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.
The honour was announced as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, unveiled by the Governor-General Sam Mostyn, recognising 949 Australians for their contributions across community service, leadership, defence and professional excellence.
Mr Das has spent more than three decades in leadership and volunteer roles spanning cultural, business, mental health and media organisations. He has played a key role in strengthening community cohesion and promoting multicultural engagement in Queensland.
His service includes serving as chair of the Council of Indian Federations of Australia from 2021 to 2022 after assisting with its foundation in 2020, and as president of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland between 2020 and 2022. He has also been an adviser to the federation and previously served multiple terms as an executive member.
Within the wider Indian Australian community, Mr Das has held senior positions including president of the Brisbane Indian Lions Club, director of the Gandhi Salt March initiative, and committee member of the Australian Indian Heritage War Memorial and the Gandhi Memorial Centre Brisbane. His leadership has also extended to roles with the Bengali Society of Queensland and the Australia India Society.
Beyond cultural organisations, Mr Das has been active in mental health advocacy as chairman of the Power of Us Suicide Prevention Network and as an ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation of Australia. He also serves as a director with ethnic broadcaster Radio 4EB and has contributed to peace-building initiatives through the Universal Peace Federation of Australia.
In the tourism sector, he has been managing director of Target Travel and Tours in Brisbane since 2002, following an earlier career with Pan American World Airways in India. His contributions have previously been recognised internationally, including the Glory of India (Bharat Gaurav Samman) Award in 2012.
Announcing the honours, the Governor-General said the 2026 list reflected “Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care”, noting a significant increase in awards compared with last year.
The Australia Day 2026 Honours List includes 680 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, along with military, meritorious, and distinguished and conspicuous service awards. Recipients 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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