26, hailing from nations including India, New Zealand, Turkey, the United States, Nigeria, Malaysia, Nepal and the United Kingdom.

The spirit of Republic Day was also felt overseas, with more than a hundred people gathering at India House in Suva to mark the occasion.

As lead author of the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s SDA Design Standard, she helped establish minimum design requirements for new housing supporting people with extreme functional impairment—standards now embedded across the sector.

Dr Sadhai, a general practitioner at Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre since 2007 and a GP since 1995, has been a driving force in community health initiatives.

Bharat Nepal is the founding president of Australian Nepali Public Link Inc, a role he has held since 2012, and continues to serve as the organisation’s public officer and advisor.

Taken together, these honours reflect a shared national story: migrants and Australians of migrant heritage are not only participants in Australian life, but leaders shaping its future.

Queensland-based community stalwart Shyam Ratan Das has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his long-standing service to the Indian community.

Mukund Narayana Murti of Victoria has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding contributions to strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relationships with Southeast Asia.

Emeritus Professor Prem Ramburuth has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to tertiary education, particularly through the building of international partnerships.

Western Australia–based geoscientist Dr Ravinder Raj Anand has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, recognising a career that has helped reshape mineral exploration and geochemistry in Australia and internationally.