People—creating opportunities for everyone

Indigenous ranger’s cultural quest

Indigenous Elder Fred Conway is a tireless advocate for protecting Indigenous cultural sites, particularly the rock art sites in Carnarvon National Park in central western Queensland. A former ranger with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Mr Conway has spent many years helping people understand Aboriginal history and culture, and to respect and protect the rock art sites.

Mr Conway has also been a champion of the Seasonal Indigenous Ranger program, training young Indigenous people to bring them back to country, gain employment and get involved in managing their traditional lands. His work shows us the importance of understanding and preserving Queensland’s rich heritage for future generations.

In June 2014, Mr Conway was named a Queensland Great for his achievements.

A strong endeavour

Founded in 1951 by a group of parents who refused to accept children with an intellectual disability couldn’t be educated, Endeavour Foundation has grown to become one of the largest disability service providers in Australia. Endeavour Foundation employs more than 1,800 staff and 1,200 volunteers who support 3,300 people with a disability.

From its humble beginnings as a makeshift school on a verandah in Coorparoo, Endeavour Foundation has evolved over time in response to the needs and interests of people with a disability, their families and the community. It is just one example of the dedicated work by community organisations right across Queensland working to address disadvantage. Without their support, vision and drive many Queenslanders would not be able to reach their full potential.

Jordyn Archer

Jordyn Archer should be applauded for her contribution to her Sunshine Coast community and the work she is doing through her not-for-profit organisation The Rescue Movement (formerly Chant for Change), which she established when she was only 16 years of age.

The Rescue Movement holds charity events and concerts that contribute tens of thousands of dollars to Destiny Rescue—a charity that supports the least advantaged by freeing girls from sex-trafficking and providing them with a home, skills training and a fresh start to life.

Six years and three concerts on, The Rescue Movement has not only rapidly grown into an iconic event on the Sunshine Coast—it has become a nationwide tour.

Jordyn is also a valued member of the Advance Kawana community advisory body, providing input into issues facing her community and a 2014 Young Australian of the Year national finalist.