Congratulations to Melissa Redsell, the founder of A Brave Life, a Moreton Bay charity for vulnerable mums, for being honoured as Queensland’s 2023 representative to the Australia’s Local Hero awards.
She will represent the state at the national awards in Canberra in January 2023.
This local hero was in Year 12 when she had her first baby. Amidst the struggles she faced and the limited support she received as a young mum within a dysfunctional family life, Melissa graduated high school whilst seven months heavy with a child.
Melissa didn’t let the stigma and judgment she experienced as a single mum prevent her from becoming a success as she attended the university to earn a Bachelor of Nursing Science, a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sexual Health.
As a healthcare worker, Melissa knew firsthand that single or teenage mums need all the help they can get. What began as a simple gesture to gift young mums with newborn essentials gave birth to her charity.
In 2022, A Brave New Life gifted more than 8,000 baby bundle care packages to vulnerable mothers in Queensland. Her charity also provides support for mothers dealing with unplanned pregnancy, domestic violence, homelessness, poverty and trauma.
“This award is not for me but for all the teenage mothers out there,” Mel said after she found out she was a finalist. “The unseen heroes who face ongoing stigma and judgement.”
Aside from Melissa Redsell, the other winners who will represent the state in Canberra are:
- Queensland Australian of the Year – William Barton
- Queensland Senior Australian of the Year – Claude Lyle Harvey OAM
- Queensland Young Australian of the Year – Talei Elu
“The 2023 Queensland Australian of the Year recipients are remarkable people who have inspired us through their words and actions, and they will be wonderful representatives of our great State at the national event in January,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“I congratulate the recipients and all of the nominees for their great work and achievements which help to make Queensland such a great place to live, work and raise a family.”