The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) has been awarded to highly respected educationist Mr Abdullah Khan on King’s Birthday in June 2023 in recognition of his exceptional and long-standing services to education and to the multicultural communities in Western Australia.
Abdullah’s OAM was announced in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List, published on the Governor General’s website.(1)
A press release by Dr Hamza Amira, Chair of Australian Islamic College (Perth) Inc which has schools in Western Australia and South Australia, was circulated on Monday 12 June, celebrating the news.
Dr Amira stated, “The award is a fitting tribute to Abdullah’s unrelenting efforts to promote cultural understanding and social harmony in the State, particularly within the Islamic schooling sector.”
The investiture ceremony, where Abdullah Khan will be presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia, is scheduled to take place at Government House in Perth later this year.
The Australian Muslim community takes great pride in Abdullah Khan’s achievements, which highlight the values of inclusivity, cultural understanding, and social harmony.
A very humbled Abdullah Khan, expressed gratitude for the OAM title in stating, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. For me, this is not just an individual award but also recognition of the contributions made by multicultural communities in Western Australia and the vital role they play in enriching our society. I therefore would like to dedicate my award to all those who have supported me and worked with me over the years. I am grateful to you all for your unwavering support.”
Abdullah Khan has emerged as a prominent advocate for the rights of minority communities and has played a vital role in interconnecting the Islamic schooling sector in his position as Chair of the Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISAA).
With over three decades of active involvement in education, Abdullah Khan has also held various senior leadership positions in various Islamic schools. Abdullah’s remarkable contributions extend beyond the boundaries of educational institutions.
He has worked closely with multicultural communities, serving as a member of the WA Ministerial Multicultural Advisory Council and as Patron of the Pakistan Association of Western Australia.
Abdullah’s efforts to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusivity have left an indelible impact on Western Australia’s social fabric.
The Order of Australia Medal is the pinnacle of recognition for Abdullah Khan’s lifelong dedication to education and community leadership. This prestigious honour is a testament to his tireless commitment to educational opportunities for multicultural communities, and establishing platforms for collaboration amongst the Australian Islamic education sector.
Other awards received by Abdullah, in recogition of his impact include the Honorary Fellowship of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders and the Western Australian Multicultural Outstanding Individual Achievement Award.
The Australian Honors system stands as a testament to the nation’s appreciation for exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, society, or the nation.
The Medal of the Order of Australia is a significant symbol of appreciation for Abdullah’s contributions.
This honour also recognizes the valuable role the Australian Muslim community plays in enriching Australian society and highlights the importance of their continued contributions.
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