Australia Day 2026 Honours List offers a compelling portrait of our nation shaped by migration, with Australians from diverse backgrounds recognised for service spanning science, medicine, education, public service and community leadership.
Announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, the list honours 949 Australians—more than 200 more than last year—reflecting what she described as values of service, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care. Among the recipients, migrant awardees stand out for transforming global experience into lasting national impact.
Dr Ravinder Raj Anand AM has been recognised for significant service to earth science and mineral resources, particularly through pioneering work in regolith exploration and applied geochemistry. Based in Western Australia, Dr Anand played a central role over several decades at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, where his leadership and research reshaped how mineral deposits are discovered beneath Australia’s vast cover. His influence extended through national research collaborations, industry partnerships and academia, including long-standing service as an Adjunct Professor at Curtin University. With more than 300 publications and international accolades, his work has strengthened Australia’s global standing in mineral exploration science.
Emeritus Professor Prem Ramburuth AM has been honoured for significant service to tertiary education, particularly through building international partnerships. Based in New South Wales, she has held senior leadership and governance roles at the University of New South Wales, including President of the Academic Board and member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Team. Her contribution has extended well beyond Australia through capacity building and governance work across Africa and global collaborations via the PLuS Alliance, linking UNSW with King’s College London and Arizona State University. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to education as a bridge between nations and cultures.
Mr Dipak Sanghvi AM has been recognised for significant service to community health through decades of governance and advisory leadership. In Victoria, he has played a pivotal role at Monash Health, serving as a director and later chair, while also contributing to ambulance services, pharmacy leadership and public policy. Alongside his health governance work, he has been a long-standing leader within the Australian Indian community, supporting charitable, cultural and faith-based organisations and promoting inclusive health outcomes.
Dr Kunwarjit Singh Sangla AM has been appointed for significant service to endocrinology and to rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland. As Medical Director of Medical Services at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and through extensive outreach with regional hospitals and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Dr Sangla has delivered specialist care to some of the state’s most remote communities. His career combines clinical excellence, system leadership and deep commitment to equitable healthcare.
Mr Mukund Narayana Murti PSM has been recognised for outstanding public service through strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relationships with Southeast Asia. Through leadership roles with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, undertaking extensive consultations and market engagements that have opened new opportunities for Australian exporters and investors.
Dr Rondhir Jithoo OAM, a Melbourne-based neurosurgeon, has been awarded for service to neurosurgery through public and private practice, medical education, defence medicine and international outreach. He has served as a consultant neurosurgeon at Alfred Health and held senior roles at Epworth Hospital, while also contributing to surgical training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. His distinguished service with the Australian Defence Force, including deployment with allied forces overseas, underscores a career that bridges medicine, service and international cooperation.
Emeritus Professor Chesney Romesh Nagarajah OAM has been honoured for distinguished service to tertiary education and engineering. Affiliated with Swinburne University of Technology for nearly four decades, he played a pioneering role in robotics and mechatronics education and led innovative research in intelligent sensing and non-contact inspection. His work has influenced engineering education, research capability and industry engagement nationally and internationally.
Mr Shyam Ratan Das OAM has been recognised for long-standing service to the Indian community of Queensland. Over more than three decades, he has held leadership roles across cultural, business, mental health and media organisations, strengthening community cohesion and multicultural engagement. His work spans peak bodies, grassroots organisations and advocacy initiatives promoting wellbeing and inclusion.
Mr Tausif Khan OAM has been honoured for extensive service to multicultural and Indian community life in Queensland. Through leadership roles in community organisations, trade and cultural associations, and ethnic broadcasting, he has played a key role in fostering intercultural understanding and supporting major community events over several decades.
Mr Palanichamy Ochathevar Thevar OAM has been recognised for longstanding service to the Tamil and Indian communities of Queensland. His leadership across community, youth and civic organisations, combined with professional contributions in social work and education, has supported cultural continuity, social inclusion and community wellbeing.
Mr Selliah Nalliah OAM has been awarded for service to the Tamil and Hindu communities in Victoria. Through decades of voluntary leadership across senior citizens’ groups, religious organisations and local government advisory bodies, he has contributed to cultural preservation, positive ageing and community participation.
Mr Bharat Nepal OAM has been recognised for service to the Nepali community of New South Wales and to mental health. As a community leader and health advocate, his work with multicultural mental health initiatives, suicide prevention and health education has strengthened support systems for vulnerable communities.
Dr Ravin Sadhai OAM has been honoured for service to medicine and the Bacchus Marsh community in Victoria. A long-serving general practitioner, he has been a driving force behind innovative, community-focused health initiatives designed to make healthcare accessible, engaging and responsive to local needs.
Chinthaka Indunil Samaraweera Atukorala OAM has been recognised for service to the multicultural community of the Shepparton district. Through leadership at the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District and extensive involvement in emergency management, youth development, faith and sport, he has played a central role in strengthening inclusion and social cohesion in regional Victoria.
Mr Satwant Singh Calais of Oatlands, New South Wales, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the Sikh community. He 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. He has served as president of the non-profit organisation since 2008, helping it grow into a national platform dedicated to leadership development, cultural preservation and community service.
Ms Farah Madon has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for her significant contribution to architecture and disability inclusion. She played a key role in setting national standards for Specialist Disability Accommodation as lead author of the NDIS SDA Design Standard. Madon has also spent more than 15 years volunteering on Penrith City Council’s Access Committee, grounding policy in lived experience.
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. From science beneath the soil to care in remote communities, from universities and hospitals to regional towns and multicultural organisations, their contributions underscore how global journeys continue to enrich Australia’s civic, cultural and professional landscape.
Recipients will receive their awards at investiture ceremonies across Australia in the coming months.
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