On Sunday 26 January 2025, Australia Day, the Governor-General announced the recipients of the Order of Australia Medals, recognising 732 Australians for their outstanding contributions to society. Among them were two remarkable women, Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin and Abla Kadous, honoured for their dedicated service to the Muslim community in Australia.

Abla Kadous OAM: A champion for Muslim women

Abla Kadous, the President of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association (IWWA) in Lakemba, NSW, has spent decades empowering Muslim women in Australia.

Originally from Egypt, she moved to Australia and faced numerous challenges while raising five children. Despite financial constraints, she established IWWA as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and participation among Muslim women.

Under Abla’s leadership, IWWA provides a range of services, including anti-discrimination forums, school-readiness programs, youth camps, and cooking classes. The organisation also supports those in need with food and essential supplies.

Leading a team of 50 volunteers and staff, Kadous remains active in her 70s, continuing to grow the organisation. Through her determination, she raised funds through sewing, cooking, and selling items to purchase a state-of-the-art function centre for IWWA.

Zuleyha Keskin OAM: A pioneer in Islamic studies

Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin is the Associate Head of School at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) and a lecturer in Islamic Spirituality and Contemporary Islamic Studies.

She co-founded ISRA Australia in 2009 with the vision of providing university-level Islamic studies that integrate both classical and contemporary perspectives.

Zuleyha’s efforts led to the establishment of CISAC at Charles Sturt University, where she played a crucial role in developing multiple academic programs, including the Bachelor and Master of Islamic Studies, the Master of Classical Arabic, and the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Psychology.

Beyond academia, Zuleyha serves as the Managing Editor of the Australian Journal of Islamic Studies (AJIS) and is the President of the Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS).

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek celebrated her achievement, stating:

“Congratulations to the incredible Abla Kadous on being awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her outstanding contribution to the local community, particularly in empowering women and girls.

As the President of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association, I’ve had the privilege of knowing Abla firsthand and witnessing her unwavering dedication and the profound impact she’s had.

This recognition is truly well-deserved, and I’m so proud of everything she continues to do. Keep shining, Hajjeh Abla! You inspire us all!”

Upon receiving the honour, Zuleyha shared her thoughts in a social media post:

“This award is not just for me; it is a tribute to the remarkable contributions of the Muslim community in Australia. Through acts of service, advocacy, and dedication, we continue to be an integral and valued part of this nation.

I hope this recognition inspires young Muslims to follow their passions, embrace their identities, and contribute to our community in meaningful ways—our community truly needs their energy and talents.

I also would like to add, I cannot celebrate this without acknowledging that Australia Day is a deeply painful day for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is a day that reminds us of the long-lasting impact of colonisation on Australia’s First Nations peoples, and I stand in solidarity with their ongoing struggle for recognition, justice, and healing.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

The Order of Australia is a national honour that recognises individuals for their exceptional contributions to society. In a media statement, Governor-General Samantha Mostyn expressed her appreciation for the awardees:

“Congratulations to all of the 2025 Australia Day honours recipients. Thank you for your work of care and service to our nation.