In late 2005, Thurston was one of 13 NRL players who posed for the League of Their Own 2006 calendar that was produced in the style of the Dieux du Stade calendars to raise money for the Koori Kids foundation. Thurston was chosen to appear on the cover of the calendar. He has also worked with the Indigenous communities of North Queensland and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Thurston is also known for always handing — rather than throwing — his kicking tee after a place kick to the ballboy, and for giving away his headgear to a young member of the crowd at the end of a match.[135] In December 2017 Thurston was awarded the Australian Human Rights Commission Medal for his work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.[136] In 2017 Thurston Also won the Queenslander of the Year award and in 2018 was nominated for the Australian of the Year award.
The JTAcademy provides a forum, which encourages Australian youth to access the educational and vocational resources needed to secure meaningful employment.
