John Paul Janke, NAIDOC Committee

John Paul Janke co-host of NITV Australia's The Point, once read a quote which perfectly sums up his mother Joanna Jaima Janke (or ‘Nana JJ’ as his family calls her). 

“My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. She is the beating of my heart.” I simply cannot imagine where I’d be with my mother influence and guidance in my life. 

Because of my mother, I am where I am today. My mother is the backbone of my life, she sacrificed her career to raise three children in a small country town in Far North Queensland. 

She instilled in us the benefits of education, worked so we could have school uniforms, and put food on our plate and do all the wonderful things we wanted to do. She was always there for us. It’s because of her, that I can!