- Seven outstanding Queenslanders and the Rural Fire Service have been honoured as 2023 Queensland Greats
- Corruption buster Tony Fitzgerald and the creators of Bluey joining First Nations composer William Barton, ‘The Pearl’ Steve Renouf, refugee advocate Adele Rice plus pioneers in the fields of early childhood education and stem cell research
- Nominations are now open for the 2024 Queensland Greats Awards.
Seven outstanding Queenslanders and the Rural Fire Service have been added to the list of Queensland Greats.
Now in its 23rd year, the Awards are the highlight of Queensland Day celebrations, marking the day in 1859 when Queensland separated from New South Wales.
The Premier praised this year’s recipients for their inspirational leadership and achievement and their contributions to making Queensland the great state that it is.
The 2023 Queensland Greats are:
- First Nations musician and composer William Barton
- Creator of Bluey Joe Brumm
- Champion of anti-corruption and accountability Gerald (Tony) Fitzgerald AC KC
- ‘The Pearl’ of rugby league Steve Renouf
- Educator and refugee advocate Adele Rice AM
- Queensland’s Rural Fire Service
- Queensland Elder and early childhood pioneer Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM (posthumous)
- Stem cell research pioneer Alan Mackay-Sim AM (posthumous)
Including this year’s recipients, 120 individuals, 19 institutions and 10 posthumous recipients have been recognised as Queensland Greats since the program began in 2001.
They will be honoured with bronze plaques to be installed at Roma Street Parkland alongside the plaques of previous Queensland Greats.
The announcement of the 2023 Queensland Greats coincides with the opening of nominations for the 2024 Queensland Great Awards.
Nominations can be made at www.qld.gov.au/qldgreats until Friday 16 February 2024.
Quotes attributable to the Premier:
“These inspirational Queenslanders have each left their mark.
“They join people like Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Steve Irwin and Professor Ian Frazer as true Greats of our State.
“Some are names you know and some are not, but each one has made an outstanding contribution to our community.
“The other thing they have in common is that they will tell you how humbled they are to be considered for the award.
“I thank all our 2023 Queensland Greats and encourage people to think about those individuals or organisations in their lives who deserve to be nominated for next year’s awards.”
Quotes attributable to Ms Adele Rice AM:
“I am thrilled and honoured to be included in the esteemed ranks of the Queensland Greats, recognised for making a meaningful contribution to Queensland.
“Education has the power to make a real difference in people’s lives. People who are able to access education, develop social competency and maintain positive mental health live longer, get better jobs and are more able to contribute their gifts and talents to society.
“Everything I’ve achieved, both professionally and personally, has been to strengthen social cohesion by removing barriers that prevent people from achieving their full potential.”
