In 2002 eighteen year old Danielle Begg was named Young Queenslander of the Year for her contributions to youth in the State and for her engagement in a range of social justice issues since the age of 13. A high-profiled advocate on youth issues, Danielle was later to be acknowledged through the National award of the Centenary Medal for services to social justice. The award was in recognition for her work with young people and social justice issues as a founding member of Australian Teens Advocating Change (ATAC). ATAC was established in 1999 and since then has been attempting to voice youth opinions to the wider Australian community on issues such as, racism and intolerance, drug abuse, youth suicide, homophobia, the negative stereotyping of young people and the importance and benefits of engaging young people. It was intended that a strong youth voice within the community (such as ATAC aspired to achieve) would highlight issues of concern to young people as well as provoke thought amongst people of all ages. ATAC has used various media campaigns such as media tours around Australia meeting with the press, other youth groups, local politicians, interested community groups and the development of community service announcements (free to air ads) which have also been launched around Australia as the vehicle to raise these issues. ATAC also devoted much time in developing and promoting a mentoring program whereby 17 – 25 year olds mentors would provide support to younger people in need. This initiative is designed to prevent an umbrella of problems which many young people face including low self esteem, lack of strong support networks and effective role modelling. It is also aimed at building and strengthening resiliency in young people. As the Young Queenslander of the Year, Danielle's was to discuss her work, and in turn the issues confronting young people with as many different groups as possible. Her only disappointment has been her inability to secure funding for the Mentoring Program to date, despite a number of submissions to both government and the business sector. However she continues to lobby to obtain funding as she believes it is an effective model which will meet the needs of young people across the community. This page will pictorially review Danielle's year as Young Queenslander and include some of the many speeches she made during that year. The story begins with your acceptance speech on the Speaker's Green at Parliament House in June 2002.
John Eales has been named the Suncorp Metway Queenslander of the Year and Danielle Begg the Suncorp Metway Young Queenslander at a special Queensland Week ceremony at Parliament House on Sunday, 2 June 2002.
Premier Peter Beattie has paid tribute to the two inspirational Queenslanders for their outstanding contributions to the Smart State
"The awards are the State's highest citizenship honours," said Mr Beattie.
"John Eales is a great Queenslander who has set a tremendous example to all of us through his behaviour on and off the sports field," Mr Beattie said.
"With a rugby career spanning 10 years, including 86 tests for Australia and 52 as captain, he is one of Queensland's most inspirational and admired sportspeople."
"He has also been a great ambassador for the sport, with his sense of fair play and gentle nature making him one of the most respected figures in world rugby," said Mr Beattie.
John's recent retirement from the game has meant a new phase in his life with the transfer of his leadership skills to the corporate world.
Suncorp Metway Managing Director Steve Jones said that apart from John's brilliance in the sporting arena, the qualities which made him Queenslander of the Year were his proven leadership and deep integrity.
"He possesses all the attributes of the quintessential Queenslander. He's honest, courageous, friendly and fair. I wholeheartedly congratulate him on his award," said Mr Jones.
The Premier said the 2002 Young Queenslander of the Year, Danielle Begg, was also an outstanding choice to win an award.
"Danielle's active involvement in youth and social justice issues for the past six years clearly makes her an excellent role model for other young people and an inspiration to all Queenslanders," said Mr Beattie.
Mr Jones said Danielle had achieved a lot at such a young age, and her dedication and commitment to youth issues was inspirational.
"Her contributions to the prevention of youth suicide, drug abuse and discrimination against young people through the group she established, Australian Teens Advocating Change (ATAC), have been remarkable.
"There is no doubt Danielle's dedication to promoting youth issues in the community make her eminently suitable for the title of Suncorp Metway Young Queenslander of the Year," said Mr Jones.
Governor Peter Arnison presented John Eales with his Suncorp Metway Queenslander of the Year commemorative medallion, a certificate and a cheque for $3,000.
Premier Beattie and Suncorp Metway Managing Director Steve Jones presented Danielle with her Suncorp Metway Young Queenslander of the Year commemorative medallion, a certificate and a cheque for $2,000.
The number of nominations for the Suncorp Metway Queenslander of the Year increased by 10% on last year.
The Awards have been running for 22 years, with this year being the first time Suncorp Metway has sponsored both Awards. Suncorp Metway has been the major sponsor of the Young Queenslander of the Year Awards since 1989.
The Suncorp Metway Queenslander and Young Queenslander of the Year Awards are the State's highest citizenship honours and recognise Queenslanders who work selflessly for the benefit of the State and its people.