Sydney: Prominent Australian Muslim journalist and community leader Ziaul Islam Ahmad has been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for his “service to journalism, and to the Muslim community.”
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Ahmad said he accepted the honour with humility and regarded it as a tribute not only to his own efforts but also to the many individuals, organisations, colleagues, volunteers, friends, and family members who supported him throughout his journey.
Born in India and arriving in Australia in 1971 at the age of 18, Ahmad has spent more than five decades contributing to community development, multicultural initiatives, educational institutions, and interfaith engagement. Inspired by his father, Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, he played a key role in establishing and strengthening numerous Islamic and community organisations across Australia.
Ahmad is best known as the founder of Australasian Muslim Times as a multilingual newspaper in 1991 before evolving into Australasian Muslim Times (AMUST), a broader multicultural print and digital media platform in 2014. Through AMUST, he has worked to promote positive community stories, amplify diverse voices, and encourage understanding among Australians from different cultural and religious backgrounds. The publication has also provided opportunities for emerging journalists, writers, and community contributors.
Reflecting on his experiences as an Australian of Indian Muslim heritage, Ahmad highlighted the importance of multiculturalism, equal opportunity, fairness, and interfaith dialogue. He said the sharing of stories and lived experiences remains essential for building a harmonious and inclusive society.
He also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of volunteers and community workers across Australia, particularly women, people with disabilities, and members of multicultural communities whose efforts often go unrecognised. Ahmad encouraged Australians to nominate deserving individuals for national honours.
Describing Australia as one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies, Ahmad said the OAM serves as both a significant honour and a reminder of his ongoing responsibility to promote understanding, harmony, and social cohesion within the wider community.
