Perth-based community volunteer Dr Atul Kumar Garg has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for service to the community through a range of organisations.
The announcement is part of the national Honours List recognising 948 Australians across the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and conspicuous service.
“As Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, I am delighted to announce and congratulate the remarkable Australians receiving honours in The 2026 King’s Birthday list,” said Sam Mostyn.
“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia. In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”
Dr Garg has been recognised for sustained community service across Western Australia, particularly in neighbourhood safety, multicultural engagement, and health advocacy.
He has held long-term leadership roles within Neighbourhood Watch in the City of Melville, including serving as committee chair and state board member, and has been involved with the organisation for more than three decades.
His service also includes work with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia as an ambassador and campaigner, along with extensive involvement in multicultural and community organisations supporting Indian-Australian communities in Western Australia.
Dr Garg has contributed to community safety and civic engagement initiatives as a Justice of the Peace since 2004, assisting residents with documentation and public services.
He has also played leadership roles in a range of cultural and community organisations, including the Indian Society of Western Australia and the Hindu Association of Western Australia, where he has held positions across governance, cultural programming and community development.
His broader community contributions include support for interfaith initiatives, cultural festivals such as Diwali and Holi, and involvement in local clubs, advisory councils and volunteer organisations.
Dr Garg has previously received multiple civic and multicultural awards recognising long-term volunteer service and leadership in community engagement across Western Australia.
The King’s Birthday Honours List this year recognises 702 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, along with 34 military awards, 149 meritorious awards and 63 conspicuous service awards.
Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months.
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