QUEENSLAND

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards QLD

 

2022 Winners

 

2022 Winners with Jack Ball, Content Director, B105

Overall Winner - 2022 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year

Amy Tobin, 27 of Burleigh Heads runs ‘Now I Can Run’, an Australia-wide not-for-profit organisation to raise money for children and adults with disabilities to purchase race runners and fund the costs o sending them to events and training them in race running. Amy has a diagnosed disability of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She is dedicated to allowing others the opportunity to reach for the starts.

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award

Jakob Hearn, 19 of Worongary founded Smaller Smiles. This volunteer organisation strives to educate younger members of the community on the importance of oral health. They work with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation to achieve this goal. Jakob is also a Team Leader for Clinics for Kids, a volunteer organisation that provides free dental care to underserviced, underprivileged communities around the world.

The University of Queensland Create Change Award

Ned Heaton, 14 of Sherwood founded The Turtle Tribe at the age of 11, with the mission of reducing ocean plastics by educating people about the global threat of plastic pollution. Calling for a ban on plastic toothbrushes, The Turtle Tribe is now one of Australia's largest suppliers of bamboo toothbrushes. Ned’s latest project is crowd-funding his educational children’s picture book, ‘Say No to Plastic!’

Qoin Small Business Achiever Award

Katie, founder of Sabbia Co, 27 of Burleigh Heads creates facial kits out of sustainable, biodegradable, reusable and chemical-free tools. Katie also works with 3 Australian labs to create sustainably sourced and packaged skincare. They now have over 25 skin tools and skincare products. Katie has grown Sabbia Co from a $5,000 investment to a 6-figure business in just three months. They have one full-time, one part-time employee and two interns.

Leveraged Solutions Entrepreneurship Award

Emily Martin, 23 of Collingwood Park founded Dundies, an Australian-made, eco-friendly and reusable pet nappy business on a mission to reduce animal euthanasia rates globally. Emily was inspired by Sophie, her mischievous but super cuddly pup whom she saved from scheduled euthanasia. Emily started with 12 months of research and development, working alongside veterinarians and pet health professionals. Dundies company turnover increased 93% in 2021.

Special Event Presentation Sporting Achievement Whilst Overcoming Adversity Award

Amy Tobin, 27 of Burleigh Heads is the first person with profound disabilities to complete the Honolulu Marathon in 2018. She completed the 2019 Melbourne and Noose triathlon and the 2020 Honolulu and Gold Coast virtual marathons. Amy was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Between 2017 and 2022, Amy has walked multiple times with the help of her walker for 5kms to fundraise money for kids with disabilities.

Leveraged Solutions Innovation Award

Cam Martin, 25 of Brisbane is the founder and creator of Work Window, the first Australian-made, virtual reality-based careers exploration app. Through interactive virtual reality experiences, they transport students to the workplaces of their interest so they can make informed decisions and build confidence. Work Window’s mission is to provide equitable access to career information, regardless of location, socio-economic status, or the school they attend.

Bendigo Bank Community Volunteer Award

Cody Schaeffer, 28 of Alexandra Hills has been volunteering since he was 15, planning and running events to benefit youth across Queensland. Cody started his own charity, Borderline Australia. He runs the popular Borderline Youth Camps program. In 2022, his focus is largely on youth mental health and helping young people through their darkest days via free programs that Cody himself created. He volunteers around 50 hours weekly.

Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award

Amelia Ayris, 15 of Greenbank writes and produces award-winning films and documentaries to raise awareness about depression, self-harm, anxiety, assault and sexual abuse and empowering young people to speak out. She also writes and records songs about these issues. She is also involved in child protection education with Bravehearts. In 2021, she was invited as guest and speaker at the National Child Protection Forum in Darwin.

First National Real Estate Leadership Award

Dr Tahnee Bridson, 29 of Mareeba founded Hand-n-Hand Peer Support Inc. in 2020. The bi-national organisation provides peer support to all healthcare workers in Australia and New Zealand who may be experiencing wellbeing or mental health difficulties. What began as a small WhatsApp chat is now a group with over 2000 healthcare workers on social media. Dr Tahnee was awarded 2022 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland.

Englander Davis Online Achiever Award

Jack Bloomfield - Disputify, 19 of Brisbane started Disputify at age 17 to solve his own personal problems in eCommerce and help make the internet a safer place. Disputify helps merchants identify and reward trustworthy customers. They now have over 400 live merchants and profiles on 2m customers globally. Jack has raised $3.8m from global investors and works with a small team based in Brisbane.

Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award

Natasha Smith, 24 of Limestone Ridges was the face of the ‘Pump the brakes’ project, an article targeting career choices based on gender tradition. Natasha was also part of the ‘Girls on Track’ initiative, which holds events for school girls to help grow interest in STEM subjects. In 2019, Natasha won the Toyota national skills competition as a technician, the first female in Australia and globally to win.

 

 

2021 Winners

2021 Winners with Jan Schutt, General Manager, Royal on the Park

Overall Winner - 2021 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year

Kyle Ryan, 21 of Inala has a passion for the Indigenous Community. Kyle is on the Inala Wangarra Board, who support local Indigenous events and people to ensure culture is being practised and oversee programs providing legal support for juvenile offenders. Kyle is an ambassador at Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation, where he shares his story and provides information about life after high school. As part of the ATSI Studies Unit at University of Queensland, Kyle mentors at domestic outreach camps. He is part of the Queensland Australian Indigenous Health Council’s Indigenous Youth Health Committee, which develops the QLD ATSI Health Strategy for 2020-2023.

 

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award

Kyle Ryan, 21 of Inala has a passion for the Indigenous Community. Kyle is on the Inala Wangarra Board, who support local Indigenous events and people to ensure culture is being practised and oversee programs providing legal support for juvenile offenders. Kyle is an ambassador at Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation, where he shares his story and provides information about life after high school. As part of the ATSI Studies Unit at University of Queensland, Kyle mentors at domestic outreach camps. He is part of the Queensland Australian Indigenous Health Council’s Indigenous Youth Health Committee, which develops the QLD ATSI Health Strategy for 2020-2023.

 

The University of Queensland Create Change Award

Angelique Hallett, 17 of Sippy Creek is making a change in the lives of children affected by domestic violence. Angelique started Loving Hope Bears, a social enterprise that allows customers the opportunity to support children in local domestic violence shelters by giving them a new teddy bear. Her goal is to dramatically decrease the long-lasting effects of domestic violence on children by providing them with comfort. To develop her entrepreneurial skills, Angelique completed programs for young entrepreneurs and has earned Diplomas in Business and Event Management. Angelique was awarded the 2021 Young Citizen of the Year for the Sunshine Coast

 

Qoin Small Business Achiever Award

Scott Millar, 20 of Newstead turned a school business project into a thriving education company. Scott co-launched BOP Industries, with a mission to inspire the next generation of digital creators. They deliver programs teaching primary and high school students 21st-century skills around entrepreneurship, innovation and STEM. Their programs were backed by the knowledge and expertise of their educators and industry partners. Since 2018, they have worked with 50,000 students in over 36 locations worldwide. They have received a $30,000 investment from Queensland University of Technology and a $50,000 investment from Rio Tinto. Scott previously founded a holographic entertainment company while he was a Year 12 student.

 

Leveraged Solutions Health and Wellbeing Award

Mikaela Seymour, 28 of Hamilton is committed to rural health outcomes in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mikaela is a medical doctor who works in Middle Fly, PNG as an Aerial Health Patrol team member, providing essential public and preventative medical care. Dr Seymour founded the Project Yumi Bush Dokta Initiative, after realising many rural health clinics were not receiving essential equipment and supplies. Through the Initiative, Mikaela has assisted rural health care workers on the frontline in supporting their communities. Throughout 2019, she was able to transport donations to hospitals. Mikaela has committed to further study a Masters of Public Health to improve the Initiative’s effectiveness.

 

Awards Australia Community Volunteer Award

Clancy and Harry Taske, 10 and 13 of Redland Bay are committed to making life-long impacts on people. Each year, the brothers choose an organisation who help people in need and organise a donation to help that group. They put the call out to their schools, friends, family members and extra-curricular groups. They collect the items such as blankets for the homeless, food hampers, backpacks for children who are victims of domestic violence and second-hand sporting goods for drought-affected areas of outback Queensland. They most recently collected items for RizeUp, an organisation that rehomes women and families who fled domestic violence situations. The boys set themselves a goal every year.

 

First National Real Estate Leadership Award

Majella Ritchie, 28 of Aspley is working towards supporting disengaged youth and closing the gap in Indigenous Education. In 2017, Majella became the youngest principal in Australia and helped increase her school’s average attendance rate to 98%. She mentors beginning teachers on the importance of understanding Aboriginal and Torres Islander cultural links and embedding them in the classroom. Majella led a petition and contacted Unilever to discuss issues associated with young people using Rexona cans as inhalant. She communicated with Queensland Police to strategize ways to prevent children from chroming. Majella has a Post Graduate in Special Needs Education and Diploma of Criminal Psychology and Justice.

