An e-waste recycler, a paediatric surgeon and an indigenous army veteran are among the nominations for the 2019 Queensland Australian Of The Year Award.

November 9, 2019

A recycler who turns electronic waste into bikes powered by old laptop batteries and flood warning systems is among a stellar list nominated for the 2018 Queensland Australian of the Year Award.

Tony Sharp’s innovative use of e-trash saves 92 per cent of what he collects from landfill by re-using the steel, plastic, copper and electronic components from household items such as computers and televisions.

The social entrepreneur has not only solved the world’s fastest-growing environmental problem, he has created more than 150 first-time jobs within the Logan community. 

However, he faces stiff competition including from the founding father of paediatric surgery in North Queensland, Dr Harry Stalewski.

When Dr Stalewski arrived in Townsville from the UK in 1987, he became solely responsible for all paediatric surgery north of Brisbane. 

This meant being on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for 25 years. 

Dr Stalewski has saved countless lives and supported thousands of families through some of their toughest times. 

Another nominee is an indigenous leader and army veteran, Lorraine Hatton.

The proud Quandamooka woman and elder from the Nunukul tribe distinguished herself in service to her country in the Australian Regular Army for 20 years. 

Her career spanned peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, peace-monitoring and war operations in various theatres and campaigns.

Ms Hatton now plays a significant role in community leadership, including as a mentor with the Titans 4 Tomorrow and Brisbane Broncos Indigenous Girls’ Academy program.

The final nominee is children’s champion Detective Inspector Jon Rouse, who has 34 years’ service with Queensland Police.

In 1996 Det Insp Rouse commenced investigating crimes against children and five years later moved to Task Force Argos where he implemented Australia’s first operation proactively targeting internet child sex offenders. 

He has also delivered training sessions and presentations on online child exploitation investigations to law enforcement officers across Australian and internationally. 

He currently works with the INTERPOL Covert Internet Investigators Group and is a director with The Society for the Policing of Cyberspace.

“The Queensland nominees are extraordinary people doing what they see needs doing most,” National Australia Day Council chief executive Karlie Brand said in a statement.

The Queensland nominees are among more than 120 people being recognised in all states and territories as part of the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards.

The winner will be announced on Friday, along with the winners of the Queensland Senior Australian of the Year, Queensland Young Australian of the Year and Queensland Local Hero awards.