Queensland's 2025 Australia Day Honours: Celebrating Trailblazers and Change-Makers
This year, the Queensland Australia Day honours shine a spotlight on some of the most inspiring individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and fields. Among the 70 honourees are influential community leaders, domestic violence advocates, sporting legends, and outstanding educators, all of whom have worked tirelessly to make a difference.
One such individual is Saba Abraham, a restaurant founder who has been honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her dedicated service to African communities. Born in Eritrea, Abraham became a freedom fighter at the young age of 14 during the country's war for independence. After moving to Australia in 1992, she found a new purpose in advocating for women's rights and founded Mu'ooz, an Eritrean restaurant in Brisbane's West End. The restaurant provides jobs and training to refugee and migrant women, offering them much-needed support in their new lives. Abraham’s efforts go beyond serving food, as she helps women heal from past trauma and become integrated into Australian society. She said receiving the OAM was an honour that left her humbled, acknowledging the deep connection she feels with her adopted country.
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Another honouree, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, received the OAM for their profound work in domestic violence advocacy. In 2020, they tragically lost their daughter, Hannah, and three grandchildren in a domestic violence incident. In their grief, they established the Small Steps 4 Hannah foundation, which aims to educate and raise awareness about coercive control. The Clarkes' efforts have contributed to landmark legal changes, including the passing of Hannah’s Law in 2024, which criminalised coercive control. Reflecting on their award, the Clarkes expressed that while they never sought recognition, they continue their advocacy to honour their daughter's memory.
In the sporting world, swimming coach Laurie Lawrence, known for his life-saving advocacy and his involvement in training future champions, received the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service. Lawrence has coached Australian teams at three Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games. His swim schools teach children water safety, a cause he’s been passionate about for decades.
Leesa Watego, an influential Indigenous leader, was recognised for her work supporting Indigenous businesses and media. Watego is the national coordinator for the Black Coffee Indigenous Business Network, helping Indigenous entrepreneurs build industry connections and thrive in their respective fields.
Honours were also bestowed on many celebrated athletes, including Olympians such as Alexa Leary and Shayna Jack, who earned OAMs after their gold medal victories at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Leary, who set a world record in the 100m freestyle, and Jack, who brought home a gold in swimming, were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Australian sport. Similarly, Arisa Trew, who claimed gold in skateboarding, was among the youngest recipients, at just 14 years old.
These extraordinary individuals, from community pioneers to world-class athletes, remind us of the values that make Australia strong: compassion, perseverance, and a commitment to creating positive change. Their stories inspire us all to reflect on our own contributions to society and the ways we can make a difference in the lives of others. This year’s Queensland Australia Day honours remind us that greatness comes in many forms, whether it’s in the pool, the community, or on the global stage.
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