The Governor-General has announced the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, recognising 949 Australians for their outstanding contributions to community, service, and public life. Among them is Mr Bharat Nepal of Lalor Park, NSW, who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the Nepali community of New South Wales and to mental health.
Mr 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. In the health sector, he has worked with NSW Health in various roles since 2003, including as a Health Education Officer, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, counsellor, researcher, and advocate. He also co-convened the South Asian Suicide Prevention Summit 2024 at Western Sydney University and serves as a Justice of the Peace.
“This year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values of service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care,” the Governor-General said. “Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, which showcases Australians giving the best of themselves in the interest of others.”
The Australia Day 2026 Honours List includes 680 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 22 awards in the Military Division, 187 meritorious awards, and 60 distinguished and conspicuous awards. Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states or territories in the coming months to receive their insignia.
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