2023 Queensland Philanthropy Week Awards
Event description
In October 2014, two best mates had a crazy idea to put two washing machines and two dryers in the back of a van, to wash and dry clothes for free. Orange Sky – a world-first, free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness, was the result of this big idea. Founders Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett , 2016 Young Australians of the Year and recipients of the Order of Australia Medal, are long time friends of QCF and will MC the awards.
Over lunch another long term friend of QCF, ABC broadcaster Rebecca Levingston, will chat with our very special guests Terri Irwin AM; Don Meij and Johnathan Thurston AM to discover where their 'big idea' for change came from and what drives them to keep dreaming and building towards their ultimate goal.
Terri Irwin AM - Wildlife Warriors and Steve Irwin (posthumously), the inaugural winners of the 2022 Queensland Environmental Philanthropist of the Year
Terri was born in Eugene, Oregon, and had a love for wildlife instilled in her from a very young age. Whilst vacationing in Australia, Terri visited the 'Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park', and was captivated by Steve, an enthusiastic man in his khakis, talking so passionately about crocodiles. Steve and Terri's wildlife documentaries brought the message of wildlife conservation across the world, inspiring people to learn about wildlife and how we can protect them. Today, through her important work at Australia Zoo and the internationally renowned charity Wildlife Warriors, Terri continues to be a passionate wildlife spokesperson and conservation icon. She has dedicated her life to fulfilling Steve's legacy with the heart-warming support of her children, Bindi and Robert.
Don Meij - CEO & MD Domino's Group, 2022 Queensland Corporate Philanthropist of the Year
Don’s inspiring journey from pizza delivery driver to global pizza mogul is one of relentless focus and determination, a desire to crush convention, to build great teams and culture, and, above all, to continually strive to make the customer experience better.
Don has helped mobilise management teams, franchisees, and team members from across the world to become Domino’s for Good. From expanding the Company’s charitable projects and programs, to working to reduce Domino’s environmental footprint, Don is committed to empowering all levels of the business to "do the right thing because it is the right thing to do".
In 2020, Domino's donated more than 200,000 safe, hot meals to those on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and established ‘Feed the Knead’ – a locally run program where stores identify the ‘knead’ in their communities and provide support through free pizza. Don is passionate about this chapter in the Domino’s story and looks forward to continuing to realise the Company’s potential as not only one of the most successful pizza franchises in the world, but also the valuable contribution it can make as a responsible and innovative corporate citizen.
Johnathan Thurston AM, NRL Player and Indigenous mentor, 2018 Australian of the Year
He is known as the best player in Rugby League, but Johnathan Thurston is also one of the most giving. Former captain of the North Queensland Cowboys, Johnathan played as an Australian international, Queensland State of Origin and Indigenous All Stars representative halfback, five-eighth and goal-kicker. is today renowned for his philanthropy as well as his sporting prowess. In 2015, he became the first four-time Dally M Medallist for the NRL season's best player, and later the first ever three-time winner of the Golden Boot Award for the world's best player. Johnathan’s willingness to give is just as legendary. An ambassador for the Queensland Reconciliation Awards, Johnathan has lent his voice to the Recognise campaign to acknowledge Indigenous people in the Constitution. In 2017, he helped launch the $9.5 million NRL Cowboys House, a home away from home for over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote North Queensland. Johnathan’s qualities of humility, sportsmanship, leadership and loyalty are admired both on the football field and off, making him an inspiring role model for Indigenous people and a great Australian.
At the event we will be presenting the following awards:
- QCF Corporate Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by QIC
- QCF SME Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Deloitte
- QCF Community Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Anglo American
- QCF Emerging Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Perpetual
- QCF Philanthropy Innovation Award – Sponsored by QUT
- QCF Environmental Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Goodman Private Wealth
- QCF Philanthropic Foundation of the Year – Sponsored by The Public Trustee