Friday, 6 June 2025 was a day of back-to-back milestones for Martin Shaw, President of Wounded Heroes Australia, as he was publicly recognised for his outstanding service to veterans and their families.
In the morning, Martin received the prestigious Local Legends Award at a formal ceremony at Parliament House in Brisbane. That evening, he stepped onto the field at Suncorp Stadium to launch the fireworks alongside Premier David Crisafulli, moments before kick-off at the highly anticipated NRL Queensland Day match between the Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks.
It was a day that perfectly captured the spirit of Queensland Day – honouring those who make a real difference in our communities, and showcasing the state’s proud sense of mateship, resilience and gratitude.
Recognising a Leader Who Steps Up When It Matters Most
The Local Legends Award is presented each year to everyday Queenslanders making an extraordinary impact. For those familiar with Martin’s work, the recognition comes as no surprise.
As the driving force behind Wounded Heroes Australia, Martin has dedicated years to helping veterans and their families navigate crisis situations. Whether it’s emergency accommodation, food relief, mental health support, or financial assistance – Martin leads a team that responds at a moment’s notice, often when no one else can.
From helping a veteran avoid eviction to ensuring children of deployed personnel have school essentials, the organisation’s work is practical, urgent and life-changing. And at the heart of it all is Martin – a hands-on leader who understands the value of community and compassion.
“This award is a reflection of the work our whole team does every day,” Martin said after accepting the honour at Parliament House. “I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built at Wounded Heroes, and even prouder of the lives we’ve been able to support.”
A Moment Under the Lights at Suncorp Stadium
That evening, Martin was invited to take part in the Queensland Day celebrations at Suncorp Stadium – and not just as a spectator. In a powerful tribute to his service, Martin joined Premier David Crisafulli on-field to help launch the official fireworks display ahead of the Queensland Day NRL match.
Standing in the centre of one of Queensland’s most iconic stadiums, Martin pushed the launch button as fireworks erupted across the Brisbane sky, igniting cheers from thousands of footy fans.
It was a moment that captured the emotion and pride of the day – a celebration not only of our state, but of the quiet heroes who serve it every single day.
“To be standing there, next to the Premier, in front of a packed stadium, celebrating Queensland Day – it was surreal,” Martin said. “But it wasn’t about me. It was about putting a spotlight on veterans, and reminding people that support is still needed long after service ends.”
Shining a Light on Veteran Crisis Support
Wounded Heroes Australia isn’t a large organisation – but its impact is mighty. Thanks to donations, volunteers, and dedicated leadership, the team responds to hundreds of veteran and family emergencies each year. The work is immediate, deeply personal, and often life-saving.
Martin’s moment in the spotlight at Suncorp has helped elevate that mission. The attention brought by both the award and the fireworks appearance has already begun to increase awareness of the urgent issues facing veterans today – particularly homelessness, mental health challenges, and financial hardship.
For Wounded Heroes, visibility isn’t about fanfare – it’s about connecting with more people who may need help, and those who can offer it.
“If just one person sees that moment and reaches out for support, or decides to donate, volunteer or advocate – then it was worth every second,” Martin said.
The Power of Recognition
Queensland Day is all about celebrating what makes this state unique – and that includes our willingness to get behind the people who make a difference, often without recognition.
Martin’s award and appearance at the NRL match were more than ceremonial gestures. They symbolised something deeper – the importance of community-led action, and the role everyday people play in supporting one another.
Premier David Crisafulli summed it up perfectly:
“Martin embodies the Queensland spirit – resilient, generous, and committed to helping others. He’s a true local legend, and we’re proud to stand with him on this day of celebration.”
What’s Next for Martin and Wounded Heroes?
Riding the wave of Queensland Day, Martin and the Wounded Heroes team are now focused on scaling their support services. Demand for emergency aid continues to rise, and with new funding partnerships and awareness opportunities opening up, the team is aiming to extend its reach further across the country.
Key upcoming initiatives include:
- Expanding the Horses4Heroes equine healing program in Wacol, offering free trauma recovery sessions to veterans.
- Growing their volunteer responder network, ensuring more families in rural and regional areas get help when needed.
- Launching a public awareness campaign to shine a light on the often-invisible struggles veterans face after service.
A Queensland Day to Remember
From a standing ovation at Parliament House to thunderous cheers at Suncorp Stadium, Martin Shaw’s Queensland Day journey was a celebration of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to others.
It reminded all of us that behind the fireworks and festivities are people like Martin – community leaders quietly doing the hard work, making sure no one falls through the cracks.
For Wounded Heroes, for veterans, and for Queensland, it was a proud day indeed.
Support the mission.
Wounded Heroes relies on the generosity of everyday Australians to fund crisis services for current and former ADF members.
👉 Visit www.woundedheroes.org.au to donate, volunteer or learn more.