 

BB Print Regional Achiever Award

Carla Schesser, 26 of Gold Coast has worked hard to overcome incredible odds. Carla worked her way up to become CEO of Five By Five, a $3 million revenue digital agency. Despite Covid-19, she was able to keep all of their staff employed and steered the company to a 48% profit growth. Carla published her first book, “#Success: Mastering the Basics to a Happy, Healthy and Wealthy Life”, at age 19. Carla is a Rare Disease Day Ambassador, having first-hand experience of being born with a rare and undiagnosed disease that has left her physically weak and told she would never walk – something that she has proven wrong. Carla won the 2017 Cairns Regional Council Young Women of the Year.

 

Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award

Katie Norbury, 25 of Newmarket is ending the stigma around vaginal health. Katie runs an Instagram called Get Papped, aiming to normalise women’s health and make people accountable for getting a pap smear. Katie has cards for 25th birthdays to be gifted to friends which come with a promise that the giver would attend the pap smear if the recipient is scared to go alone. She has done podcasts to promote women’s health, answer questions and recommend friendly, approachable doctors. She encourages other women to get their pap smear and stop it from being taboo subject. Katie has a degree in Communication and Marketing.

 

 

2020 Winners

Overall Winner - 2020 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year

 Jessica Taylor, 26 of Alexandra Hills is passionate about empowering women. Jessica is the President and Director of QENDO, a not-for-profit that supports women and girls affected with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS or infertility. She picked up the 30-year-old charity to connect with the new generation and grew the team from three to 59 volunteers. Jessica has improved operations by rebranding the organisation, securing sustainable income and establishing key relationships with government, workplaces, schools and rural communities. She helped develop a National Action Plan for Endometriosis, a Queensland Government-funded app, and successful school programs. Jessica was the Gold Winner at the Aus Mumpreneur Awards’ Making a Difference Award.

 

 

LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award

Breanna Redsell, 24 of Warner is committed to making a positive impact. Breanna volunteers with A Brave Life, a not-for-profit organisation that helps alleviate poverty, misfortune and helplessness experienced by teenage and young mothers. She provides mentoring and tutoring to teenage mums who are completing their high school education so they develop healthy choices and live a positive lifestyle. She delivers Baby Bundles to maternity hospitals, young parent programs and community centres. Bre was inspired by her mother who was a teenage mother herself. She has a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences and Diploma in Health Science, works part-time as registered counsellor and runs a tutoring business.

 

 

Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award

 Madison Birtchnell, 19 of Willow Vale is determined to be a catalyst for change. Madison represented Australia in the Class of Women Deliver Young Leaders Program where she helped shape programs and policies that affect the lives of young girls and women. She undertakes consultation to effectively implement Sustainable Development Goals. Madison volunteers with the National Council of Women of Queensland as social media manager. She presents empowering workshops to marginalised young people in Multicultural Communities Gold Coast and has devised a free International Women’s Week Conference with a Queensland Government grant. A business student at QUT, Madison has raised over $20,000 to deliver initiatives.

 

 

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal Achievement Award

 Cheyanne Conroy, 25 of Coomera hopes to make an impact. Cheyanne is a proud Wurundjeri woman, primary school teacher and Indigenous leader. She introduced a school-wide program allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Coomera Rivers State School to identify with and connect with their culture. As leader of the Indigenous Champions Team, she coordinates with AIME to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with a focus on learning the Yugambeh language. Cheyanne was the first Aboriginal to receive the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship at Griffith University where she completed Bachelor of Primary Education and Bachelor in Child and Family Studies, both with Distinction.

 

 

iFly Online Achievement Award
Jessica Taylor, 26 of Alexandra Hills is passionate about supporting, empowering and making a difference in the lives of women. She has engaged with communities and businesses to seek out gaps and create new innovative ways to meet the needs for those suffering with chronic illnesses. Jessica has designed and developed websites for local and community businesses in Queensland. Jessica envisions Australia as a connected nation where access to information and innovative applications and websites help and support people. Jessica is President and Director of QENDO and is responsible for developing a mobile app for people with chronic conditions such as endometriosis.

 

 

BB Print Regional Achiever Award

 Isabella Gosling, 25 of Glenvale is empowering rural women. Isabella is the Secretary of QENDO, a not-for-profit that provides support, education and awareness to anyone affected by endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS or infertility. She launched QENDO’s Endomeets into rural Queensland to raise awareness, reduce misinformation and create a support network for women and girls and is working to deliver education sessions in rural areas. Isabella restructured and streamlined the EndoSister program, a peer-to-peer support service, to support more women. Suffering from both endometriosis and adenomyosis, Isabella has undergone three operations. She was recently nominated for the Telstra Business Women Award and the Emerging Leader Award.

