Back in 2020, Cameron Costello (B, Leisure Management, ’95) – a proud Quandamooka man from the lands and waters of Moreton Bay, Queensland – was enjoying a successful career advancing First Nations rights, culture and economic empowerment.
He had spent more than 15 years working in local and state government, delivering First Nations policies and programs, including the Backing Indigenous Arts program and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. But he wanted to go further. Then he heard that his work and dedication had won him Griffith’s Outstanding First Peoples Alumnus Award. It was a defining moment.
“I was moving into a new chapter, unsure of what was next, but the recognition gave me confidence and motivation to take the next step,” he says. “It reminded me that the passion and effort I’d invested in my career were worthwhile.”
Buoyed with a newfound self-assurance and motivation, Cameron launched Cameron Costello Consultancy, working with First Nations communities not only across Australia but also internationally.
His work now takes in everything from developing safety plans to investigating difficult issues in remote communities – and he’s busier than ever. “People recognise that experience and trust my approach.”
Strong foundations
When Cameron began his studies at Griffith back in 1992, he had no idea that his time at Brisbane South (Nathan), on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal peoples, would become the foundation for a lifelong commitment to leadership, legacy and reconciliation.
“I was 18, living on campus, and completely immersed in university life,” he says. “I worked in the sport and recreation centre, took part in inter-university games, and was active at the GUMURRII Student Support Unit.
“University, and my experiences at Griffith, shaped who I am as a person. They gave me both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience that became the foundation for my work in sport, tourism and planning.”
And when he moved into working to advance First Nations rights, Cameron was able to apply that knowledge.
“This wasn’t just what I learned in the classroom, but also the practical side.” For example, as CEO of the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, he led a period of transformation, moving the organisation from reliance on external funding to self-sufficiency by expanding into cultural heritage management, ranger programs, ecotourism and sustainable community development.
Cameron credits his Griffith mentors with shaping much of his professional philosophy. “Ray Hibbins was one of my lecturers. He was an incredible teacher and human being. Even after graduation, he kept in touch and continued to guide me. Those kinds of mentors leave a mark. They help you grow, not just as a student, but as a person.”
Making it happen
Looking ahead, Cameron’s focus is on the Quandamooka People and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where he has served as a member of the Queensland Government’s Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Committee.
“Contributing to the Olympic legacy is a highlight of my career,” he says. “It’s a chance to ensure the games have a positive, enduring impact for First Nations communities, through culture, education and opportunity.”
He is also undertaking a PhD exploring how events, tourism and environmental management can contribute to First Nations legacies from the Brisbane 2032 games.
Cameron lends his expertise to numerous other organisations: he’s currently Chair of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council and recently completed six years on the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, helping guide how tourism engages with culture and Country across the state.
He is on the Australian Government’s First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group and is the First Nations Ambassador for venue management company Legends Global (formerly ASM Global Australia), where he advises on reconciliation, cultural protocols and Indigenous engagement in event and venue management.
“The path to reconciliation is still unfolding,” he says. “But many Australians, and many industries – especially tourism, environment and sport – are eager to connect meaningfully with First Nations people.
“That’s what inspires me to keep going. Griffith has always encouraged its students to be bold, to lead with heart and to give back. That’s what I’ve tried to carry with me, and I’m for ever grateful.”
Image captions (top to bottom):
- Cameron attended an afternoon tea for members of the Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community hosted by our Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner and Vicki Howard.
Published 26 February 2026
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