An individual who has shown extreme dedication to the lives of those around them.
Since 2014, the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards are a way of recognising the hard work, dedication, and exceptional service of those who protect, serve, and heal our communities.
2023 marked the ninth year QBANK hosted its flagship awards event, which encourages the Queensland community to nominate its unsung heroes for their outstanding contributions and service. Six category winners receive $2,000 cash deposited into a QBANK account and $2,000 donated to a nominated charity, per award category.
“These awards are such a special way to shine a light on the unsung heroes in our state and recognise their hard work and dedication, even when they think no one is watching.” - QBANK CEO, Byron Fuller.
We couldn't be happier to announce the winners of the Everyday Heroes Awards for 2023.
WORKING TOGETHER: Wylie Steel and Callam Moriarty, QPS, and Vaughan Mason, QAS, Baralaba
Wylie, Callam and Vaughan were integral in a community effort to rescue a Baralaba man who became trapped in a grain silo. Using their equipment and quick thinking, the trio were able to combine their emergency service skills to perform a lifesaving extraction.
DEDICATION: Byron Tyrer, QAS, Russell Island
Advanced Care Paramedic Byron Tyrer was the first on scene at a Russell Island house fire on August 6 where a father and his five young boys were killed. He was able to assess the risk and assist neighbouring properties, saving lives in the 11 minutes until emergency services arrived.
ACHIEVEMENT: Laurie Bateman, QPS, Palm Island
Laurie is a third-generation sheep shearer turned police officer who works in his small Palm Island community creating opportunities for local Indigenous youth and increasing cultural awareness for the wider Indigenous community. He runs learn-to-drive and amateur shearing programs to help participants gain confidence and learn new skills.
EXCELLENCE: Helen Zahos, Volunteer, Gold Coast
Helen is a humanitarian aid volunteer who has taken her passion for helping others through nursing into some of the most dangerous areas in the world for more than 20 years. Entering active disaster zones and third-world countries she uses her skills as a registered nurse to provide medical assistance to underprivileged communities, asylum seekers and refugees.
OWNERSHIP: Margaret Langdon, QCS Volunteer, Brisbane North
Margaret is a dedicated volunteer who helps community service participants complete their hours with a needle and thread. Through her Quest for Quilts program, participants create quilts from recycled QCS uniforms. In learning a new skill, they also help people in need through donations of their quilts.
YOUNG HERO: Tom Price, Volunteer, Brisbane
When Tom Price noticed a dip in the mental health of himself and his peers, he decided to take action. His not-for-profit organisation, You Are Not Alone, is raising awareness for youth mental health through videos content, social media and presentations in Queensland schools to connect young people with support services.
Read More: https://www.qbank.com.au/latest-news/
To be eligible for the Everyday Heroes Awards, the nominated person must be over 18 and a government employee (Local/State/Federal) residing in Queensland and be employed in a job that is principally concerned with the administration of justice and protection of life/property. To be eligible for the Young Everyday Hero Award, the nominee must be aged 12 to 17 and reside in Queensland. Volunteers and Student Volunteers are also encouraged to apply. This includes SES, Surf Life Saving, and other protection and rescue services.
Any member of the public can put forward a nominee for the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, including one for themselves, providing they are eligible for the awards.
The QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards is a great opportunity to say thank you to someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help your community. It is a chance to shine the spotlight on the great work of the unsung heroes in our community who deserve recognition for their efforts.
Each category winner will receive $2,000 cash deposited into a QBANK account and $2,000 donated to a chosen charity per category.
Each nomination is reviewed by QBANK and allocated to one of six awards categories including Dedication, Ownership, Achievement, Excellence, Working Together and the Young Hero Award. Finalists for each category are sent to the Judging panel.
Award recipients are selected by seven highly respected judges who have proven track records of professional commitment and community dedication, commonly through fundraising and charity work, supporting the vulnerable or disadvantaged, mentoring and leadership or spreading community awareness.
An individual who has shown extreme dedication to the lives of those around them.
Honours an individual who has demonstrated empowerment & integrity.
A passionate individual who has delivered outstanding performance & high achievement.
An individual who has shown innovation, independence & forward-thinking.
A young person who has demonstrated admirable contribution to our community.
An individual who has demonstrated & encouraged outstanding teamwork.
