Congratulations to our 2025 Recognition Awards Winners

The event brought together members of the autism community from across Queensland, supporters, and distinguished guests to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made across Queensland. Congratulations to our Award winners and Special Commendation recipients.

Junior Individual Achievement Award

This award recognises the exceptional achievements of young autistic Queenslanders for activities such as sporting excellence, artistic contributions, academic accomplishments, advocacy efforts, and overcoming adversity to reach personal goals.

Lucy Hudson

Lucy, 7, was recognised for her exceptional commitment to ice skating and the barriers she has overcome in the sport. Initially hesitant to join group activities, Lucy discovered her love for skating and, with specialised support, now trains three times a week and has won competitions in Brisbane and Melbourne. She is a role model for young girls, bravely advocating for herself and demonstrating the power of inclusive support. Lucy’s courage and determination are recognised with this award.

Special Commendation: Dyshart Morgan, Kianni Jackson, Kenai Rose-Green (not pictured).

Individual Achievement Award

This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of autistic Queenslanders aged 18 years and over. Achievements can include but are not limited to professional excellence, research contributions, personal achievements in sports, academics, or family life, advocacy efforts.

Zoe Atterbury

Zoe was recognised for her exceptional autistic leadership at Bloom Cycle, where she creates inclusive employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Her passion for advocacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainability has earned her notable awards and international speaking roles. By sharing her journey and promoting autistic-led business, Zoe inspires positive change for autistic people across Queensland.

Special Commendation: Monique Mitchelson, Caitlin Hughes.

Parent/Carer Community Champion Award

This award acknowledges Queensland parents and carers who, through their lived experience, have become powerful voices and change makers, demonstrating leadership, compassion and vision in supporting their autistic family member and the broader community through awareness, education or systemic change.

Bronwyn Riley

Bronwyn is a dedicated mother and advocate for her autistic son, Ben. Her journey as a parent has been marked by compassion, determination, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring Ben—and children like him—are supported and included in every aspect of school and community life. Bronwyn’s creative spirit shines through in the way she brings people together and champions initiatives that directly benefit the AQ School Sunnybank Campus. Her warmth, resilience, and inspiring leadership as a parent, and her hands-on involvement demonstrates her genuine care and advocacy for all neurodivergent children and their families.   

Special Commendation: Dr Bridget Cullen, Jodie Kelly (not pictured).

School/Early Childhood Education Award

This award acknowledges the exceptional efforts of Queensland schools, early childhood education centres and kindergartens in understanding the unique needs of autistic students/young children; providing holistic and inclusive support; and ensuring maximum outcomes for the students/children in their care.

Holy Cross Primary School Wooloowin

The parent who nominated Holy Cross School for this Award has three children attending the school, one of whom is neurodivergent. The school was recognised for its outstanding commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child is valued and supported, and both staff and students encourage and include everyone. Through dedicated programs and staff training, the school empowers all students to participate, belong, and thrive.

Special Commendation: Kiwi Kids, Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology, C&K Slade Point Community Kindergarten (not pictured).

Community Inclusion Award

This award recognises an individual, community group, organisation or initiative that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating inclusive environments, programs, and practices that empower and support autistic people. It focuses on leadership in fostering understanding, accessibility, and meaningful participation for autistic people within their broader communities including:

• Inclusive Practices: Policies, programs, or services.
• Community Impact: Demonstrated outcomes and measurable benefits to the autistic community (e.g. improved access, increased participation, enhanced awareness).
• Innovation: Creative or unique approaches to inclusion.
• Collaboration: Partnerships with autistic individuals, advocacy groups, or other stakeholders to prioritise autistic voice in business.
• Sustainability: Ongoing commitment to inclusion beyond a single event or short-term initiative.

Dr Kristy Seymour

Congratulations to Dr Kristy Seymour of Griffith College for her outstanding leadership and innovation in fostering inclusion for autistic students in higher education. Through the Neurodiversity Initiative and the Student Support, Engagement, Retention and Success (SSERS) Framework, Kristy has championed staff training, peer support, and accessible sensory environments—creating lasting change and empowering neurodivergent students to thrive.

Kristy was unable to attend and is therefore not pictured.

Special Commendation: Harriet Sands, Natalie Allen, In Quiet Company (not pictured).

Patronage Award

This award is presented by Autism Queensland to recognise support of note by a business, organisation or individual.

Jo Emery

This award is a heartfelt tribute to Jo Emery, whose extraordinary vision and unwavering passion were instrumental in transforming the dream of AQ School Brightwater on the Sunshine Coast into a reality. As a devoted parent of an autistic child, Jo recognised the urgent need for a specialist school tailored to the needs of her son and countless other autistic children across the region. Through this award, we celebrate Jo as a foundational force behind our first Sunshine Coast school campus.

Special Commendation: Hooper Shaw Foundation, Gordon & Sue Begent.