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.
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.
Shepparton community leader Chinthaka Indunil Samaraweera Atukorala received the OAM in the General Division for service to the multicultural community of the Shepparton district, following more than a decade of work across community development, emergency management, youth leadership and sport.
Khan served as President of the India Australia Society of Queensland from 2009 to 2016, and has held numerous leadership roles, including Treasurer and Committee Member.
Melbourne-based neurosurgeon Dr Rondhir Jithoo has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his decades-long service to neurosurgery, as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Satwant Singh Calais is a co-founder of Sikh Youth Australia (SYA), established in 1999 to address a lack of organised resources and support for young Sikhs across the country.
Inala’s Palanichamy Ochathevar Thevar has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his longstanding service to the Tamil and Indian communities of Queensland.
Emeritus Professor Chesney Romesh Nagarajah has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his distinguished service to tertiary education, as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
