No award but Luke is grateful
TOOWOOMBA’S Luke Terry last night missed out on being named the 2018 Queensland Local Hero.
Mr Terry was one of four nominees for the Australian of the Year state-based category. Brisbane children’s entertainer and innovator Philippa ‘‘Pip’’ Russell won the award.
Mr Terry is known for his work with Vanguard Laundry Service, the prison employment program Work Restart, Ability Enterprises and Barbed - Australia’s first in prison corporate graphic design company.
Mr Terry said he was humbled by his nomination and to have been recognised on a state level.
He also expressed his gratitude for the Toowoomba community who had embraced the social enterprise projects that had earned him his nomination.
“Toowoomba keeps backing us,” Mr Terry said.
“We’re grateful that people trust us and the community gets behind us. It’s about building relationships and working with people we trust who are willing to back ideas even if some of those ideas are a little bit different.
“Regional Australia has a lot to give and a lot to offer,” he added.
Mr Terry returned to Queensland for the awards from the US where he is completing a Westpac-backed fellowship.
Johnathan Thurston was named 2018 Queensland Australian of the Year.