Australia Day: Johnathan Thurston calls for respect in date change debate

JOHNATHAN Thurston has called for a respectful discussion on the date of Australia Day, as some of the biggest names in Queensland get behind calls for him to be named as Australian of the Year this week.

Johnathan Thurston has the backing of most of Queensland to be named as Australia of the Year. Picture: Zak Simmonds

AUSTRALIAN of the Year nominee and star NRL player Johnathan Thurston has called for a respectful discussion on the date of Australia Day.

Tensions have again escalated ahead of Australia Day, with a furious debate about whether the date should be moved out of respect for indigenous Australians.

“The nation needs to have a good, long conversation about this issue before any decisions about changing the day are made,” Thurston said.

“I understand the reasons for the push towards a change, but any change needs to be made from a place of mutual understanding and respect, not aggression and anger.”

Thurston, who campaigns tirelessly on behalf of indigenous Australians to promote better education, health and social outcomes, said all voices needed to be listened to.

“I believe the first step could be an open forum involving our key political and cultural leaders … representatives from all sides of the debate,” Thurston said.

“I believe this would be a good starting point.”

Johnathan Thurston at home with wife Samantha and daughters Lillie, 10 months, Frankie, 4, and Charlie, 2. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The Cowboys captain is not short of fans when it comes to the football field, but Queensland heavyweights from politics to sport are lining up to cheer him on in another contest.

Thurston was named Queensland’s Australian of the Year in November and prominent Queenslanders say they would love to see him be named Australian of the Year.

North Queensland Cowboy Matt Scott knows better than most the dedication his co-captain brings to the causes he champions.

“He’s very proud of his indigenous heritage and the amount of time he puts into that side of things is huge and it is a testament to the type of person he is,” he said.

“You just have to spend a bit of time with him and see the amount of people that stop him in the street or the shopping centres and airports purely just to say thank you for what he’s done for the Cowboys, Queensland and Australia on and off the field.”

Matt Scott speaks highly of his Cowboys co-captain. Picture: Evan Morgan

Cowboys football manager Peter Parr remembers the first time he met Thurston at a Coogee cafe in 2004 to discuss him signing with the Cowboys.

“When I walked away from the cafe I suppose the characteristic that I remember most about him that night was how respectful he was,” Mr Parr said.

“It’s been a privilege to see his football career unfold, but, from my point of view, it’s been a bigger privilege to watch him evolve as a person and see what he’s done in the community and the amount of time he’s given to other people.

“To see him grow as a person and go from that shy, introverted boy at that meeting into the man he’s become, that’s been a real privilege.”

Mr Parr said Thurston had worked hard to better himself, on and off the field, and that any bad boy reputation he had collected in his youth was long gone.

“He has always been a person that’s tried to be better,” he said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Thurston was “a tireless advocate” for Queensland.

“His humble approach on and off the field epitomises the Queensland spirit,” she said.

“He is a strong role model who will leave his mark on many young Queenslanders for a long time yet.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill. Picture: Wesley Monts

The Australian of the Year will be announced at a ceremony this week, an honour Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill would love to see bestowed on one of the north’s favourite sons.

“This is a young man who came from very humble beginnings and was determined to do well and I think that’s a great role model for young people to help them find their way,” she said.

“It just goes to show you can make it, if you really want to you can make something of yourself and that’s why he’s such a great role model.”