NCAM Congratulates the Honourees and Finalists of the 2026 Australian Muslim Achievement Awards

Media Release – 3 November 2026

The National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) congratulates the honourees and finalists of the 2026 Australian Muslim Achievement Awards, which will be presented at a gala ceremony in Sydney on Saturday 14 November. Organised by Mission of Hope since 2005, the awards recognise Australian Muslims whose work strengthens their communities and the nation.

This year’s Lifetime Achiever honours go to Abdullah Khan OAM, Executive Principal and CEO of the Australian Islamic College in Western Australia, and Miriam Silva AM of South Australia, recognised for her longstanding contributions to corporate leadership, governance and Islamic education. Hakeem Payne Hass has been named Sportsperson of the Year.

“These honourees show what Australian Muslims give to this country every day, in our schools, boardrooms, sports fields and neighbourhoods,” NCAM Director Sajida Salman said. “Their achievements belong to all Australians, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

NCAM also congratulates every finalist across the awards’ categories, from Woman, Man and Youth of the Year to Volunteer, Community Organisation and New Community Project of the Year. They include doctors, educators, business owners, artists, volunteers and community workers from across the country, among them Western Australia’s Muslim Women’s Support Centre. Finalists for Event of the Year include the Victorian Mosque Open Day, which welcomes neighbours of every faith and none.

Too often, Australian Muslims appear in the news only in stories about hate and division. NCAM believes it is just as important to tell the fuller story: a community that teaches, heals, builds, serves and leads, and gives generously to the country it calls home.

“Every finalist is a reminder of the good that happens quietly in our communities, every day,” Ms Salman said. “We wish them all the very best for the ceremony, and we thank Mission of Hope for two decades of celebrating Australian Muslim achievement.”

For media inquiries, please contact: media@ncam.au

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National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) acknowledges all First Peoples as the Traditional Custodians throughout the land across Australia, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the historical and traditional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to the land, water, culture and community. We appreciate the importance of the world’s oldest living culture, and support the union of a reconciled Australia. NCAM is committed to ensuring inclusion, equity and equality.