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.
Mr Thevar has held numerous leadership roles in community organisations over decades, including serving as foundation president of the Brisbane Tamil Association, president of the Tamil Association of Queensland, and advisor and president of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland. He has also been actively involved with youth and civic groups such as the Police Citizen & Youth Club in Inala and the United Nations Associations of Australia, Queensland.
In addition to his community work, Mr Thevar has contributed professionally as a social worker and lecturer, including roles with West Moreton Health, Australian Red Cross, Micah Projects, Ventacare Anam Cara, and the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. His service has been recognised with the Local Hero Award at the Queensland Day Community Awards and an Australian Government Volunteer Award.
The announcement forms part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, which recognises 949 Australians for their service across a wide range of fields. Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the list reflects “Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care,” noting an increase of over 200 awards compared with last year.
Recipients, including Mr Thevar, will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months to receive their insignia.
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