Calling all Champions

Calling all champions of arts, science and innovation: The Queensland Government wants to salute you as part of a new program recognising people who work to make the state a vibrant hub for ideas and culture.

Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Ian Walker today announced the opening of the Champions programs, naming the inaugural Science and Innovation Champions and Culture Champions for 2014.

“The Queensland Government’s vision for science and innovation is to turn ideas into real results to improve the lives of Queenslanders,” Mr Walker said.

“These champions are the people who will be the leaders of industry, helping to grow the four pillar economy as we promised at the election

“We also want to grow the state’s arts and cultural community to realise our vision of arts for all Queenslanders, and not just a few.

“We can’t do that without people such as our Champions who work and provide leadership in these sectors.

“I am delighted to announce the inaugural champions are: Shainiel Deo, Professor Mark Kendall, Jean Madden and Professor Mandayam Srinivasan. The 2014 Culture Champions are: Wesley Enoch, Jeremy Neale, Tess Maunder, as well as Louise O’Reilly and Paul Hannan from Laneway.

“The first Science and Innovation Champions are great examples: Halfbrick’s Shainiel Deo for the company’s success in growing the game development industry; Professor Mark Kendall for inventing the Nanopatch, a needle-free vaccine delivery device; Jean Madden for Street Swags, a community-minded company giving portable and practical beds for the homeless; and Professor Mandayam Srinivasan, for designing robotic aircrafts based on the flight behaviour of bees and birds.

“This year’s Culture Champions are impressive – Wesley Enoch, the first Indigenous Australian to head a state theatre company; Jeremy Neale, winner of the Billy Thorpe Fellowship; Tess Maunder for her work with the visual arts; and Laneway’s Louise O’Reilly and Paul Hannan, past winners of the Grant McLennan Fellowship.”

Mr Walker called on all Queenslanders to nominate their Science, Innovation or Culture Champions by visiting www.qld.gov.au/dsitia.

[ENDS] 28 May 2014

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332