Experience
Over the past 34 years Curtis has had some remarkable adventures. These have given him insight and experience in a range of areas that will be of great value to any team.
Values
My values have been developed from my past experiences and adventures. Both the army and sport have equipped me with the skills and experience that will enhance any team or organisation.
From my time in the army there was a great focus on teamwork, integrity, determination, communication, and respect. I understand the necessity to work hard to achieve goals and the missions. Working with a team allows me to display these values and collaborate with others to get the job done. Going through the recovery and rehab from my injury was difficult, but if I did not have these values and skills I am not sure I would have had the success I have had so far. These values have allowed me to make the most of every opportunity, as well as looking for others that can enhance myself and the team I am a part of. Goals were not something that set but they become incredibly important to me.
They have given me purpose, motivation and focus to give me a life full of adventure and fulfilment.
Today my personal values I hold are integrity, respect, teamwork, and determination.
Integrity
Respect
Teamwork
Determination
Leadership & Committees
Having led a section of soldiers in the military I have acquired great leadership and communication skills.
My ability to connect and instruct people from varying backgrounds, cultures, genders and abilities enables the team to achieve the mission.
My awareness of others and to be approachable and empathetic allows the team to work efficiently and effectively, as well as providing effective decision making and feedback processes for the good of the group.
I am on a number boards and committees,
currently I am a member of the Board of Paralympics Australia, an elected member of the Paralympics Australia Athletes Commission, a member of the Paddle Australia Athletes Commission and an assembly member of the Akinhead Centre for Medical Discovery in Melbourne
(St. Vincent's Hospital). A portfolio that demands agility, adaptability, and a balance of work/life to ensure
I can add value to each organisation and is something I take very seriously.
Honours and Awards
- 2005 - Bruce Grant Trophy for Outdoor Recreation, Wakatipu High School
- 2006 - Australian Army Recruit Training Student of Merit (best in class)
- 2009 - Australian Army Junior Leadership Promotion Course Student of Merit (best in class)
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2014 – Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Most Improved Athlete of the Year
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2014 – Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year
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2014 – The Courier-Mail McDonald's Queensland Athlete with a Disability Award
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2014 – Para Performance of the Year – presented by Dairy Australia (Nomination)
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2015 – Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year
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2016 – Flag bearer for the Australian team at the Rio Paralympics Closing Ceremony
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2016 – Finalist for 'The Don Award' Sport Australia Hall of Fame awards
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2016 – Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year
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2016 – Australian Canoeist of The Year – Olympic/Paralympic Class
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2016 – Queensland Academy of Sport Peter Lacey Award for Sporting Excellence
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2017 – Medal of the Order of Australia
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2017 – Sportsman of the Year at the World Paddle Awards – the first Paralympic athlete to win the award
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2017 – Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year
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2018 – Paddle Australia Paracanoeist of the Year
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2018 – Queensland Sport Athlete with a Disability
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2019 – Paddle Australia Paracanoeist of the Year
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2019 – Australian Institute of Sport Awards – Male Para-athlete of the Year
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2021 - Queensland Sport Athlete with a Disability
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2021 - Paddle Australia's ‘Paddler of the Year Award with Jessica Fox.
