Wayne Denning facts for kids
Wayne Denning is an Indigenous Australian businessman. He is from the Birri Gubba people. He owns and runs a company called Carbon Creative.
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Early Life and Family
Wayne grew up in a place called Blackwater, Queensland. This is where his family, the Birri Gubba First Nations community, lives. His sister, Tanya Denning-Orman, also works in media. She helps lead NITV, a TV channel for Indigenous Australians.
Education Journey
Wayne went to Central Queensland University. In 1992, he earned a degree where he studied how people live together (sociology) and how the mind works (psychology). Later, in 2006, he got a special business degree called an MBA from Queensland University of Technology.
Making a Difference with Carbon Creative
Wayne started his company, Carbon Media, in 2006. It was later renamed Carbon Creative. He wanted to share the amazing art and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. He also wanted to show more positive stories about First Nations people in Australian TV and news.
Even though it's a business that makes money, Carbon Creative also aims to help the community. It's like a business with a big heart, giving back to First Nations people.
Helping Launch NITV
In 2007, Wayne helped launch NITV with his sister. NITV is a special TV channel for Indigenous Australians.
STEM.I.Am Program
In 2017, Wayne started a program called STEM.I.Am. This program works with Geek Girl Academy. It helps teach Indigenous children about science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
Awards and Recognition
Wayne has received several awards for his work:
- In 2017, he won the Indigenous Digital Excellence Award for Learnings and Education. This award was given by the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence.
- Queensland University of Technology also gave him an award. It was for his great achievements and help for Indigenous communities.
- In 2021, a newspaper called The Australian named him one of Australia's top 100 innovators.
Featured in Exhibitions
In 2017, Wayne was interviewed for the Game Changers series at the State Library of Queensland. This series highlights important business leaders. He was also featured in the Magnificent Makers exhibition at the same library in 2018.
National Film and Sound Archive
From 2011 to 2021, Wayne was the Deputy Chair of the Board for the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. This is a place that keeps Australia's movies and sounds safe.
