Proud supporter of the Queen’s Baton Relay

Now on the home stretch to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has highlighted the inspirational achievements of iconic Australians, community leaders and everyday people from all walks of life.

Whether it was for pride in service; achievement in the face of adversity; commitment to community or all of the above, every Batonbearer across the country has an inspirational backstory worthy of their nomination.

As Queensland’s oldest and largest superannuation fund, and Official Supporter of the iconic Queen’s Baton Relay, we have been pleased to meet and cheer on our state’s batonbearers – including more than 130 QSuper members – over the past few weeks; humble heroes who encapsulate the community pride the event inspires.

Our members: Their stories; our motivation

Today, we are enormously proud to share the inspirational story of Brisbane-based Batonbearer, and long-time QSuper member, 57-year-old Willie Prince who will carry the Queen’s Baton this Saturday, 31 March along Grey Street in South Brisbane.

Wilfred Thomas Prince was born at the Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission in 1960. He is a descendant of Kalkadoon Clan from the Mt Isa area in Queensland.

He suffered several illnesses during early childhood and his case came to the attention of the State Medical doctor. The doctor consulted with the Chief Protector and they made the decision to transfer Willie to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane at the age of three. He was later diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Despite spending the next 15 years in and out of hospital, along with the challenges of his upbringing, Willie’s positive persona and determination saw him thrive both in and out of the sporting arena.

In his early twenties he became interested in wheelchair racing. He was a member of the Queensland Sporting Wheelies from the mid-1980s to late 1990s, representing Queensland eleven times in national and transnational competitions in wheelchair racing, shot put, discus and club throw.

He was also successful in his career ambitions. While starting his working life as a newspaper boy, he interviewed for a job at the State Library of Queensland, where he has since worked for almost 31 years.

As an administrative officer in the Library’s kuril dhagun team, Willie’s role is not only as a front-of-house staff member, but also assists with family history enquiries.

“I love my job and the people I work with at the State Library of Queensland. I take great pride in being able to assist the members of my community to make the connections with their family. It is very important,” he says.

A respected community elder and an advocate for people with disabilities, Willie was instrumental in establishing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland. He was recognised for his commitment to the community with a nomination as a torch bearer for the 2000 Paralympics and as a recipient of a Centenary Medal in 2001.

And it’s his passion for life and positive attitude that Willie believes helped him through his most recent challenge; a cancer diagnosis in late 2014. Now in remission, Willie says it was a tough time requiring long bouts of treatment and 12 months off work, but says it was his community and colleagues who got him through.

“I was diagnosed with six rare tumors in my throat, and I underwent a number of operations and had daily radiation treatments. Towards the end of my treatment for throat cancer, I was diagnosed with another, unrelated tumour in my arm.

“I had a lot of leave accrued so I was able to support myself during the year but towards the end of the time I claimed on my insurance through QSuper. I have been with the fund since my first day of work and I am grateful for the support they gave me.

I was able to finish my treatment and then QSuper assisted me with a graduated return to work plan.

I had a caseworker who was there to help me, give me access to support and generally answered any questions I had.”

Willie says his return to part-time work was positive. “I think when you have been so sick, to be able to get back and do the job you love helps enormously. I am grateful to everyone who helped me along the way.” Always giving back, he is now a National Indigenous Cancer Network Ambassador, regularly sharing his cancer story to promote awareness, prevention, screening and survival.

His State Library colleagues describe him as ‘happy’, ‘positive’, ‘much-loved’, ‘a fountain of knowledge’ and ‘well-respected’, both at work and as an elder in his community.

As a valued member of the team, and one who clearly relishes his job and the pride it brings him, Willie was hesitant when asked about his plans to retire.

“I know I am heading towards it,” he says with a grin, “but I definitely choose to work for as long as I can, and for as long as my health and doctors allow.”

One thing he is certain about when it comes to his retirement is his desire to return to sport.

“I am an ambassador for the Red Dust Heelers a wheelchair basketball team. I love sport and that’s another reason why being a Batonbearer and playing a small part in the Commonwealth Games has been so special for me.”

In the lead up to Saturday’s event, Willie admits to a few nerves, but it’s more than safe to assume there will be a large crowd of family, community elders, colleagues and friends rallying to support him on the day.

“I am so grateful to have this opportunity. For me this is a celebration. I am celebrating my people, my community and my life. I’m here and I’m proud of what I get to do every day.”

Personal view disclaimer
The views of this member reflect his own personal circumstances and are not necessarily the views of the QSuper Board and QInsure Limited. We’ve put this information together as general information only and you should get professional advice before relying on this information.

This information and all products are issued by the QSuper Board (ABN 32 125 059 006 AFSL 489650) as trustee for QSuper (ABN 60 905 115 063). You should consider whether QSuper is right for you, by reading the PDS available at qsuper.qld.gov.au or calling 1300 360 750. © QSuper Board 2018