Since arriving as an unaccompanied minor from South Sudan, Elijah Buol OAM, a Criminologist, Community Champion, Youth advocate, former refugee, and father of four has been a tireless advocated for the young and disadvantaged. His advocacy work was instrumental in removing children under 18 from adult prisons in Queensland. Elijah has a unique understanding of disadvantaged communities’ issues, particularly those for young people and has strong community links.
Elijah sits on many government and organisation boards and volunteer in many community services and sports clubs. He is currently the Deputy Chairperson of Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) Ltd and Vice-President of Youth Affairs Network of Queensland.
Through his outstanding advocacy and services to the community in social justice and areas of youth policy reform in Queensland, he receives many exceptionally multi-award achievements. Elijah was the 2019 Qld Local Hero of the Year for the Australians of the Year Awards, recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and 2020 Australian National University (ANU) Student Volunteer of the Year (Postgraduate). Elijah hold many tertiary qualifications in the areas of laws and human services including Master of Laws, Master of Justice (Intelligence).
Elijah has extensive experience in the community services sector and public services. Elijah is currently the Managing Director of Smart Answers Consulting and Executive Director of Refugee Communities Association of Australia.
Through motivational speaking and leadership training, Elijah has inspired many disadvantaged Indigenous, refugee and migrant young people.
Elijah is a passionate advocate who believes in justice and empowerment for all Australians to realise their aspirations and potentials. Elijah was named among Logan City’s 10 most powerful and influential people of 2019 and recently named again among the Logan’s 40 Powerful and influential People of 2020 by the Courier Mail.