Psychotherapist, author and social advocate Menaka Iyengar OAM considers kindness to be her ‘superstrength’.

She is a champion of women’s rights, migrant safety and community wellbeing whose experience surviving domestic violence empowered her to help others experiencing the same.

Menaka is founder and executive director of Iyengar Counselling Services, board member of Older Women’s Network NSW, member of Women Chiefs of Enterprises Int. NSW and of the PACFA NSW Leadership team, as well as volunteer newsreader for Radio 2RPH and podcaster of Colours of Australia.

She was formerly NSW president of Women Chiefs of Enterprise International, board member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, board member and volunteer at the Indian Crisis Support Agency, as well as being involved in disability support services. She remains a fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Menaka was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to women, and to the community in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours list.

“I was shocked and thrilled to get this recognition, I never expected it,” she says.

“Perhaps it is recognition for the work I have done and still do in supporting women of all colours and communities to find their feet, understand regulations and systems and integrate into the community.

“Most of my work has been with migrants, women encountering domestic violence, suffering various kinds of abuse, people looking to find information and work within systems of government and civil life. Stuff we all have to pick up and learn along the way.”

She says she will continue her work as normal following the recognition.

“Humility and honour go together in my opinion. [But this recognition] may also encourage other women to join in the work of serving others with whatever skills, knowledge and powers they possess. It is a matter of paying it forward.

“Being recognised brings a special joy and desire to do more, to teach others that little deeds have big impacts and bring others along on the journey. It is also crucial that ordinary people like us help fellow citizens to understand systems, culture, ways of doing things and getting up out of adversity.

“I hope there are thousands of other unsung heroes who will be recognised in this way over the next 50 years and gain the adulation of their fellow citizens.”