Carly Fradgley
Baby Give Back: CEO & Founder
Did you know that one in six children in Queensland are living in poverty? Through her not-for-profit organisation, Baby Give Back, Carly Fradgley (36) is looking to break the cycle of poverty for disadvantaged and vulnerable families (including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds), and give children a safe and equal start to life. Since launching in 2016, Baby Give Back has helped more than 25,000 children by providing clean and safe baby essentials, such as cots, prams, car seats, nappies, formula and clothing. These essential items are packed by a team of more than 300 volunteers before social service caseworkers see they go directly to those most in need.

Three books that changed your life?
“Brene Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection, Molly Benjamin’s Life Is Tough (But So Are You), and Melinda Gates’ The Moment of Lift.“

William Smith-Stubbs
Spur Projects, Spur Labs and Toucan: Co-Founder and CEO
William Smith-Stubbs (35) is the co-founder and CEO of not one successful organisation, but three. It all started with Soften the Fck Up, a campaign designed to reduce suicide in young men using language they used and understood. This campaign turned into a non-profit organisation that has gone on to produce some of Australia’s most impactful public-health campaigns. These days, William and his team are embarking on projects dedicated to producing innovative solutions to harmful online hate speech, while also assisting local NFP’s improve foster care applications by 300 percent, improve outcomes for LGBTIQ+ Victorians and working with elders to design tech tools to reduce isolation. Toucan, William’s global mental health data platform, is now a for-purpose program being used to improve general mental wellbeing as well as workplace mental health.

One rule you live your life by?
“Above all else, be kind. It’s easy to forget, but it makes everything better and few people understand the long term value of kindness.“

Desire Ude
Anchored Care: Managing Director
When Desire Ude (38) arrived in Australia as an international student, he came with a burning desire to create a meaningful impact on the world. Realising the significance of service and community engagement, Desire dove head first into the world of social-justice initiatives and community-oriented entrepreneurship, a journey that saw him build Anchored Care, an organisation that looks to provide employment opportunities and improve the lives of Queenslanders living with disabilities. With a unique and profound value system at its core, Anchored Care is elevating the standard of disability care by offering not only core support and mental-health services, but also helping its participants experience profound personal growth and fulfilment. Anchored Care also offers specialised support tailored to the specific needs of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Laugh often, laugh loudly. Find humour in everyday situations and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Share laughter with others and let it be contagious. Laughter is a powerful tool for bonding, reducing stress, and embracing the lighter side of life.“

Ryan Dempsey
Strive Community Care: Co-Founder and Director
Despite having only been in operation for two years, Strive Community Care – founded by Ryan Dempsey (35) and his wife Daisy in 2021 – has done lots to assist at-risk, high-needs and vulnerable children and families throughout Queensland. The therapeutic residential OOHC and NDIS provider offers culturally appropriate and quality residential care for young persons, with its goals including reducing their presence in detention, re-engaging them in school, and regulating their behaviours so they can enter the foster-care system. Strive Community Care currently boasts a success rate of 90 percent when attempting reunifications (reunifying children in OOHC to live with family).

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Every person has goodness inside them.“

Mathew Townsend
Nature Freedom: Founder and CEO
Mathew Townsend (32) had to overcome many obstacles before finding the freedom to explore his passion for environmental conservation. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in his youth and losing his hearing when he was 18 months old, the social isolation, anxiety and depression Mathew developed through continuous job rejections post university led Mathew to found Nature Freedom – an inclusive not-for-profit organisation that has not only changed his life, but the lives of many facing similar difficulties. Nature Freedom creates inclusive and accessible nature-based activities, programs and tours that are co-designed by people with disabilities and relevant community groups. Nature Freedom also provides employment opportunities within the organisation for people with disabilities. Nature Freedom also provides employment opportunities within the organisation for people with disabilities. If you’re interested in finding out more and supporting Nature Freedom, you can view its Sponsorship Prospectus here.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Don’t give up.“