As QACI students were are so fortunate to be offered a plethora of incredible opportunities not only around Queensland, but globally. On the Friday 9 June, 20 students in Year 10, including me, were chosen to attend the 2023 QCF (Queensland Community Foundation) Philanthropy Awards. This ceremony is the only one of its kind in the entirety of Australia, not only that, but this was the first-time schools were invited to watch this amazing event.
We all eagerly made our way to Brisbane City Hall where the award ceremony took place. You could feel the excitement of every student in the taxi on the way there, as we discussed who we were excited to hear speak. Upon arrival we were supplied with a wonderful lunch made up of multiple types of sandwiches which we all delved into quickly. Even in this small moment it really demonstrated what I love about QACI and its culture. Instead of shying away, we enthusiastically enjoyed our meal provided, spoke with other schools, and even shared their food!
After lunch we entered the hall where the event was taking place. It was an absolutely gorgeous feat of architecture. Looking around at all the tables with beautiful decorations, amazingly dressed people and delicious looking food you could see the sheer dedication of the QCF staff and incredibly intricate organisation that went into making this ceremony what it was. My peers and I could only look around in astonishment and gush over how lucky we felt to have the privilege to attend an event of this scale with the most inspirational philanthropists in Australia.
The room consisted of some of the most inspirational people in the country. The first panellist was Johnathan (JT) Thurston, a retired rugby league player. Secondly, Don Meij, CEO of Dominoes here in Australia. Last but certainly not least, Terri Irwin, conservationist, and owner of Australia Zoo. Before the panellists began their conversation, a few students who attended were asked what they believe philanthropy meant. There were a variety of answers, but at their core it was clear, philanthropy was all about taking action to help others.
Hearing the panel talk about each of their individual experiences and motivations was fascinating. Hearing how JT founded a whole new purpose after retiring from sport was so beautiful. He was clearly passionate and emotional about what he does. Mentioning one of his new initiatives designed to empower indigenous girls in remote communities was especially inspiring. A success story he mentioned from one of his many incredible programs was a girl completing her grade 12 education and getting into nursing school to give back to her community. An opportunity she most likely wouldn’t have received without the incredible work he has put into his philanthropic endeavours and a testament to this young woman’s drive and hard work.
For me personally, conservation and zoology are my passions. As a young girl I grew up watching Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter, or really anything with the Irwin’s in it (young Alice especially enjoyed the Steve Irwin Wiggles special!). Terri Irwin has been a huge inspiration for me from a young age, seeing a woman so passionate, interact with exotic and dangerous animals so confidently and comfortably was something special to me. As soon as I got the opportunity, I took up work experience at Australia Zoo and have subsequently become a regular volunteer there where I have the opportunity to not only work with some incredible native and exotic species, but also people who share the same passion as me. Having the opportunity to hear Terri talk was wonderful and something I’ll never forget. Soft spoken and radiant as ever, she spoke with such passion and genuineness. She spoke on her first memory of kindness, her dad rescuing these ducklings off the side of the road and rehabilitating them, to the success and motivations of her charity Wildlife Warriors which was nothing short of inspiring. It was simply impossible not to hang on to her every word, filled with factual information, personal recounts, and beautiful metaphors.
We got to see the final few awards being announced and wow! The initiatives and charities that are in action here in Queensland are so incredible. From granting blind students access to strong education, to raising money and awareness of domestic and family violence, the calibre of talent and kindness in the room was ever present. Speaking to my peers afterwards of what they thought, and how this event has inspired them was amazing. It Is incredible how my fellow QACI students think and what ideas they have and will no doubt execute in the future. On behalf of all QACI students who attended the awards lunch, we are all so incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and undoubtedly inspired by all the people we heard speak. I am thrilled to be part of the next generation of great philanthropists and I am so excited to see what my peers achieve in the future in this industry.
Article written by Alice Jukes, Year 10