Australia Day Ambassadors

Adjunct Professor Adam Scott is the Director of Cardiac Sciences at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and the Founder and Chairperson of the White Cloud Foundation. Adam is passionate about creating solutions to problems for under-resourced areas of Australia.

He created the Cardiovascular Telemedicine Program to enable easy and early access to cardiac investigations in rural and remote areas of Queensland. In 2011, Adam set up the White Cloud Foundation, a mental health charity to remove the barriers to accessing treatment for people living with anxiety and/or depression. Adam created the Tele-Mental Health service, offering free access to multi-disciplinary treatment, partnering with 28 state and national sporting associations to offer this service to all members, staff, officials, coaches, officials, judges, volunteers, family, and friends from 12 years of age and above.

In 2024, Adam was recognised as a finalist for the Queensland Australian of the Year Awards and was awarded Athletics Australia's Peter Norman Humanitarian Award.

Uncle Barry Watson is a proud descendant of the Wergaia people of Western Victoria and has lived in Logan City since 1979. He is the Elder in Residence with Harris Fields State School and has worked in the Early Childhood field for many years. He has developed many early childhood resources and produced several children's books and games. Uncle Barry provides cultural awareness training to his fellow staff members, community partners and other workers across government and non-government organisations.

He is a respected Logan Community Elder and a member of many local action groups. Uncle Barry was formerly CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service in Brisbane.

In 2015, Uncle Barry was awarded the NAIDOC Elder of the Year for South East Queensland and runner up for Queensland Australian of the Year Awards in the Local Hero category. In 2019, he received a Queensland Day Award for his community work and in 2021, was a finalist for the Premier's Reconciliation Awards in the Education category for the Our Nangara Group initiative.

Bill's journey as a sports ambassador began after a 1998 motorcycle accident that left him with permanent damage to his right leg. Refusing to accept limitations, he embraced weight training to rebuild his strength, launching a Para-powerlifting career in 2002. Representing Australia at national and international levels, Bill transitioned from competing to mentoring, serving as team manager and assistant coach for events like the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

In 2022, Bill was honoured to coach the Pacific Islands Para Powerlifting Team for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, a testament to his dedication to empowering athletes with disabilities.

Currently working as a Senior Training Officer for Queensland Health, Bill delivers state-wide training programs for the Integrated Workforce Management electronic rostering system. This role enables him to empower healthcare teams with the skills and knowledge to improve efficiency and collaboration.

After obtaining paediatric qualifications at the age of 27, Dr Bob McGregor commenced practice in Ipswich as the city's first paediatrician. In his first year, he raised funds to provide Ipswich Hospital's small Special Care Babies nursery with vital modern equipment, followed by a long program to make the kids' ward more attractive.

Bob then set up the Ipswich Children's Ward Amenities Fund raising over $126,000 over 15 years. He served on the West Moreton Health, St Andrews Hospital and Ipswich Hospital Foundation, as well as Asthma Foundation Queensland and was Patron of the West Moreton branch of Epilepsy Queensland. He founded the annual Ipswich100 charity ride in 2000, which has since raised over $1.6 million with 85% distributed to a number of charities, including the Ipswich Hospital Foundation.

Bob has received the highest awards of both Lions and Rotary International, respectively the Mervin Jones and Paul Harris Awards for community service, and was named the 2014 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year. He was a Queen's Baton Holder in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and has been awarded an honorary Doctorate in Science by the University of Southern Queensland.

Carmel Crouch founded STEPS more than 30 years ago as a small organisation trying to provide young people with a disability with opportunities for workplace participation and independence. Since then, STEPS has grown into a large organisation which helps many individuals all over Australia strive for a brighter future.

As Managing Director, Carmel facilitates STEPS Group of Companies strategic planning and major decision-making processes. Her in-depth knowledge of not-for-profit corporate governance, coupled with service delivery expertise and determination of social equality, has been instrumental in the ongoing growth and success of the organisation.

Daniel Clarke is a passionate conservationist for the critically endangered orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra.

Daniel has Cerebral Palsy, however his disability has never stopped him achieving. Since 2008, Daniel, with the help of his brother William, has highlighted the species' plight and raised nearly $1 million to help protect the animals and their habitat. The funds have supported orangutan care centres by building new holding enclosures and enabling investment in veterinary equipment. The brothers have also sponsored more than 50,000 hectares of orangutan habitat.

Daniel and William's literary work on orangutan conservation has been incorporated into the NSW Department of Education Curriculum. The brothers combined conservation efforts have been recognised by US President Barack Obama, Dame Dr Jane Goodall and Sir David Attenborough.

