Farah Madon’s appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours shines a light on a career that has steadily influenced how buildings are designed for accessibility, dignity and inclusion.
Recognised for significant service to architecture and to people with disability, Madon has played a pivotal role in setting national benchmarks for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). 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.
Beyond policy and practice, Madon’s work has been grounded in long-term community engagement. For more than 15 years, she has volunteered as a community representative on Penrith City Council’s Access Committee, ensuring that accessibility principles are informed by lived experience rather than theory alone.
Her honour forms part of a wide-ranging Australia Day 2026 Honours List that reflects the country’s diversity and strong migrant contribution. Announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, the list recognises 949 Australians—more than 200 more than last year—for service across fields including science, medicine, education, public service and community leadership.
“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 2026 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. Honourees will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the months ahead.
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