Farah Madon appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, for ‘significant service to architecture and to people with disability’.

Expression of thanks from Farah Madon on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, for ‘significant service to architecture and to people with disability’.

'This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me. Throughout my career as an Architect and Access Consultant, my work has been driven by the belief that architecture has a responsibility beyond buildings — to support dignity, inclusion and independence for all.

From being the lead author of the NDIS SDA Design Standards to serving as National President of the Access Consultants Association (ACA), I've been privileged to learn from people with lived experience whose voices continue to shape how I think about design and access.

Whether through work on Australian Standards committees for accessibility standards for the built environment, serving on advisory bodies including the Penrith City Council’s Access Committee, Australian Institute of Architects's National Enabling Architecture Committee, Changing Places Australia's Technical Advisory Panel, Australian Building Codes Board's Livable Housing Implementation Advisory Committee, or through practical project delivery— each opportunity has reinforced my commitment to creating environments that truly work for everyone.

I'm sincerely grateful to the colleagues, collaborators, clients and organisations who have walked this path with me — including the ACA community, and the many dedicated professionals championing accessibility across Australia. Thank you for challenging my thinking and sharing this vision of inclusion.

Thank you also to my family, mentors, and the team at Vista Access Architects for your constant encouragement and support throughout this journey.

I'm proud to be part of a profession that can make a real difference in people's everyday lives. I look forward to continuing this work with genuine passion and contributing, however modest, to support a more inclusive and accessible Australia.' 

Farah Madon AM