Daniel is also a passionate disability advocate, raising awareness and speaking at events promoting inclusivity of people with a disability within our society. Daniel continues working with organisations and the community, co-designing programs for young people with a disability to empower them to achieve their dreams, and consulting with industry leaders to create a more inclusive society for all.

Dr Dimity Dornan AO is a social entrepreneur, bionics advocate, speech pathologist, researcher, Founder and Director of Hear and Say, and Co-Founder and Chair of Bionics Gamechangers Australia.

She is a Fellow of Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and of Speech Pathology Australia.

In 1992, she established Hear and Say for deaf children learning to listen and speak, particularly with surgically implantable hearing technology like the bionic ear.

As Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Bionics Gamechangers Australia, she has been working to promote the bionics industry and help transform lives by bringing new bionics solutions to people with previously untreatable medical problems.

As Queenslander of the Year, Queensland Great, Queensland Australian of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year for Queensland, she has contributed much to her state and country.

Douglas Millican has been an integral part of Northern Queensland Legacy for the past ten years and in his time as President, introduced new policies to move the club forward. During this period, he has mentored many legatees and has supported many beneficiaries ranging from 4 to 102 years of age.

Douglas is currently the Vice President of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Association Townsville and works tirelessly in his community, volunteering countless hours to the cause. Douglas also attends the local defence force resettlement seminars providing advice on life in Townsville post separation from the Australian Defence Force.

Douglas was the Townsville City Council 2022 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Since arriving as an unaccompanied minor humanitarian refugee from South Sudan, Elijah Buol OAM has been a tireless advocate for young and disadvantaged people across the world. Elijah is currently a Chief Executive Officer with Act for Peace and in the past has sat on various government and not-for-profit boards. He is currently a Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities Council, a Safer Gambling Advisory Committee member with the Department of Justice, and a Member of the Settlement Advisory Council with the Department of Home Affairs.

Elijah has a unique understanding of disadvantaged communities' issues, particularly those for young people and women. Through advocacy and leadership, Elijah has inspired many disadvantaged Indigenous, refugee, migrant young people and women. Elijah was the 2019 Queensland Local Hero for the Australian of the Year Awards and a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal for his services to the community and young people in the criminal justice system.

Elijah holds various tertiary qualifications, including a Master of Law and a Master of Justice in Intelligence. Elijah believes that every person has the strength to create an impact and preserve compassion and humanity in the world.

Gail Ker OAM is a recognised thought leader in needs-based community planning, innovative business models, social cohesion, strategic partnerships, employment pathways, funding opportunities, and strategic direction. Informed and working at the cutting edge of policy and sector engagement, Gail's knowledge is actively sought by politicians, industry leaders and research bodies alike, both nationally and internationally.

From 2007 to 2014 she attended the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees annual consultations with non-governmental organisations in Geneva. Gail is currently the Head of Settlement and Community Capacity Building with The Social Policy Group. Prior to this, Gail was formerly the CEO of Access Community Services Limited, where she led the development of social, cultural and economic experiences and opportunities that transformed the lives of individuals and communities. In 2010, Gail was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

Gerrard Gosens OAM is a vision-impaired adventurer, three-time Paralympian, project manager, chocolatier, small business owner, sports coach, and motivational speaker. He has represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in the team sport of Goalball and returned to his former sporting love, distance running, and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon (42.2km). He has also represented Australia at the 2012 Marathon World Cup, 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games and six Athletics World Championships. Most recently, Gerrard represented Australia in the Para-triathlon at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Gerrard was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2012 for his outstanding service to sport and people with disability. Gerrard is the owner of Chocolate Moments, creating hand-made chocolates while running two retail chocolate stores in Brisbane and conducting chocolate cooking experiences.

Gerry Blackwell is the founder and driving force behind the Youth Development Foundation (YDF). Gerry established YDF as a not-for-profit youth organisation dedicated to assisting the disadvantaged, disengaged or at-risk young people within the community. Gerry's passion is to provide accessible quality training and employment pathway opportunities, specifically to assist disadvantaged youth and unemployed.

Gerry has empowered all those who have walked through the Youth Development Foundation's doors by creating a safe and welcoming environment, assisting in changes to achieve positive outcomes, and inspiring people to realise their potential and bring to life their aspirations. Gerry is passionate about helping those less fortunate than others and has shown great compassion and generosity throughout her personal life and professional career.

Gerry has successfully developed a reputation in the community for going above and beyond for at-risk young people.

Hani Watson PLY is a powerhouse in the sport of powerlifting.

The Queenslander broke Australia's 16-year medal drought in the sport when she won bronze in the women's heavyweight in Birmingham with a best lift of 127kg – nearly 30kg more than her body weight.

