For proud Butchulla and Munanjali man Malakye Blow, leadership has always been about returning to community and creating opportunities for those coming after him.
Awarded the Sunshine Coast NAIDOC Deadly Youth Award, Mr Blow has become a role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, not because of his age, but because of the way he continues to show up for his people.
Only two years ago, Mr Blow was a student at Caloundra State High School. Today, he works there as a Community Education Counsellor and teacher aide, supporting the next generation through education, culture and connection.
"It has been a really rewarding journey," Mr Blow said.
"Caloundra State High School played a big part in shaping who I am today, so being able to come back and give back to the school means a lot."
Having once been one of the students he now mentors gives Mr Blow a unique understanding of the challenges many young people face. He said if he could make even one student's journey a little easier, he knew he was doing what he had set out to do.
At the heart of his work is the Bu'ran'dou cultural leadership program, which he helped establish while still a student and now leads. The program creates a culturally safe space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students strengthen their identity, build confidence and develop leadership skills while building pathways into education, employment and community leadership.
For Mr Blow, culture is the foundation that allows young people to thrive.
"Culture gives our young people a sense of belonging," he said. "When they know who they are, where they come from and the strength of the people who came before them, it builds confidence, pride and resilience."
Under his leadership, participation in the program has grown from around 40 students to more than 60. Beyond weekly cultural leadership activities, Mr Blow supports students experiencing challenges with attendance, behaviour and learning, while also working closely with families to strengthen the connection between home and school.
"Supporting students doesn't stop at the school gate," he said. "It's about walking alongside them, not in front of them."
That philosophy extends beyond the classroom. Mr Blow regularly brings Elders, community organisations and positive Aboriginal role models into the school, creating opportunities for students to see culture reflected in everyday life while strengthening pride in who they are.
Rather than leaving community behind as opportunities opened up, Mr Blow chose to return to the place that helped shape him.
"I hope our young people see someone who genuinely cares about them and believes in what they're capable of," he said. "If they leave school knowing they're enough, that they're valued and that they should never be ashamed of who they are, then I've done my job."
Alongside his work at the school, Mr Blow is studying a Diploma of Youth Work, continuing to build his knowledge and skills so he can advocate even more strongly for young people and their families.
Receiving the Sunshine Coast NAIDOC Deadly Youth Award, he said, was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
"I see it as recognition not just of me, but of everyone who has supported and guided me along the way — my family, friends, colleagues and community," he said. "It motivates me to keep working hard for our young people."
His hope for the future is one shared by many Aboriginal leaders who have come before him.
"I want our young people to grow up proud of who they are and never feel like they need to choose between their culture and their dreams. I hope they become future leaders who continue to strengthen our communities, support one another and inspire the generations that follow."
For Mr Blow, leadership is not about standing in front. It is about walking beside the next generation, helping them find strength in culture, confidence in themselves and pride in the path they are creating for those who will follow.
