A pioneer of healing and reconnection.
Link-Up (Qld) honours the life of Aunty Beverley Johnson, a proud Quandamooka Elder of the Nunukul people of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and our organisation’s first employee. Commencing as Coordinator in 1984, Aunty Beverley played a significant role in the early development of our service. She stepped into a new and largely undefined position with only two weeks of initial training in Canberra. Working as the sole staff member, she operated out of the Brisbane Aboriginal and Islander Child Care office and helped establish the foundations of a service that was deeply needed across Queensland.
Image: Dame Quentin Bryce, Cathy and Sam Watson, Bev Johnson and Flo Watson at a Link-Up (Qld) event.
In those early years, Aunty Beverley travelled widely to raise awareness of Link-Up (Qld). She distributed pamphlets, listened to families who had spent decades yearning for loved ones, and relied on the generosity of churches and community groups to make reunions possible. Calls soon began pouring in, and she managed many cases on her own. She often spoke about the privilege of having five generations of family around her, which strengthened her resolve to support those who had no one left to guide them. Families trusted her because she carried their stories with care, and her calm presence offered comfort to people navigating incredibly emotional journeys. Her work was guided by a strong belief that reclaiming identity and understanding one’s heritage were essential to healing. She helped secure early funding support and contributed to key milestones, including the incorporation of Link-Up (Qld) in 1988.
Her appreciation of the importance of identity, family and belonging helped shape the values that remain central to our work today. Those who worked alongside her described her as gentle but determined, committed to the belief that every person deserved to know where they came from. She recognised the deep impact of separation and dedicated herself to helping people reclaim their stories, reunite with kin and restore their sense of place. The emotional weight of the work never deterred her, and she carried an unwavering hope that every reunion would help repair the past.
Image: Aunty Bev and Aunty Evelyn at Link-Up (Qld)’s Sorry Day event in 2025.
Aunty Beverley’s connection to Link-Up (Qld) continued long after her time as Coordinator. She remained a cherished member of our family and continued attending reunions, events and gatherings for many years, until just days before her passing. Her presence always reminded us of our beginnings and of the compassion and determination that supported those early years. Staff and clients alike remember her as someone who made everyone feel welcome, respected and heard.
We extend our deepest condolences to Aunty Beverley’s family and thank them for sharing her with us and with the many people whose lives she changed.
Aunty Beverley will be remembered with great respect, gratitude and love.
A message from Aunty Beverley’s family:
We are deeply grateful to Link-Up (Qld) for recognising Mum’s contribution and for continuing the work that meant so much to her. Her passion was always about healing and bringing families back together, and we thank you for helping keep her legacy alive.
Published November 2025.