Hani was born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, which bowed her tibia and femur bones. She was encouraged by her father to give the sport a go, teaching her she could do anything with upper body strength. It's that lesson that Hani uses as her ‘superpower'.

At the recent Paris Paralympic Games, Hani finished 6^th strongest in the world. Hani hopes to continue building a legacy through Paralympic Powerlifting for years to come.

Professor James Dale AC is an agricultural biotechnologist working primarily on developing the next generation of banana cultivars for the Australian and global banana industries and for resource-poor farmers in developing countries. He leads the Banana Biotechnology Program at Queensland University of Technology. The major outcomes from this program include disease-resistant bananas and bananas with enhanced levels of micronutrients. The program's “golden bananas” have been developed in collaboration with Ugandan colleagues and the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These cooking bananas are the staple food of Uganda and have elevated levels of pro-vitamin A as a strategy to overcome vitamin A deficiency in Uganda and surrounding countries.

The program has also developed Cavendish bananas with resistance to Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), a disease which threatens the continued production of Cavendish bananas worldwide. The best line, QCAV-4, was developed using genetic modification and has been approved for cultivation and consumption in Australia. This is the first genetically modified bananas released to farmers in the world.

James was the 2019 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year, is a Queensland Great, and a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

After his son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Jay Larkins became passionate about Paralympic football. In 2006, Jay established the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program and today coaches more than 100 children with a disability, giving them an opportunity to engage in team sport and exercise.

As Director, Jay oversees a team of assistant coaches, managers, volunteers, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, who are all committed to helping the young athletes be the best they can. Jay's ‘never say never' attitude has been inspirational to many participants in the program, with many athletes representing Australia and others working towards selection for the Australian Paralympic football team.

The Brisbane Paralympic Football Program currently hosts many junior and senior players of varying abilities, and their families. Combined with the dedication and commitment of a large team of volunteers, the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program is one big, supportive, ever-growing family. The program is endorsed as the All-Abilities Program by Football Queensland.

Jeff is a former World Welterweight boxing champion, who defeated 11-time world champion, Manny Pacquiao, at Suncorp Stadium in front of more than 51,000 spectators on 2 July 2017. The fight was the biggest fight in Australian boxing history.

Recognised through numerous awards, including the Don Award, Queensland Sports Star of the Year Award, and the GQ Sportsman of the Year Award, Jeff is also the National Ambassador for Bullyproof Australia who run the Australian Martial Arts Youth Development Alliance course. This is considered the number one leadership and development course to combat bullying in schools.

John Lazarou is an Australian businessman and one of the Co-Founders of The Coffee Club, Australia's largest coffee shop group.

John is also well known for his charity work and supports a wide range of charities and initiatives such as the Coffee Club Telethon Ball which has raised over $13 million for The Children's Hospital Foundation. He also supports the Special Children's Christmas Parties across Australia and is an ambassador for the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre. John is also an honorary member of the Brisbane Greeters Club.

Justine Christerson is a compassionate individual who has made a significant impact on the lives of countless people across Queensland. After relocating to Brisbane from Biloela in 2012, she established a free, personalised support service for those who must travel to access essential medical care.

Justine's unwavering dedication to improving the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme has led to substantial advancements in the system. By advocating for change based on the real-life experiences of those she supports, Justine has successfully reduced the number of individuals who are forced to forego necessary medical treatment due to financial constraints.

Beyond providing invaluable advice and support, Justine has gone above and beyond by offering practical assistance such as home-cooked meals, toiletry and care packs, and a free airport-to-hospital shuttle service, averaging five people daily. This tireless effort has ensured that individuals receive the care they need, without the added burden of logistical and financial stress.

Justine has received a number of awards and recognition over the years, including a Queensland Local Hero finalist for the Australian of the Year Awards in 2016.

Karen Jacobsen is an international speaker, concert artist and prolific songwriter whose timeless, cinematic, piano-driven songs have been licensed to US network television. Her speaking voice unexpectedly ended up in a billion GPS and smartphone devices and was the original Australian voice of Siri.

Her musical career highlights include sharing the stage with Norah Jones, Neil Sedaka, Jon English, Christopher Cross, and Cyndi Lauper. She's performed the national anthem at major sporting events at Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium, and Giants Stadium.

As a composer, Karen's AIR Award-nominated pop-orchestral composition “Misogyny Opus” premiered in 2023 at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Karen as soloist. This composition sets the former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's iconic misogyny speech to music.

After 20 years in New York City, Karen co-founded the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival in North Queensland and is President of the Whitsundays Writers Festival.

