Queensland Greats
The Queensland Greats Awards honour the trailblazing people and institutions who have left a lasting legacy for QLD’s identity and future. They’re the quiet achievers, bold pioneers, and community champions who put Queensland, and Queenslanders, first.
World cancer leader, researcher and advocate
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Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO has transformed the landscape of cancer care in Queensland through more than 40 years of research, advocacy and leadership.
As a behavioural scientist and pioneer of community-based cancer control, Professor Dunn has been instrumental in championing the world’s most progressive tobacco legislation and has led the fight to improve cancer services for regional Queenslanders. Professor Dunn also established Queensland’s first dedicated cancer helpline, cancer counselling service and community-based cancer research centre.
In 2014, Professor Dunn was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical administration through leadership of cancer control organisations and promotion of innovative and integrated cancer care programs. From 2022–24 he served as the elected President of the Union for International Cancer Control – a voluntary position placing Queensland on the world stage.
Just weeks before his appointment as Union for International Cancer Control President, he was diagnosed with a rare form of high-risk cancer and underwent a stem cell transplant. Today he is in remission, continuing his research with oversight of a major translational program in cancer survivorship, underpinned by large cross-sector collaboratives.
Co-founder – Australian Age of Dinosaurs
Museum of Natural History
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David Elliott OAM has transformed regional tourism in Queensland, leaving a legacy on local, national and international stages through his dedication to preserving Australia’s fossil heritage.
Following the discovery of a dinosaur fossil on his property in 1999, David and his wife, Judy, founded the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History – a not-for-profit organisation that has pioneered palaeotourism and is now home to the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.
His visionary work put Winton on the global map as a major destination for palaeontological enthusiasts, drawing international visitors and boosting local economies across regional Queensland.
David was recognised for his contributions to science with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2015 and was honoured as Australia’s Local Hero in 2024.
Business pioneer and altruistic philanthropist
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James Frizelle is renowned for his car dealerships, property investment and philanthropy.
In 1985, James purchased Southport Mazda starting with just eight employees and by 2017, had employed more than 750 staff across multi-vehicle franchise dealerships throughout Queensland and New South Wales.
After years of success and building an extensive property portfolio, James now uses the funds from earnings and property sales to personally fund the James Frizelle Charitable foundation. The Foundation provides funds to registered charities in areas of the Gold Coast, Western Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Within its first 18 months, the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation had provided more than $2 million in funding to more than 50 charities in the region and to this day, the foundation has provided more than $54 million in funding, supporting more than 271 individual charity programs.
Global health technology pioneer
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Professor Mark Kendall is a biomedical engineer, inventor, scientist, entrepreneur, and business-builder with more than 25 years’ experience in creating medical technologies to tackle key global health challenges.
Professor Kendall‘s pioneering work has helped put Queensland life sciences on the world stage, with an economic impact of more than $2 billion.
Professor Kendall pioneered the Nanopatch for needle-free vaccination and Microwearables for precision medicine; through invention, science and technology, and commercial realisation; founding and establishing in Queensland two world-class companies (Vaxxas, then WearOptimo). In doing so, Professor Kendall has generated hundreds of Queensland jobs, equipping them with the skills to drive future medical breakthroughs in the Queensland medical industry.
In recognition of his innovation and translation of commercial technologies focused on the delivery of drugs to skin and skin-based disease diagnostics, Professor Kendall has received more than 40 awards and accolades.
With a strong global network and a significant international profile, Professor Kendall has served on two World Economic Forum Global Future Councils and Co-chaired the Australian Stem Cell Therapies Mission.
Father of Queensland tourism
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Sir Frank Moore AO was instrumental in advancing Queensland’s tourism industry.
In 1978, Sir Frank led a government inquiry resulting in the creation of the Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation (now known as Tourism and Events Queensland) and in his role as Chair, championed the development of essential infrastructure, such as Cairns and Townsville airports.
Sir Frank was instrumental in Queensland’s successful bid to host World Expo 88 in Brisbane, which had a profound impact in boosting Queensland’s global tourism industry and profile.
In 1983, Sir Frank was made a Knight Bachelor and in 1991, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the community and the tourism industry.
Global entrepreneur and advocate for women’s employment and education
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Sarina Russo AM is a global entrepreneur and founder of the Sarina Russo Group.
For 45 years, Sarina has and continues to empower Queenslanders in employment and education. Sarina has placed more than 10,000 Queenslanders into employment and has helped launch more than 10,000 businesses from her Queensland head office, the Sarina Russo River Centre.
