Published Yesterday at 10:49 AM

Premier and Minister for Veterans
The Honourable David Crisafulli

MEDIA STATEMENT: Queensland Greats honoured for improving the lives of Queenslanders

Queensland Greats honoured for improving the lives of Queenslanders 

  • Six distinguished Queenslanders and an esteemed institution received Queensland Greats Awards. 
  • Cancer researcher Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO and employment champion Sarina Russo AM among the recipients.  
  • Ceremony held ahead of Queensland Day, June 6.  

Queensland Greats Awards have been presented to deserving Queenslanders in recognition of their achievements in a range of areas, including cancer care, tourism, philanthropy, biomedical engineering, employment opportunities, and support for young women. 

Premier David Crisafulli last night honoured the awards recipients at an official presentation, noting their exceptional contributions that have helped to shape the development of Queensland. 

The 2025 Queensland Greats are: 

  • World cancer leader, researcher and advocate, Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO
  • Co-founder – Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Mr David Elliott OAM
  • Business pioneer and altruistic philanthropist, Mr James Frizelle
  • Global health technology pioneer, Professor Mark Kendall
  • Advocate for women in employment, Ms Sarina Russo AM
  • Housing Queensland women safely since 1885, The Lady Musgrave Trust
  • Father of Queensland tourism, Sir Frank Moore AO 

The new inductees will be honoured with bronze plaques in Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane. 

There are now 161 Queensland Greats who have been nominated and honoured by communities and their networks across many fields including health, science, education, business, Indigenous affairs, the arts, sport, conservation, community, and philanthropy. 

The Queensland Greats Awards program started in 2001 to honour people and organisations who have made a meaningful contribution to, or whose achievements have significantly impacted, the history and development of Queensland. 

Premier David Crisafulli said the recipients of the awards had made important contributions to Queensland. 

“The Queensland Greats Awards recognise the outstanding people and institutions who have given so much in their field of endeavour and have impacted how we live today,” Premier Crisafulli said.  

“They have pushed the boundaries and given selflessly so that Queenslanders can look forward with confidence to a brighter and more positive future for all.”  

Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO said being recognised as a Queensland Great was a profound honour. 

“To be born and raised in Queensland is a great privilege, conferring values all Queenslanders share, including respect for the fair go, a fighting change, and a future that our children can cherish,” Professor Dunn said. 

David Elliott OAM, Co-founder of Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History said the award recognised the power of what was possible when people come together with passion and purpose. 

“Together, we’ve created more than just a museum, we’ve built a legacy for future generations to discover, learn and be inspired by the prehistoric world beneath our feet,” Mr Elliott said. 

James Frizelle said his award inspired him to continue making positive impacts on our communities. 

“It is truly an honour to be recognised alongside so many past, present, and future inspiring Queenslanders,” Mr Frizelle said. 

Professor Mark Kendall thanked all of the people that have supported and guided him over the years. 

“I am deeply grateful to be honoured with this recognition for making a contribution to Queensland’s innovation and life sciences ecosystem,” Professor Kendall said. 

“I am excited to see what impact those Queenslanders I have mentored will make”. 

Sarina Russo AM said she created her legacy to educate Queenslanders to find their diamond within. 

“Our group continues to inspire millions and beyond,” Ms Russo said. 

Victoria Parker, Chief Executive Officer of The Lady Musgrave Trust said the award reflects the collective power of a community working together to achieve positive change. 

“We are deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to building brighter futures, one home, one opportunity and one life at a time,” Ms Parker said. 

For more information about the Queensland Greats Awards including biographies of the 2025 recipients, visit www.qld.gov.au/qldgreats. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT – Cam Inglis 0412 084 743