 

 

First National Real Estate Leadership Award

 Anja Christoffersen, 21 of Newmarket is a motivational speaker and healthcare advocate. Anja is the first Youth Ambassador for the Continence Foundation of Australia. Despite being born with VACTERL, a congenital yet invisible disability, Anja transformed her struggles into passion by mentoring people with complex health issues of all ages internationally. She encourages people to pursue advocacy and overcome adversity through positivity and self-awareness. Due to declining health, Anja pursued an alternative educational pathway where she achieved DUX, graduating with a 6.63/7 GPA. Anja is the first disabled person to place in Grand Slam pageantry, achieving 2nd at Miss Grand Australia in 2019.

 

 

The University of Queensland Create Change Award

 Sabrina Chakori, 27 of Highgate Hill advocates for a sustainable economy. Sabrina started the social enterprise Brisbane Tool Library (BTL) which operates from the State Library and enables people to borrow a range of hand and power tools, camping gear, sports equipment and other items rescued from landfill and the community. The practical circular economy model expands and maximises the use of goods that would have otherwise been underutilised. Sabrina is a Board Member of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council. A graduate of MSc in Environmental Economics, Sabrina is undertaking a PhD research at the University of Queensland looking at solutions to transition to zero-packaging food systems.

 

 

Awards Australia Small Business Achiever Award

 Matt Boyce, 27 of Greenslopes believes in the power of human connection. After overcoming depression, Matt established The Connection Project to address mental health challenges and social disconnection across Australia. The Project has different components, such as ‘YourPrep’, a meal preparation delivery service designed to get families cooking together. Matt started a clothing line called ‘How Good’s Living’ to generate income for The Connection Project. He also developed ‘Life Warriors’, an educational charity program that teaches kids about resilience. Matt also organises community events like Walk and Talk, a meet-ups directed at men. The Connection Project has far impacted 200,000 lives in just two years.

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Winners

 The 2019 Winners with The Hon Di Farmer MP, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence at Royal on the Park Brisbane

 

Overall Winner - 2019 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year

 Madina Mohmood, 22 of Redland Bay is dedicated to promoting and raising awareness of cultural diversity and empowering young women. She helped establish the Afghan Student Association and the Muslimah Student Society at the University of Queensland. Madina was directly involved in creating the Queensland Afghan Community Association youth committee. As a result, many young Afghans and Muslim women gained confidence to contribute in public discussions. In 2017, Madina was chosen as university delegate to visit New York for the National Model United Nations. She secured a state leadership position as part of the QLD Vision Generation and was a keynote speaker at the International Women’s Day Breakfast.

 Madina Mohmood was presented by The Hon Di Farmer MP, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

 

 LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award

 Alexandra Wells, 19 of Ormeau established the Gold Coast Inclusive Sports Program for children with disabilities and additional needs when she was just 15 years old. Despite her young age, she met with leaders and spread the word about the club. She was involved in creating the program, promoting and running it, and training the volunteers. What started with 30 athletes and 30 volunteers, now has 90 athletes and 100 volunteers. The program focuses on coaching fine motor skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership whilst having fun in a safe and inclusive environment. Alexandra currently juggles her university studies with her commitment to the club.

 Rebecca McGuinness, Senior Marketing Manager Partnerships, LGIAsuper presented Alexandra Wells with the LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award

  

Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award

 Madina Mohmood, 22 of Redland Bay is dedicated to promoting and raising awareness of cultural diversity and empowering young women. She helped establish the Afghan Student Association and the Muslimah Student Society at the University of Queensland. Madina was directly involved in creating the Queensland Afghan Community Association youth committee. As a result, many young Afghans and Muslim women gained confidence to contribute in public discussions. In 2017, Madina was chosen as university delegate to visit New York for the National Model United Nations. She secured a state leadership position as part of the QLD Vision Generation and was a keynote speaker at the International Women’s Day Breakfast.

 Gayle Carrick, Immediate Past President of SI South Queensland, Soroptimist International presented Madina Mohmood with the Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Awards

  

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal Achievement Award

Zane Ratcliff, 18 of Everton Park is a mentor for young Indigenous students. He volunteers for not-for-profit organisations to teach traditional dance, help with homework and teach sporting skills and acting on stage. He has participated in swimming and rugby league. Zane was the first Indigenous School Captain at Burnett State College in 54 years. He performed as Indigenous dancer at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and taught traditional dance to students during NAIDOC Day Celebrations. In 2018, he was recognised as Young Citizen of the Year at the Gayndah Australia Day Awards. He will also be dancing at the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation celebration.

