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ndian-Australian community leader Dr Ram Mohan has been named Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 Multicultural Queensland Awards, recognising his contribution to community service and multicultural engagement across the state.
Dr Mohan was among seven Queenslanders and community organisations recognised at a ceremony at the Logan Entertainment Centre on Friday night, marking the close of Queensland’s Multicultural Month celebrations.
The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations involved in volunteering, entrepreneurship, community projects and grassroots initiatives that support culturally diverse communities across Queensland.
Dr Mohan, who migrated from India to Australia in 1998, has been involved in community, academic, business and philanthropic activities in Queensland. He has also held leadership roles within the Indian community, including with the Federation of Indian Communities in Queensland.
His recognition as Volunteer of the Year places an Indian-Australian community leader among this year’s award recipients, alongside people and organisations working across a range of cultural and community settings.
Mary Ngarongo Bartlett-Johnston received the Minister’s Award for her work with Māori and Pasifika communities. Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said Bartlett-Johnston had supported young people through mentoring and structured programmes while helping bring people from different cultural backgrounds together.
“Mary has dedicated herself to supporting Māori and Pasifika communities across Queensland through tireless service and leadership,” Simpson said.
Tautua Group received the Entrepreneur of the Year award, while Saba Abraham OAM was recognised with the Women’s Economic Empowerment Award.
Belong in Hockey (BIH), Toowoomba Hockey Association, received the Social Cohesion and Community Impact Project of the Year award, and LatinOZ Queensland was named Grassroots Not-for-profit Organisation of the Year.
The Lifetime Achiever Award went to Janeth Deen OAM, recognising more than 50 years of work focused on intercultural understanding, social cohesion and community wellbeing.
Deen said the award was deeply meaningful and reaffirmed her commitment to community service.
“I accept this award with heartfelt gratitude and remain committed to building a more caring, connected and inclusive Queensland for everyone,” she said.
A further 12 nominees received Highly Commended recognition, reflecting the range of nominations received from communities across Queensland.
The awards formed part of Queensland’s Multicultural Month programme, which brings together community organisations and residents from the state’s diverse cultural backgrounds.
For Queensland’s Indian community, Dr Mohan’s recognition adds to the representation of Indian-Australians contributing to community life and volunteering across the state.
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