A long-serving champion of multicultural inclusion in regional Victoria has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
Shepparton community leader Chinthaka Indunil Samaraweera Atukorala received the OAM in the General Division for service to the multicultural community of the Shepparton district, following more than a decade of work across community development, emergency management, youth leadership and sport.
The award was announced as part of the national honours list unveiled by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, which recognises 949 Australians this year — an increase of more than 200 recipients compared with Australia Day 2025.
Based in regional Victoria, Mr Atukorala has played a central role in strengthening multicultural engagement through his leadership at the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, where he has served as chief executive officer since 2023, following several earlier roles focused on strategic engagement, youth leadership and culturally connected communities.
His contribution extends across multiple levels of government and community organisations, including advisory roles with Greater Shepparton City Council during the COVID-19 pandemic, membership of the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Regional Advisory Council, and long-standing involvement with emergency recovery and community safety committees across the Goulburn Valley and Mitchell Shire.
Beyond civic leadership, Mr Atukorala has also been a prominent figure in faith, education and sport. He founded and continues to serve as president of the Buddhist Association of the Goulburn Valley, has supported local schools and Rotary initiatives, and has been a strong advocate for inclusion through cricket and Australian rules football, including ambassador roles with Cricket Australia and the Australian Football League.
Over the years, his work has earned widespread recognition, including being named Citizen of the Year in both Shepparton and Greater Shepparton, induction into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, and multiple state and national awards for volunteering, diversity and community leadership.
Announcing the honours, Governor-General Mostyn said the 2026 list reflected the core values of Australian society.
“The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care,” she said in a statement.
The Australia Day 2026 Honours List includes 680 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, alongside military, meritorious, distinguished and conspicuous service awards. Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months to formally receive their insignia.
For regional Shepparton, the recognition of Mr Atukorala highlights the impact of sustained grassroots leadership in building inclusive, resilient and connected communities.
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