 Shane Kennelly, Managing Director, Kennelly Constructions and Adam Kennelly, Director of Operations, Kennelly Constructions presented Zane Ratcliff with the Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal Achievement Award

 

 iFly Online Achievement Award

Tara Baker, 29 of Currumbin Waters is an inspiring LGBTQ+ advocate and influencer. Her website, Dancing With Her, celebrates LGBTQ+ women in love and has more than 200,000 followers on Instagram. This helps her engage with people who are often underrepresented. With little online experience, Tara learned to build and adapt a website, run social media and social media campaigns and work with influencers. She recently worked with Facebook on their Annual Gift Guide where Dancing With Her made an appearance, along with 29 other Australian businesses. Tara was awarded the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 award for her achievements in marketing and advertising online.

Chip Popescu, Managing Director, Select World Travel & iFly.net.au presented Tara Baker with the iFly Online Achievement Award

 

BB Print Regional Achiever Award

Imaan Ashraf, 17 of Mackay is a powerful speaker and ambassador of Islam. Imaan wants to create awareness that wearing a hijab should not hold her back from contributing to her community. She organised "Let's Talk About," a forum attended by prominent Muslim speakers which raised $2,800. Imaan was the emcee at the Mackay Mosque Open Day. She organised the medical chapter of the Mackay Homeless Expo where GPs provided free healthcare. Imaan was nominated for Outstanding Young Achiever at Queensland Government Multicultural Awards. She received the Australian Defence Force Youth Leadership Award, Rats of Tobruk Roll of Honour Award and CQU Change Maker Award.

Mel Ireland, Member Relationship Executive, AI Group presented Imaan Ashraf with the BB Print Regional Achiever Award

 

First National Real Estate Leadership Award

Evie Marshall, 13 of Palmwoods successfully campaigned for Australians with cystic fibrosis, to have access to a life-extending medication called Orkambi. Costing $250,000 per patient per year, the medication was rejected by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. Evie became a key driver in gathering national support while managing her own CF. She talked to politicians and wrote letters to the Minister of Health and the manufacturers of Orkambi. After three years of campaigning, the medication was finally recommended and is now sold at $39 per patient per month. As a result, over 1,300 Australians with CF can now live up to 20 years longer.

Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate presented Evie Marshall with the First National Real Estate Leadership Award

 

 The University of Queensland Create Change Award

Navdeep Pasricha, 22 of Carrara is seeking to improve child education in rural and regional Australia. He is the CEO of iYouth Global which offers iYouth on Demand, the Netflix for Teacher’s professional development. The online platform Teachflix, allows teachers even in remote areas to get the best training any time, any day. The content is provided by professional development providers and existing teachers. The organisation has trained almost 20,000 people in 10 countries. Navdeep sits on board Queensland's second largest school, serving in an advisory team for the Department of Education. He also has a Bachelor's degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Navdeep Pasricha represented by Deepa Calais, was presented by Nimrod Klayman, Director, UQ Idea Hub, The University of Queensland

 

Awards Australia Small Business Achiever Award

Joshua Apitz, 16 of Mudgeeraba is a passionate entrepreneur and an eager problem solver. As a surfer, he wanted to find an alternative to popular sunscreens which he found to be dangerously slippery, contain harsh chemicals and impact his surfing ability. This led him to develop Seagull Milk, a sunscreen that has a non-slip formulation, is reef-safe and made in Australia. To market Seagull Milk, he designed his own website, Indiegogo campaign and product tube. To date, he has pre-sold over $10,000 worth of products. Joshua has also been invited to speak at The Youth in Business and to participate at Australian Vegan Day 2019.

Stephanie Tickle, Director, Events and Partnerships, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training presented Joshua Apitz with the Awards Australia Small Business Achievement Awards

 

2018 Winners

2018 Winners with The Hon Di Farmer MP, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, at Royal on the Park Brisbane

 

Overall Winner - 2018 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year

Mykeala Campanini, 21 of Indooroopilly founded the animal rescue charity ‘Happy Tails’ to re-house pets that would otherwise be impounded and euthanised. Mykeala manages 170 volunteers and has saved 200 animals in her first six months of operation. She volunteers several hours each day managing and fundraising to save animals from rural pounds. Mykeala has secured government funding to deliver Queensland's first purpose-built facility to provide safety for pets when families flee domestic violence.

