A senior Queensland doctor with decades of service to rural and Indigenous communities has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
Dr Kunwarjit Singh Sangla, based in Queensland, was recognised for significant service to endocrinology and to rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state.
Dr Sangla is Medical Director of Medical Services at Townsville Hospital and Health Service and a pre-eminent staff specialist in internal medicine, obstetric medicine and endocrinology. Over his career, he has also held a range of senior leadership roles, including deputy executive director of medical services, medical director of rural services, and chair of multiple governance committees spanning ethics, credentialing and medication management.
Beyond hospital leadership, Dr Sangla has delivered specialist care to some of Queensland’s most remote communities. He has served as a visiting specialist with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in Mackay, Mount Isa and Townsville, supported regional hospitals in Bowen and Emerald, and worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in locations including Camooweal, Burketown and Dajarra.
An adjunct professor of medicine at James Cook University, Dr Sangla has also contributed at a state level through Queensland Health’s Quality Use of Medication Committee and the State-wide Diabetes Network. His professional achievements include receiving the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ Rural Services Medal in 2015 and multiple innovation and excellence awards in recent years for digitising healthcare and improving safety and quality.
Dr Sangla’s honour was announced as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, unveiled by Governor-General Sam Mostyn. The list recognises 949 Australians across the Order of Australia, meritorious awards, and distinguished and conspicuous service—an increase of more than 200 awards compared with last year.
“On my second Australia Day as your Governor-General, I am delighted to announce the Australia Day 2026 Honours List,” Ms Mostyn said. She noted that 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system, celebrating Australians who “epitomise the best of Australia”.
“The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care,” she said, adding that the expanded list reflected more nominations and broader recognition of Australians contributing in the interests of others.
The 2026 honours include 680 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 22 in the Military Division, 187 meritorious awards and 60 distinguished and conspicuous awards. Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months.
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