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From survivor to changemaker: Menaka Iyengar honoured with OAM
Menaka Iyengar Cooke, awarded OAM in 2025, has dedicated over five decades to strengthening communities and empowering women across Australia. Credit: Supplied by Menaka Iyengar Cooke/Order of Australia
Menaka Iyengar wears many hats — psychotherapist, author, advocate, and now a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal this King’s Birthday. A survivor of domestic violence, she rebuilt her life as a single parent 52 years ago, starting with a $147 paycheck. Since then, she’s championed women’s rights, migrant safety, and community wellbeing with fierce determination and sharp wit. In this episode, she reflects — with her signature blend of humour and insight — on resilience, advocacy, and what the OAM means to her and the communities she serves.
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