Sarina established James Cook University Brisbane in 2005. Pioneering the university campus from her Queen Street building, Sarina transformed the Brisbane CBD into a vibrant student destination, inspiring other universities and businesses to follow. James Cook University Brisbane continues to host students from over 88 countries showcasing Queensland.
Under Sarina’s leadership, she oversees the operations of more than 30 employment sites in Queensland, including providing disability support services and managing the partnership with James Cook University, which has been extended by another 20 years.
Sarina’s Queensland Greats Award follows her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 and her Honorary Doctorate of Commerce.
Housing Queensland women safely since 1885
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The Lady Musgrave Trust was founded in 1885 by Lady Jeanie Lucinda Musgrave, wife of the then Governor of Queensland, to support young women arriving from overseas who had no family, no job and nowhere to live.
With a vision to end homelessness for young women and their children so they can live safe, independent and meaningful lives, the trust has profoundly impacted Queensland through its innovative housing programs and unwavering commitment.
Having provided more than one million nights of safe accommodation, transforming the lives of more than 200,000 vulnerable Queenslanders through connections to critical services and providing education on coercive control, Queensland’s oldest charity has and continues to work tirelessly to support young women and children experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Local Legends
Queensland is built on the hard work, kindness and passion of everyday heroes. From local volunteers and teachers to researchers and community champions, the Local Legends Awards recognised the incredible people who make this state great.
He shows up, makes people smile, and brings people together.
Adam Ballard is the heart of Longreach. Living with Williams Syndrome, he contributes to his community through volunteering at the local rugby club and the race track, and sharing local stories on 4LG radio. Adam is known for his warmth, dedication, and pride in everything he does. He doesn’t seek recognition — he simply shows up, makes people smile, and brings people together. His quiet leadership, strong local ties, and positive presence make him a true local legend. Adam represents the best of remote Queensland: inclusive, community-minded, and deeply committed to making life better for those around him.
A quote from Adam’s family
Adam was born in Longreach and has spent his entire life in this community, attending both Primary & Secondary Special Education Units.”
“He volunteered at the Longreach Kindergartens from 2007 to 2020, and currently volunteers at Coola Carpets every Friday afternoon.”
“Adam works behind the scenes at our local rodeo with his dad Peter. His passion for rodeo and bull riding has never wavered.”
“Whenever we are in public without Adam, we’re asked ‘Where’s Adam?’ We’re often referred to as Adam’s mum and dad—not Peter and Paula. Peter has said he has a bigger fan club than Mickey Mouse.”
“Adam is a wonderful young man with a beautiful heart. We care greatly about his future and want the best for him. That’s what drives our passion.”
She inspires many generations to be informed and to engage and seek help.
Aunty Jenny is a local Bundaberg Legend. She inspires many generations to be informed of Domestic and Family Violence and to engage and seek help. A well respected local Elder in multiple organisations, schools, youth services and health services to ensure community understands the importance of shaping a Healthy Community as well as healthy families that make up the Bundaberg community. She volunteers much time with young girls and women to do empowerment talks on country. She inspires a Community Together in Bundaberg. She volunteers much of her time on community initiatives. A true Bundaberg local and Legend.
She became a lifeline for her town during devastating floods.
Carina Chesson is a dedicated teacher and community leader from Ingham, Queensland. During the devastating floods that struck the Hinchinbrook Shire in early 2025, she became a vital lifeline for her town. Coordinating with the SES and Defence Force, Carina conducted welfare checks, managed supplies, and organized rescues throughout the community. Her home became a hub of relief efforts, offering food, clothing, and support to those in need. Even while dealing with damage to her own home, Carina continued to help flood victims with recovery paperwork and emotional support. Her actions exemplify courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping others in times of crisis.
A quote from Carina
Having this recognition is extremely humbling and even embarrassing, as there were hundreds of others helping out as well, throughout the whole Hinchinbrook Shire. Many news stations and radio stations wanted to interview me, but I was too busy to discuss the horror that thousands of families faced.”
“With so much trauma at the disaster centre at my place-of-work the cyclone shelter (Ingham State High Schools auditorium), to assisting everyone there, whilst maintaining constant checking in on the elderly around town whose children could not check on them, themselves. Lots had to be done, and you have to soldier on and do it.”