Emeritus Professor Ken Donald AO has had a long career in medicine and medical education. As an academic, he has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks.

He has held numerous senior positions including Head of the School of Medicine at The University of Queensland, Director of Pathology at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Deputy Director-General of Queensland Health, General Manager at John Hunter Hospital, and Director of Medical Services at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

Ken's loyalty and commitment to the health of Queenslanders is unrivalled. He was honoured as a Queensland Great in 2012 and was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contributions to medicine, education, and veterans' health.

Keri Craig-Lee OAM is an Australian fashion designer, manufacturer, and retailer with over 45 years of experience. She won the inaugural Supreme Award at age 23 at the Retailers Association of Queensland Awards in 1981 and subsequent Supreme Awards in 1982 and 1986, and was inducted as the first designer into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

One of the highlights of Keri's career was designing and coordinating the Sydney wedding of Sir Elton John in 1984, which gave her label worldwide exposure. Keri sold her label nationally and internationally at leading department stores and boutiques, including several of her own.

Her trademark ‘Keri Craig Emporium' features leading national and international fashion and accessory labels selected from around the world. The store is renowned for its unique ambience of combining fashion, homewares, and a fashion café.

Keri was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2017 and in 2024, Keri was named a Queensland Great.

Kevin Hughes BM OAM is a veteran who served in the Australian Military within Australia and overseas. He spent a number of years in the Queensland Fire Service in Brisbane before continuing his professional flying career.

Kevin has received many honours and awards, the highest being a Bravery Medal (BM) awarded to him by the Queen of England and bestowed upon him by the Governor-General of Australia at the time, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, CVO, MC in residence in Canberra. In 2024, he was awarded an Order of Australia by King Charles III of England and bestowed upon him by the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC.

Kevin also founded Endangered Species Supporters Australia, an organisation that informs Australians all over the country about ways of improving the ecosystem within our sunburnt country, which in turn saves our native animals from further disaster.

After losing his best friend and brother, Dean, to suicide and four of his clients, Dr Leon Stensholm knew there was a desperate need for change in the way we go about mentoring, supporting, and helping youths through their most challenging, vulnerable years.

Leon has been counselling and mentoring our youth for well over a decade, most of which was free. In July 2023, Leon opened Lookout 07, a safe and accessible haven for young people aged 12-25, helping to transcend isolation by fostering connection and supporting physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

Leon is on the ground in the centre each day working as a volunteer in his own organisation, mentoring and providing an empathetic ear to anyone who needs it. Leon is driven by his sense of purpose in ensuring that no young person feels alone with their struggles and receives the best nurturing and unconditional love and support.

Leon's dedication was recognised with the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards, winning Citizen of the Year Award in 2024. He was also recognised as a finalist for the 2025 Queensland Australian of the Year Awards.

In 1987, Matt Levy OAM was born prematurely at 25 weeks. He has cerebral palsy, is legally blind, and has had 40-50 operations on his heart, lungs, ears, and even brain.

Matt is also a swimmer and has competed at five consecutive Paralympic Games, winning three gold, one silver, and five bronze medals. He's also swum at five World Swimming Championships, winning 20 international medals and holding four World Records.

Mirusia Louwerse is a world-renowned soprano and entertainer, celebrated for her 18-year global career spanning operas, musicals, oratorios, and concerts. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, she earned a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice with excellence from Griffith University's Queensland Conservatorium.

At 21, she became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award, launching her international career as the star soprano with André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she serves as an ambassador for the Australian Children's Music Foundation and Silver Memories, championing music's power to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.

Paula Pool grew up in Townsville in a family deeply committed to giving back to the community, instilling in her a passion for service from a young age. Inspired by this legacy, Paula co-founded Fuel for Schools, a transformative initiative designed to address food insecurity among school children and to encourage them to attend school.

The program now feeds nearly 7,000 school children every week, ensuring they have the nourishment needed to thrive. Paula's work continues to impact countless families across the region.

Paula was recognised as a Local Hero nominee in the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards for Queensland.

Peter Bongiorni is the President of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc. (UCQ), leading one of Queensland's most prominent cultural organisations focused on preserving Ukrainian heritage and fostering community engagement.

Under his leadership, UCQ has successfully hosted events like the Ukrainian Festival Brisbane and supported initiatives such as the Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Peter has been instrumental in UCQ's growth, improving member engagement and building stronger relationships with both government and non-government organisations.

In 2023, Peter was recognised in the Queensland Government Minister’s Multicultural Award for his outstanding contribution to multiculturalism and community leadership, highlighting his dedication to fostering an inclusive society.

