A clinical social worker on Thursday Island since 2009, Aunty Ivy Trevallion has been responsible for leading the child and youth social and emotional wellbeing program for children and families in the region.
Aunty Ivy began her journey to qualification in human services at Aboriginal Task Force, Adelaide where she completed her Community Development Certificate in 1977 and an Associate Diploma in Social Work in 1978.
In 1982, she was accepted into the Social Work Facility and one of the first Torres Strait Islander social workers to have graduated from The University of Queensland in 1986.
Aunty Ivy has dedicated her working life to child wellbeing and social work for more than 30 years.
She helped deliver one of the most substantive developments in legislative and policy reform with the passing of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020.
Aunty Ivy has extensive experience in contributing to the governance of organisations through board and committee roles extending into the community, regional, state, national and international levels.
Aunty Ivy was one of seven outstanding individuals, plus a medical research institution, that joined the list of Queensland Greats, honoured for their philanthropy, innovation, advocacy and cultural impact in Queensland and abroad.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the recipients personified the spirit of the state.
“Through their contributions to education, the arts, social work, housing, health and research, our Queensland Greats have helped us live healthier, happier, more informed and more fulfilled lives,” she said.
“I thank all of our 2021 Queensland Greats for their advocacy and life-long commitment to advancing Queensland.”