“I helped ferry food for the police and the unsung heroes; the delivery truck drivers who were the true heroes collecting food, fuel, generators non-stop for 7 days through torrential downpours. I made sure they were fed and had hot drinks to sustain them also. In the middle of this, my daughter gave birth to our first grandchild ~ a little girl.”
She is only 21, a medical scientist and has raised $75,000 for education.
Hannah is only 21 years old and raised $75,000 for the Gympie District Show. She was the leader in bringing the very first Agricultural Education Hub exhibit to this year’s Gympie Show. Hannah is a medical scientist and she provided hands on activities for show visitors and conducted live presentations using dairy cattle blood showing how red and white blood cells are used to help diagnose and monitor cattle health. In addition, Hannah arranged for scientists from the UniSC to attend to provide demonstrations around the use of red seaweed products for cattle to reduce their methane output. Hannah volunteers in her community regularly.
A quote from Hannah
My name is Hannah Johnston, and I have a confession to make: I think blood is cool! Not just because it’s fascinating under a microscope, but because it tells a story—about health, resilience, and life itself.
Earlier this year, I completed two degrees through the University of the Sunshine Coast—an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with a minor in haematology. Today, I’m proud to be working as a graduate medical scientist at Hervey Bay Hospital, where I get to live out my passion every day.
But science, for me, has never been just about the lab. It’s about sharing knowledge, inspiring curiosity, and giving back.
This year, I had the privilege of launching the very first Agricultural Education Hub at the best Agricultural Show in Queensland, the Gympie District Show. With the generous support of Gympie Veterinary Services, I was able to conduct live demonstrations using dairy cattle blood—showing how we can assess animal health through red and white blood cells. It was hands-on, it was messy, and it was absolutely brilliant.
I also explored the power of seaweed—yes, seaweed! Thanks to scientists from USC, we showcased three types, including Asparagopsis, which has the potential to reduce methane emissions in cattle by over 85% when added to their feed. That’s science in action—solving real-world problems.
And none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Oz-Tac Engineering, Bendigo Bank, and a team of volunteers who walked every step of the way with me. Together, we put microscopes in the hands of children and sparked a sense of wonder that I hope will stay with them for life and the first Ag Ed Hub was a huge success.
But my journey hasn’t always been easy. I live with type 1 diabetes. I have an artificial heart valve and a pacemaker. These challenges are part of my story—but they don’t define me. Instead, they’ve taught me to seize every opportunity, to live with purpose, and to serve with heart.
Whether it’s performing music in aged care homes, raising over $75,000 as a showgirl entrant for the Gympie District Show Society, or being named Young Citizen of the Year in 2020 and 2022—my goal has always been the same: to give back.”
In 2025, I was humbled to receive the Queensland Ag Shows award for Outstanding Individual Contribution. But the real reward is seeing young people light up when they discover something new—when they realize that science isn’t just in textbooks, it’s in the world around them.
So, I want to leave you with this: Whatever your passion is—science, music, agriculture, community—use it. Share it. Let it grow. Because when we give of ourselves, we don’t just change lives—we build a future worth believing in.”
He has saved the lives of 33,000 veterans.
Martin Shaw is the President of Wounded Heroes and has worked 7 days a week since 2011 to save the lives of veterans and their families experiencing crisis, homelessness and domestic violence. Martin created the Veteran Centre located in Bundamba including an Op Shop/Cafe where he supports the 8,000 local veterans and the local community through free food programs in conjunction with Foodbank and Food Rescue. Since Martin commenced in 2011 it is estimated that he has saved the lives of 33,000 veterans through his 24/7 crisis line by providing immediate financial support and servicing the gap in government funded providers.
A quote from Martin
My journey with Wounded Heroes Australia began after seeing too many veterans fall through the cracks of a system that was meant to support them. I saw people who had served their country with honour now facing homelessness, mental health crises, and family breakdowns—with nowhere to turn. That sense of injustice and urgency is what drives me every single day.
In supporting over 33,000 veterans and families, I understand the silent struggles many veterans endure once the uniform comes off. I knew we had to do more than offer sympathy—we had to act fast, and act with heart. That’s why I created a 24/7 crisis support line and built a community around practical, immediate assistance—whether it’s paying rent, putting food on the table, or just listening when someone is at their breaking point.
What keeps me going is knowing that a phone call we answer at 2am could literally save a life. I’m motivated by the strength of the people we support, and by the incredible team and volunteers who stand alongside me in this mission. It’s not just a job—it’s a calling.”
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