A philanthropist who believes the wealthy should use their money to benefit others - and is leading by example - is in the running to be Queensland's Australian of the Year.
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So too is a neonatologist who's saved countless premature babies, an educator who is helping students report harm without fear, and a multi-talented man who is performer, didgeridoo player, basketball player, writer and story keeper.
Clive Berghofer is a Toowoomba-based property developer who recently donated $50.1 million to the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, just one of many donations made by the man who left school at 13, after struggling with dyslexia.
David Cartwright, one of Queensland's three other nominees for Australian of the Year, is a former director of neonatology at Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital whose work caring for sick babies has contributed to big advances in treating premature births.
Twenty-five years ago, Rachel Downie became an educator to help young people and after a Year 9 student suicided she developed and funded Stymie, a site where students can anonymously report harm without fear.
Monty Boori Pryor has shared his passion for literacy and knowledge of Aboriginal storytelling around Australia, Europe and Asia creating a greater harmony, understanding and unity.
Other nominees for the 2020 Queensland Australian of the Year Awards include world-class tennis player, Ashleigh Barty, a travelling greengrocer, cancer researcher, pub choir leader, and veterinary researcher.
The 16 nominees in four categories are:
QLD Australian of the Year
* Clive Berghofer AM - Philanthropist
* Dr David Cartwright - Neonatologist
* Rachel Downie - Educator and social entrepreneur
* Monty Boori Pryor - Story keeper, writer, multi-talented performer
QLD Senior Australian of the Year
* Distinguished Professor Emeritus Judith Clements AC - Cancer researcher
* Peter Dornan AM - Men's health activist
* Professor Ian Lowe AO - Environmental scientist
* Dr Peter Reid - Equine veterinary surgeon and researcher )
QLD Young Australian of the Year
* Ashleigh Barty - Professional tennis player
* Mark Halupka - Radio show host
* Astrid Jorgensen - Pub Choir founder
* Luke Yokota - Men's nursing advocate
QLD Local Hero
* Adjunct Assistant Professor Nick Marshall - Founder, Albatross Nippers
* Fari Rameshfar - Travelling greengrocer
* Tiffany Spary - Homelessness activist and social enterprise founder
* Craig Tobin - Swimmer, coach, mentor
The four winners will be announced on Monday night at a ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
They will later join the other state and territory recipients for the national awards ceremony in Canberra on January 25.
Australian Associated Press