Mykeala Campanini, presented by The Hon Di Farmer MP, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

 

The Coffee Club Arts and Fashion Award

Chris Tamwoy, 21 of Daisy Hill is a self-taught guitar player, famous for his guitar-tap style. He made it into the top five for Australia’s Got Talent in 2016. He has toured internationally, supported artists such as Dan Sultan, and performed at many festivals. Releasing his first EP in 2015, he has since performed at the Australian of the Year Awards. Chris gives back to the community by appearing at local schools and community events.

 

Chris Tamwoy presented by John Lazarou, Director, The Coffee Club

 

The University of Queensland Create Change Award

Kathryn Lyons, 25 of Loganholme is an award-winning innovator, mentor and advocate for everyone’s Right to Toilet with Dignity. Through her experiences of poor access design of disabled toilets, Kathryn created Accessibili-t. Accessibili-t works with governments and corporations to achieve real access, sanitation and hygiene for the disabled, complex medical conditions and frail aged when toileting. Kathryn delivers motivational talks and workshops and challenged leaders to act when speaking at the World Toilet Summit 2017.

 

Kathryn Lyons presented by Rongyu Li, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Future Students)

 

BB Print Regional Achiever Award

Prudence Melom, 22 of Kearneys Spring fights racism through storytelling with her co-founded project, E-raced. She draws from her time escaping war with her family. E-raced teaches young people the importance of cultural acceptance in Australia. Triple J recognised her in their 2015, 25 under 25 list. She has recruited many refugees and migrants to provide rural school workshops. In 2015 these workshops won a national Human Rights award. Prudence manages the project whilst studying law.

Prudence Melom presented by Doug Smith, Chief Strategy Officer, Queensland Fire and Rescue representing BB Print

 

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal Achievement Award

Claudia Moodoonuthi, 22 of Lota is a painter renowned for her bold imagery and vibrant colours and she honours her heritage and culture through her art. Claudia received a scholarship to attend Clayfield College and has now completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art. Claudia has won many art prizes and held several exhibitions. She was commissioned to have her painting projected onto the William Jolly Bridge, as part of the 2017 Brisbane Festival.

 

Claudia Moodoonuthi presented by Shane Kennelly, Managing Director, Kennelly Constructions and Adam Kennelly, Director of Operations, Kennelly Constructions

 

iFly Online Achievement Award 

Samantha Davies, 26 of Southport ‘Unforgettable Proposals’ where packages are tailored to suit individual requests, to provide the type of marriage proposal they dream of! To date, over 500 successful marriage proposals have been created. Using her skills as a marketing consultant, Samantha uses her online space to build a unique brand in a niche market. Samantha wishes to augment her service by providing customers with a virtual reality example of how their experiences will look.

Samantha Davies presented by Chip Popescu, Managing Director, Select World Travel & iFly.net.au

 

LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award

Mykeala Campanini, 21 of Indooroopilly founded the animal rescue charity ‘Happy Tails’ to re-house pets that would otherwise be impounded and euthanised. Mykeala manages 170 volunteers and has saved 200 animals in her first six months of operation. She volunteers several hours each day managing and fundraising to save animals from rural pounds. Mykeala has secured government funding to deliver Queensland's first purpose-built facility to provide safety for pets when families flee domestic violence.

 

Mykeala Campanini presented by Ben Moles, LGIAsuper’s Head of Relationship Management

 

WFI Insurance Small Business Achiever Award

Nicole Manns - The Empire Post, 28 of Fortitude Valley provides post production services to high profile clients including Ebay and MTV. The Empire now employs twenty staff and at any given time provides three internships. Nicole studied a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media, teaching herself the skills required for business. The Empire donates $100 from every project to various charities, totalling $5,400 so far. They have donated $70,000 worth of production to The Cerebral Palsy League.

 

Nicole Manns presented by Teresa Masi, Regional Manager, WFI Insurance

 

First National Real Estate Leadership Award 

Keely Johnson, 19 of Ayr has raised $700,000 for childhood cancer through her charity, The Golden Octopus Foundation. Undergoing her own journey she wants to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer. The Foundation aims to upgrade Paediatric Oncology facilities and implement childhood cancer nurses in regional areas. Keely has received many awards for her work. She aims to make the country recognise gold like we do pink and gain increased funding.

 

Keely Johnson presented by Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate

 

 

 

2017 Winners 

 

The 2017 category winners onstage together at the Gala Presentation Dinner, along with The Hon Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Communities, Women and Youth.