Peter launched Blood Bikes Australia several years ago, a volunteer brigade of motorcyclists that ferry urgent blood and medical supplies between hospitals for free. The money saved on transporting blood and supplies can then go to other healthcare services.

Peter first started making deliveries in Brisbane on his own, but it soon grew to nine volunteers. Blood Bikes Australia now has 500 qualified volunteers across Australia. His team of riders have made more than 8,500 last-resort pick-ups and deliveries for more than 70 healthcare providers, covering more than 900,000kms. They’ve delivered life-saving blood, biopsies, COVID tests, stem cells, corneas for transplant and clinical trial tests, along with files and patients’ personal items. Peter’s long-term goal is for more hospitals to use Blood Bikes Australia, saving more lives and healthcare dollars.

Peter was also named a 2023 Queensland Local Hero nominee for the Australian of the Year Awards.

For over fifty years, Peter Dornan AM has been a physiotherapist in the fields of sporting injuries and manipulative therapy, working with many international sporting teams, including the Queensland Rugby team, the Wallabies and the Kangaroos.

For his achievements in sport, he was awarded the Commemorative 2000 Australian Sports Medal. In 1997, he became Founder and Convenor of the Brisbane Prostate Cancer Support Network. In this regard, he successfully climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to collect material for his book Conquering Incontinence, released in 2003. In 1998, he was influential in founding the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

In 2002, Peter was appointed as a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM). Peter was also awarded 2022 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year.

In 2012, Peter and Melissa's son, Jordan, was speeding and under the influence of alcohol and cannabis when his car collided with a stationary vehicle containing five other young people. Four of those teens died on impact, as did Jordan himself.

Since 2017, Peter and Melissa have been engaging with young people around Australia, facilitating a social movement for change and harm prevention through the YOU CHOOSE Program, which has been highly effective in reducing harmful behaviours in social groups.

Professor Peter Timms is a globally renowned microbiologist and authority on chlamydial infection in humans and animals. He is a leader in developing vaccines for koala chlamydia, working tirelessly to prevent the extinction of this iconic Australian species.

Peter's work has been recognised with numerous awards, including the 2022 Queensland Greats Award, for his exceptional contributions to science and conservation.

Associate Professor Richard Lewandowski is a highly regarded plastic and reconstructive surgeon, known for his work with Operation Smile Australia. His contributions have earned him a Queensland Great Award and widespread recognition for transforming lives through surgery and compassionate care.

Emeritus Professor Roland (Roly) Sussex OAM has a PhD in Russian and general linguistics from the University of London and was a Professor of Russian at the University of Melbourne from 1974 to 1989, and a Professor of Applied Language Studies at the University of Queensland from 1989 to 2010.

Roly has ongoing research projects in language, society and culture, intercultural communication, communication and pain, Australian English, and language communication in digital media and online learning. He has been broadcasting weekly in a segment with ABC Radio since 1997.

Roly has written several books which include his most recent book published in 2020, Word for Today. He has an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and is a Fellow of the Queensland Academy and a Chevalier des Palmes Académiques.

Ross McKinnon AM is a retired curator-in-charge of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha. Internationally regarded as one of the world’s leading sub-tropical botanic gardens, it features significant plant collections including the world’s largest representative collection of Australian native rainforest plants.

In 2014, Ross celebrated 42 years of service with the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The fellowship was awarded in appreciation of the tangible and significant assistance given to the pursuit of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.

Dr Selina Tomasich is the founder of Hair Aid, a global charity transforming lives through haircutting skill development for people in critical poverty. Her initiatives include Community Cuts in Australia, which provides free haircuts to over 15,000 people annually.

Under Selina's leadership, Hair Aid has gained international acclaim for its positive social impact and transformative outcomes.

Taj Pabari is the Co-Founder of The ASE Group, a community-led initiative delivering entrepreneurship and life skills education. The ASE Group has impacted over 240,000 Australians through partnerships with government and private sector organisations.

Taj is also an author, motivational speaker, and a recipient of multiple awards, including Young Australian of the Year for Queensland in 2017.

Dr Tim Baker is a leadership development expert, organisational behaviour consultant, and author of 19 books. His expertise has reached over 50,000 individuals globally, spanning various industries and countries.

Tim's contributions include groundbreaking solutions in organisational behaviour and development, earning him international recognition and accolades.

Wayne Sticher is a retired firefighter with a passion for community service and adventure. He founded Cycling Without Age Gold Coast, an initiative combatting social isolation among seniors and people with disabilities through free adaptive bike rides.

Wayne's dedication to enriching lives through his charity has earned him multiple awards, including the 2024 Everald Compton Community Champion Medal and 2025 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year nominee.