"My journey with Wounded Heroes Australia began after seeing too many veterans fall through the cracks of a system that was meant to support them. I saw people who had served their country with honour now facing homelessness, mental health crises, and family breakdowns—with nowhere to turn. That sense of injustice and urgency is what drives me every single day.

In supporting over 33,000 veterans and families, I understand the silent struggles many veterans endure once the uniform comes off. I knew we had to do more than offer sympathy—we had to act fast, and act with heart. That's why I created a 24/7 crisis support line and built a community around practical, immediate assistance—whether it's paying rent, putting food on the table, or just listening when someone is at their breaking point.

What keeps me going is knowing that a phone call we answer at 2am could literally save a life. I'm motivated by the strength of the people we support, and by the incredible team and volunteers who stand alongside me in this mission. It's not just a job—it's a calling."

"Having this recognition is extremely humbling and even embarrassing, as there were hundreds of others helping out as well, throughout the whole Hinchinbrook Shire. Many news stations and radio stations wanted to interview me, but I was too busy to discuss the horror that thousands of families faced."

"With so much trauma at the disaster centre at my place-of-work the cyclone shelter (Ingham State High Schools auditorium), to assisting everyone there, whilst maintaining constant checking in on the elderly around town whose children could not check on them, themselves. Lots had to be done, and you have to soldier on and do it."

"I helped ferry food for the police and the unsung heroes; the delivery truck drivers who were the true heroes collecting food, fuel, generators non-stop for 7 days through torrential downpours. I made sure they were fed and had hot drinks to sustain them also. In the middle of this, my daughter gave birth to our first grandchild ~ a little girl."

"Adam was born in Longreach and has spent his entire life in this community, attending both Primary & Secondary Special Education Units."

"He volunteered at the Longreach Kindergartens from 2007 to 2020, and currently volunteers at Coola Carpets every Friday afternoon."

"Adam works behind the scenes at our local rodeo with his dad Peter. His passion for rodeo and bull riding has never wavered."

"Whenever we are in public without Adam, we're asked ‘Where's Adam?' We're often referred to as Adam's mum and dad—not Peter and Paula. Peter has said he has a bigger fan club than Mickey Mouse."

"Adam is a wonderful young man with a beautiful heart. We care greatly about his future and want the best for him. That's what drives our passion."

"My name is Hannah Johnston, and I have a confession to make: I think blood is cool! Not just because it's fascinating under a microscope, but because it tells a story—about health, resilience, and life itself."

Earlier this year, I completed two degrees through the University of the Sunshine Coast—an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with a minor in haematology. Today, I'm proud to be working as a graduate medical scientist at Hervey Bay Hospital, where I get to live out my passion every day.

But science, for me, has never been just about the lab. It's about sharing knowledge, inspiring curiosity, and giving back.

This year, I had the privilege of launching the very first Agricultural Education Hub at the best Agricultural Show in Queensland, the Gympie District Show. With the generous support of Gympie Veterinary Services, I was able to conduct live demonstrations using dairy cattle blood—showing how we can assess animal health through red and white blood cells. It was hands-on, it was messy, and it was absolutely brilliant.

I also explored the power of seaweed—yes, seaweed! Thanks to scientists from USC, we showcased three types, including Asparagopsis, which has the potential to reduce methane emissions in cattle by over 85% when added to their feed. That's science in action—solving real-world problems.

And none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Oz-Tac Engineering, Bendigo Bank, and a team of volunteers who walked every step of the way with me. Together, we put microscopes in the hands of children and sparked a sense of wonder that I hope will stay with them for life and the first Ag Ed Hub was a huge success.

But my journey hasn't always been easy. I live with type 1 diabetes. I have an artificial heart valve and a pacemaker. These challenges are part of my story—but they don't define me. Instead, they've taught me to seize every opportunity, to live with purpose, and to serve with heart.

Whether it's performing music in aged care homes, raising over $75,000 as a showgirl entrant for the Gympie District Show Society, or being named Young Citizen of the Year in 2020 and 2022—my goal has always been the same: to give back."

In 2025, I was humbled to receive the Queensland Ag Shows award for Outstanding Individual Contribution. But the real reward is seeing young people light up when they discover something new—when they realize that science isn't just in textbooks, it's in the world around them.

So, I want to leave you with this: Whatever your passion is—science, music, agriculture, community—use it. Share it. Let it grow. Because when we give of ourselves, we don't just change lives—we build a future worth believing in.