 

Overall Winner - Queensland Young Achiever of the Year

Edda Hamar, 27 of New Farm is the co-founder of Undress Runways, Australia’s largest sustainable fashion show, which showcases Australia’s ethical designers. Undress Runways provides a platform for photographers, makeup artists and models looking to start their fashion career. Edda also created The Naked Mag to display raw and real stories from behind the scenes. She was selected as a Young Social Pioneer by the Foundation for Young Australians and has presented numerous TEDx talks on her journey as a young entrepreneur.

 

Kirsten Stallard representing Edda Hamar

 

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal Achievement Award

Chern’ee Sutton, 20 of Calavos is a Kalkadoon woman with a plan to improve the acceptance of indigenous Australians though her art. She has a reconciliation painting hanging permanently in Queensland’s Parliament House and also in Buckingham Palace. Chern’ee has donated $110,000 of her artwork to charities and been asked by Dreamworld to paint a memorial for the lives lost on the River Rapids Ride. She also designed the Indigenous component and story for Borobi the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games masco.

 

 

iFly Online Achievement Award

Kim Allom, 26 of Ashgrove is a video games producer. She believes that online game playing should not just be for children and that it builds motor skills, teamwork and social skills. Kim is the Producer at Defiant Development, producing numerous video games including Hand of Fate which has over 2 million downloads. Her side project, Blush Box Games produces games that explore love and romance. Kim is also a mentor for young girls through the Tech Girls Movement.

 

 

The Coffee Club Arts and Fashion Award

Edda Hamar, 27 of New Farm is the co-founder of Undress Runways, Australia’s largest sustainable fashion show, which showcases Australia’s ethical designers. Undress Runways provides a platform for photographers, makeup artists and models looking to start their fashion career. Edda also created The Naked Mag to display raw and real stories from behind the scenes. She was selected as a Young Social Pioneer by the Foundation for Young Australians and has presented numerous TEDx talks on her journey as a young entrepreneur.

 

Kirsten Stallard representing Edda Hamar

 

LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award

Keely Johnson, 18 of AYR has an incurable brain tumour, but has raised almost half a million dollars for childhood cancer charities. She has founded her own cancer charity, The Golden Octopus Foundation to help upgrade paediatric oncology facilities in regional hospitals and implement community childhood cancer nurses. Keely is part of the steering committee for upgrading children's health services with Queensland Health and has been invited to be a keynote speaker and open the 2017 National conference of Australian Adolescence Health.

 

 

Access Community Services – Multicultural Youth Queensland (MyQ) Cultural Diversity Award

Tamara Richardson, 23 of Herston founded PACE48, a regional, multinational youth led culture movement promoting access to cultural education across 48 Asia Pacific countries. PACE 48 facilitates cross cultural and intercultural relations with the youth of the Asia Pacific and currently has 115 volunteers with a weekly reach of over 22,000. Tamara is an elected student member of the University of Queensland’s Academic Board and an appointed Associate of the UNESCO Chair in Intercultural & Inter-religious Relations.

 

 

BB Print Leadership Award

Zoie Carroll, 28 of Sunshine Beach started her peer-support network Zottie Dottie for people who suffer with mental health illness. Zottie Dottie has reached 27 countries and shared over 550 stories of inspiring individuals who have overcome adversity. Zoie’s online peer-support community has reached 900,000 people and her Instagram account has had 45,000 engagements. She recently launched a social enterprise called ZD Social, helping to teach organisations how to use the power of social media for social good.

 

 

The University of Queensland Create Change Award

Jarred Turner, 21 of Toowong is the President of IMPACT Social Enterprise, a youth-led organisation educating young people about social entrepreneurship. Jarred designed and launched IMPACT’s School Program into five schools and two universities. He also produced Australia’s largest youth-focused social enterprise conference in 2016. In its third year, IMPACT has turned over $70,000 in revenue allowing them to deliver educational content and immersive social enterprise experiences to over 1,100 young people and upskill 60 volunteers across three states.

 

 

2016 Winners of the Queensland Young Achiever Awards

The 2016 category winners onstage together at the Gala Presentation Dinner, along with The Hon Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Communities, Women and Youth and MC for the evening Kendall Gilding, 7NEWS Presenter.

 

Overall Winner - Queensland Young Achiever of the Year

Justice King, 17 of Mount Isa is the founder of “The Youth League”, a group of 12-18 year olds who voluntarily run youth events specifically to deter crime and provide young role models in their community. Justice is a passionate youth mental health advocate and is actively involved with Headspace, and RUOK? Day. She was appointed Youth Mayor of the Mt Isa Youth Council, and awarded the 2015 Young Citizen of the Year.

