Rockhampton Police Prosecutor Kathryn Walker has some extra luggage to carry as she heads to Brisbane to start her new job – the 2026 Justice Peter Dutney Memorial Prize.
Named in memory of Justice Peter Dutney, the award recognises a Central Queensland lawyer with five years or less post-admission experience who demonstrates professional excellence, meaningful community involvement and a commitment to life beyond work.
The trophy was presented at the Central Queensland Law Association (CQLA) Conference Dinner on Friday night.
Ms Walker, who was admitted in 2022, has worked in public prosecutions and private practice. When presenting the prize, His Honour Justice Graeme Crow made remarks about the nomination which stood out due to her sustained effort on behalf of others.
“As Chairperson of the CQLA Early Career Lawyers subcommittee from 2024 to 2026, she brought initiative and care to the role. She encouraged the people around her and, when the inevitable gaps appeared in a volunteer committee’s workload, stepped in to make sure the work was done,” the nomination stated.
“Her leadership of the 2025 circus-themed Law Ball was a notable example. Ms Walker helped bring together a well-supported event that welcomed the wider community, developed relationships with sponsors and donors, and supported the Shelter Collective.
“Her contribution extended well beyond securing support for one evening. She took care to involve supporters and build their connection with CQLA and the local profession.
“She also developed professional education opportunities for younger lawyers in Rockhampton. Working with Queensland Young Lawyers, she helped deliver sessions from Old Supreme Court Chambers that were livestreamed to practitioners further south. That work gave local early career lawyers another opportunity to learn together while extending the reach of a regional initiative.”
Ms Walker said she was proud to have been nominated and won the award.
“The CQ legal profession will always hold a special place with me as it is where I found my feet and continued to (metaphorically) grow as a person,” she said in a social media post.
“I hope I have made my mark on CQ like it has made its mark on me. I am proud of the contribution I have been able to make to the CQ community during my, just over, five years in the region.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that attached to the Early Career Lawyers Sub-Committee Chair position I held over 2024-2026.
“From the CPDs, to the early career lawyer meetings/catch-ups, to the CQLA Charity Law Ball – I have loved every (sometimes stressful) moment bringing events together in my capacity as Rockhampton ECL’s Sub-Committee Chair.
“The award came at a bittersweet time as I enter my last week with Rockhampton Police Prosecutions and I pack my bags to start a job with Brisbane Police Prosecutions. It’s certainly not goodbye, just see you later.”
She said during this year’s CQLA Conference, His Honour Judge Steven Middleton, of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia spoke on the topic of Vicarious trauma in the law. Self-care and building resilience skills for a long career.
“It was an important reminder to be aware of protecting our mental health in such a demanding and often draining profession,” she said.
“The point that resonated with me the most during his presentation was the reminder to have fun. Life is all too short to not enjoy the ride – and I think that’s something we all need to remind ourselves often of. Don’t forget to have fun.”
CQLA President Robert Rooney said the prize was “a fitting recognition of a lawyer who has used the early years of her career to make the profession more welcoming and better connected”.
“Kat has given her colleagues opportunities to learn, to contribute and to enjoy one another’s company. Central Queensland has been the beneficiary,” he said.
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