Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

In this edition of Namalata Thusi, we profile six Indigenous Queenslanders who are making their mark in areas as diverse as sport, community service, the arts and climate change. Read their inspiring stories of how they are contributing to their own communities and the broader community and why we consider them 'legends'.

  • Wesley Enoch

    Noonuccal Nuugi man Wesley Enoch,40, continues his people's storytelling tradition as Queensland Theatre Company's incoming artistic director.

  • Shakira Westdorp

    A tomboy growing up, taking on the neighbourhood boys at their own games, Shakira Westdorp, 25, is Queensland’s first Indigenous female firefighter, based at Surfers Paradise.

  • Sam Reuben

    Move over Al Gore. Sam Reuben, 35, has been to New York to talk about the threat climate change poses to his home country, the Torres Strait.

  • Aunty Ruth Hegarty

    Queensland Great Aunty Ruth Hegarty, 81, has pursued social justice for Indigenous people for most of her life, most recently as spokesperson for the Stolen Wages campaign. She invests great time and faith in children.

  • Ali Drummond

    Torres Strait Islander Ali Drummond, 93, was named joint NAIDOC Elder of the Year at a national ceremony in July.

  • Jesse Williams

    Jesse Williams, 19, is 'hot' in the United States where American colleges are fighting for him to come play with them.