QUANDAMOOKA woman and Nunukul tribe elder Lorraine Hatton has been nominated as the Queensland Australian of the Year.
The Queensland Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero Award recipients will be announced on Friday, November 9 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Ms Hatton, who lives on the Gold Coast, was in the Australian Regular Army for 20 years, retiring as warrant officer class two.
Her career spanned peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, peace-monitoring and war operations.
Ms Hatton achieved many firsts for Indigenous and non-Indigenous servicewomen, including service in Afghanistan.
She plays a significant role in community leadership, including as a female mentor with the Titans 4 Tomorrow and Brisbane Broncos Indigenous Girls’ Academy program, the Preston Campbell Foundation, and a spokesperson for Indigenous Council Committees.
Ms Hatton is chair of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dedicated Memorial Committee, established to acknowledge the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and make the necessary steps toward reconciliation.
The Queensland Award recipients will join other state and territory recipients from around Australia in the national awards in Canberra on January 25.
National Australia Day Council chief executive Karlie Brand said the Queensland nominees were among more than 120 people being recognised in all states and territories.
“The Queensland nominees are extraordinary people doing what they see needs doing most,” Ms Brand said.
“Through their experiences, skills and contributions, they are all making a difference and making their mark.”