Taken together, these honours reflect a shared national story: migrants and Australians of migrant heritage are not only participants in Australian life, but leaders shaping its future.
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.
Mukund Narayana Murti of Victoria has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding contributions to strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relationships with Southeast Asia.
Emeritus Professor Prem Ramburuth has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to tertiary education, particularly through the building of international partnerships.
Western Australia–based geoscientist Dr Ravinder Raj Anand has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, recognising a career that has helped reshape mineral exploration and geochemistry in Australia and internationally.
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.
Khan served as President of the India Australia Society of Queensland from 2009 to 2016, and has held numerous leadership roles, including Treasurer and Committee Member.
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.
Prominent Victorian community health advocate Mr Dipak Sanghvi has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for his significant service to community health through decades of governance, board and advisory roles.
Emeritus Professor Chesney Romesh Nagarajah has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his distinguished service to tertiary education, as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
Chris Rua Antony died in hospital on February 20, a week after he was struck by a car while walking home from school along Pound Road in Narre Warren South.
Many senior Hamas leaders have lived for years in luxury abroad, in places such as Qatar and elsewhere, far removed from the consequences of the war they help direct.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described Ramadan nights in Lakemba as one of Sydney’s great traditions, pointing to the bustling streets and strong sense of community.