Outstanding Leadership Award
Derrick Oliver
Derrick is the Cultural Liaison Officer at the Cairns Wellbeing Centre, which provides accommodation and support to people and families from remote areas who need medical treatment in Cairns.
If you ask any of the guests, most would say that Derrick is the face of the centre – he is the first point of contact for guests staying there, 95% of whom are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For many guests, especially those who are elderly from remote communities, being away from home is a big deal – and having Derrick there makes things a lot easier. Derrick knows most of the family relationships throughout Cape York and is always able to make people feel comfortable when they arrive. Derrick is always there, providing appropriate language, culturally safe support or just a chat and a few jokes if that’s what is needed. Derrick always puts the guests first, and is making his community a better place through his dedication and hard work.