2025 Queensland Philanthropy Awards with Trent Dalton

The Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, Chair of the Queensland Community Foundation’s Board of Governors, would like to invite you to celebrate Queensland giving at the 2025 Queensland Philanthropy Awards.

Founded by the Honourable Mike Ahern AO in 1997, Queensland Gives by Queensland Community Foundation, has grown into a beloved and respected Queensland institution. This community giving fund ensures continuous support for charities across the state, providing funding in perpetuity.

We would be honoured to have you join us at the prestigious 2025 Queensland Philanthropy Awards Lunch, which will take place in the main auditorium of Brisbane City Hall on Friday, 6 June. The event will bring together hundreds of passionate Queenslanders dedicated to giving back, including prominent government officials, community and business leaders, and inspiring individuals who encourage us all to 'make a difference' in our own ways.

Australia's first five-time Olympian and beach volleyball gold medalist, Natalie Cook OAM OLY and four-time gold medalist Paralympian Curtis McGrath OAM PLY, will MC the awards and keep us on track. Over lunch Brisbane's very own award winning journalist, author and guest speaker Trent Dalton will join us to chat with another Walkley award-winning journalist Christine Ahern about his charitable work and philanthropy in Queensland. 

More about Trent:  Trent Dalton is the international bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe – which broke records to become the fastest-selling Australian debut novel ever-  Lola in The Mirror, All Our Shimmering Skies and Love Stories. His books have sold over 1.3+ million copies in Australia alone. Boy Swallows Universe is now a major Netflix series which recently swept the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts awards, winning 12 awards.

As a proud Brisbane local, Trent’s deep connection to the community is evident in both his work and personal life. He resides in Brisbane with his wife and two daughters, his roots in the area shaping much of his storytelling. Trent’s unique perspective continues to inspire audiences both locally and globally.

More about Nat and Curtis: 

After winning gold with Kerri Pottharst at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and bronze at Atlanta 1996, Nat has become a sought-after motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and leader in business and sport. She is a Director of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee and Founder of the Aussie Athlete Fund, supporting aspiring Olympians and Paralympians with financial challenges.

Curtis McGrath OAM served in the Australian Army as a combat engineer for 6 years where he served with honour in East Timor, Indonesia and Afghanistan.

On the 23rd of August 2012, Curtis was on a patrol when he stepped right on an improvised explosive device (IED) which detonated beneath him taking both his legs. Only 20 minutes after the explosion, Curtis famously said that “I’ll be alright I'll go to the Paralympics”. That set the stage for what was to come next.

Please join us to hear from these extraordinary Queenslanders who share a vision for making a difference on their own terms and to celebrate our inspiring Queensland philanthropists who share their drive to give.

We will be presenting the following awards:

1. Corporate Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by QIC
2. SME Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Deloitte
3. Community Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Anglo American
4. Emerging Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Perpetual
5. Philanthropy Innovation Award – Sponsored by QUT
6. Environmental Philanthropist of the Year – Sponsored by Goodman Private Wealth 
7. Philanthropic Foundation of the Year – Sponsored by The Public Trustee

Please join us at the Awards After Party to continue the celebration for those who have the time and inclination - full details will be disclosed closer to the time.