The Hon Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Communities, Women and Youth presents Justice King as the Queensland Young Achiever of the Year.

 

The University of Queensland Create Change Award

Nicholas Marchesi & Lucas Patchett, 21 of Herston co-founded Orange Sky Laundry, a mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness. Nicholas and Lucas have also developed a comprehensive training program and provide ongoing support to their 300 volunteers. Orange Sky Laundry now has a fleet of seven vehicles and operates in four states. They have connected with hundreds of people experiencing homelessness and provided 70,000kgs of washing and drying to those in need.

Professor Doune Macdonald, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor at The University of Queensland presented Nicholas Marchesi & Lucas Patchett with the Create Change Award.

 

Access Community Services – Multicultural Youth Queensland Cultural Diversity Award

Terry-Ann Eason, 16 of Eagleby is a member of the Police Citizens Youth Club and a Youth Management team leader. Terry-Ann is proud of her Filipino culture and encourages young people to embrace multiculturalism. She participates in Multicultural Day at her high school and was involved in an anti-bullying rap song and film clip. Terry-Ann volunteers at community and fundraising events, at nursing homes and is a spokesperson for the Youth Club.

Gail Ker OAM, CEO of Access Community Services, presented Terry-Ann Eason with the Cultural Diversity Award.

 

Wade Sawmill Environment & Sustainability Award

Max Burns, 27 of North Ward is passionate about his nutrient recycling research. He gives lectures to university, high school and permaculture design course students. Max volunteers as an area co-ordinator with Food Rescue Initiative, collecting and redistributing fresh produce to 11 different charities. He also volunteers as community garden co-ordinator for Permaculture Townsville Inc., is a member of the Townsville Community Garden committee and a student representative for the JCU Sustainability Action Group.

Marian Wade, Owner Manager at Wade Sawmill, presnted Max Burns with the Environment & Sustainability Award.

 

iFly Online Achievement Award

Matthew Kelly, 28 of Brisbane co-founded the Living Outrageously Podcast, and has a following of 70,000 global viewers. He wrote Outsource Your MVP, a number one ranked book, now in its fourth edition. Matthew is also founder of Just Media Design, a social media advisory agency, which has over 4.2 million people actively engaged. He has spoken at the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals Network and has interviewed some of the biggest influencers in social media.

Chip Popescu, Managing Director at iFly, presented Matthew Kelly with the Online Achievement Award.

 

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal Achievement Award

Justice King, 17 of Mount Isa is the founder of “The Youth League”, a group of 12-18 year olds who voluntarily run youth events specifically to deter crime and provide young role models in their community. Justice is a passionate youth mental health advocate and is actively involved with Headspace, and RUOK? Day. She was appointed Youth Mayor of the Mt Isa Youth Council, and awarded the 2015 Young Citizen of the Year.

Shane Kennelly, Managing Director and Adam Kelly, Director of Operations at Kennelly Constructions presented Justice King with the Aboriginal Achievement Award.

 

AustralianSuper Career Kick Start Award

Chris Raine, 29 of Caloundra is the CEO and founder of Hello Sunday Morning, an online global program delivering support to thousands of people with detrimental relationships with alcohol. The program provides the foundation for alcohol behaviour change, and so far has helped over 70,000 people. With further funding he hopes to develop his model for other addictions and mental health treatment. For his work Chris won the 2015 Macquarie Bank Social Innovation Award.

Luke Fraser, Stakeholder and New Business Manager QLD, presented Chris Raine with the Career Kick Start Award.

 

The Coffee Club Arts and Fashion Award

Connor O'Grady, 15 of Bridgeman Downs is an aspiring fashion designer. He is also currently designing and sewing turbans for the Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Charity, and in September will travel to Cambodia to undertake local community service in a remote village. After winning Grand Champion in Fashion for three consecutive years at the Brisbane RNA, he has been asked to be the inaugural junior fashion judge for the 2016 competition.

John Lazrou, Director of The Coffee Club, presented Connor O'Grady with the Arts and Fashion Award.

 

BB Print Leadership Award

Nicole Gibson, 22 of Miami is the founder and CEO of The Rogue and Rogue Foundation, a mental health and education charity. Nicole has provided 2,500 workshops for more than 70,000 young people across Australia. She is a National Mental Health Commissioner with the Australian Government, providing independent consultation and advice. Nicole made the Westpac’s 100 Most Influential Women list in 2014.

Mel Ireland, Membership Relations Executive, Ai Group representing BB Print, presented Nicole Gibson with the Leadership Award.