From cycling thousands of kilometres for hospital fundraising to transforming mental health care and environmental advocacy, seven exceptional Queenslanders and organisations have been honoured at the 2025 Queensland Philanthropy Awards at Brisbane City Hall. Before a sell-out crowd of more than 1,000 guests, the annual awards—now in their 15th year—shone a spotlight on the state’s most inspiring change-makers, recognising extraordinary contributions to communities, causes and charities through generosity, leadership and innovation.
Queensland Community Foundation CEO Tara Castle said the winners reflect the best of Queensland’s generous spirit.
“These awards celebrate the power of generosity to change lives. Whether through advocacy, funding or innovation, each winner is making a profound difference—and inspiring others to follow,” Ms Castle said.
The 2025 Award recipients are:
Queensland Community Philanthropist of the Year
James Frizelle (Sponsored by Anglo American)
Gold Coast business leader recognised for his transformational giving, advocacy at the highest political levels, and efforts to connect charities and funders to meet urgent needs.
Emerging Philanthropist of the Year
Dr Joel Dulhunty (Sponsored by Perpetual)
Healthcare champion and founder of Raise it for Redcliffe, Dr Dulhunty rode a penny farthing from Cairns to Brisbane to raise hospital funds—combining passion, creativity and impact to support patient care and research.
SME Philanthropist of the Year
Mental Health Academy (Sponsored by Deloitte)
A small Brisbane-based organisation making a big difference by delivering world-class mental health training that empowers frontline professionals across Australia.
Philanthropy Innovation Award
Ryan Ginard (Sponsored by QUT)
Through Fundraise For Australia, Ryan has trained over 100 early-career fundraisers from remote, rural and under-resourced areas—building a stronger, more sustainable nonprofit sector across Queensland.
Corporate Philanthropist of the Year
BMD Group (Sponsored by QIC)
With a 45-year culture of giving, BMD supports medical research, lifesaving, mentoring and more—continuing the philanthropic legacy of founder Mick Power AM.
Environmental Philanthropist of the Year
Dr Michael Williams (Sponsored by Good Private Wealth)
From fighting biodiversity loss to backing legal campaigns for clean energy, Dr Williams has made a powerful mark on Queensland’s environment through advocacy and strategic giving.
Philanthropic Foundation of the Year
The Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation (Sponsored by Queensland Public Trustee)
Since 1993, the Foundation has distributed over 140 million dollars, supporting medical research and aged care with a focus on high-impact, low-overhead giving.
The Queensland Philanthropy Awards are the centrepiece of Philanthropy Week, a Queensland-wide celebration of giving that is unique in Australia.
