03/12/2025
Today is National Disability Day, and it feels especially fitting that our Junior Team member, Kianni, received a Special Commendation from the Governor at Government House yesterday as part of the Autism Queensland Awards.
Kianni is a powerful example of what becomes possible when a young person is loved, wanted, and supported for exactly who they are. She has done extraordinary things, including getting on stage during our global advocacy talks, even though speaking is one of the hardest things for her. At the Nest, she brings magic to our littlest participants through dolls, puppets, and make-believe worlds, and she now designs her own card, board, and virtual games for our teen groups as well.
Our Emerging Leaders Program is something I have personally funded, because I believe deeply in empowering the next generation with the skills, confidence, and community needed to do incredible things in the world while staying true to their authentic wiring. It’s where skill development meets self-acceptance, where spiky profiles are embraced, and where young people have a safe place to scrape their knees along the way.
Well done, Kianni. You have earned every bit of this recognition. And well done to Sprinkle for your nomination at these AQ Awards too. I have no doubt that you are both the first of many Emerging Leaders who will be recognised for the brilliance and impact you bring.
This is only the beginning.
