QUEENSLAND

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards QLD

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards - QLD

2024 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards - QLD Winners

Overall Winner - 2024 Queensland Winner of the Year

Edward Ross

 

Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award 

Kurt Jones of Kings Beach leads Co-Exist Australia, empowering youth in environmental conservation. Initiatives like clean-ups engage hundreds of young volunteers nationwide. Kurt's journey from high school dreamer to founder showcases resilience, overcoming challenges from funding to team-building. Despite scepticism, his vision flourished, launching nine collectives in 2023, with four more planned in 2024, creating lasting change for people and the planet's wellbeing.

 

Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award

Gullara McInnes of Mareeba demonstrates education and technology's impact in the community. Using drones for cultural preservation and rural education, she's an Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy alumna. Gullara advocates for Aboriginal sciences, mentoring youth, and through national presentations. Studying science-law, Gullara is committed to bridge educational gaps and uses innovative drone solutions to preserve cultural heritage, driven by her late father's memory.

 

The University of Queensland Create Change Award

Edward Ross of Toowoomba is changing mental health culture in blue-collar communities. Ed is the co-founder of TradeMutt Workwear and TIACS.org, he raises awareness and offers tailored support to people's needs, via texts and calls. TradeMutt's designs spark conversations, while TIACS provides free counseling. Ed's leadership drives TradeMutt's growth, funding over 4557 clients, addressing critical mental health needs effectively.

 

Queensland Family and Child Commission Contribution to Community or Family Safety Award

Aurora Iler, Coomera is pioneering change change through impactful films. As Creator, director, producer, and star of "Grape," she tackles teen vaping. Embraced by Queensland schools and acclaimed globally, her work promotes vital health dialogue. Backed by government support, she prioritises impact over profit, ensuring fair compensation for her team. Aurora's advocacy for positive change inspires others, transcending borders and saving lives.

 

Queensland Family and Child Commission First Nations Youth Advocacy Award

Daniel Rosendale of Cairns advocates for First Nations youth, embodying pride and resilience. As Co-founder of Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good, he empowers Indigenous youth through education and health initiatives. From co-chairing the Roadmap for Adolescent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health to advisory roles for the Yes23 Campaign, Daniel advances rights and well-being, inspiring positive change through mentorship and advocacy.

 

Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award

Ally Zlatar of Toowoomba is breaking barriers and championing diversity through 'The Starving Artist.' Her innovative art initiative tackles mental well-being, climate change, and migrant identity. With over 100,000 impacted lives, Ally published four impactful books and engaged over 900 attendees worldwide through exhibitions like 'Voices Above Water.' Ally’s transformative work inspires and empowers marginalized voices on a global scale.

 

Special Event Presentations Sporting Achievement Whilst Overcoming Adversity Award

Natascha Tennent of Carindale has risen to become Australia's top female All Abilities player. Overcoming autism, Tourette’s, and the loss of her father, she champions disability golf, empowering others. Gold winner at the Special Olympics, her motto, "You don't know until you try," inspires resilience. Selected for Portugal 2024, she advocates for inclusivity in the All-Abilities Championship, urging others to pursue dreams against all odds.

 

360 Degrees Marketing Career Achievement Award

Natalie Durack of Upper Coomera transformed a small dog walking service into Happy Hounds, a premier pet care provider. Offering dog walking, pet sitting, pet taxi, and more, she serves over 2000 pet owners with nearly 5000 pets. Natalie's dedication fuels remarkable growth, surpassing seven-figure turnover. Her initiatives support local shelters, environmental activism, and provide flexible employment, enriching the lives of pets, their owners, and the broader community in Southeast Queensland.

 

 

Awards Australia Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Award

Prince Lo from Dalby has led initiatives empowering Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities for 7 years in South East Queensland and the Darling Downs. As a migrant, he champions social inclusion, supporting multicultural communities through workshops, events, and mentoring. Prince has assisted over 5,000 newcomers in economic participation and community integration, aiming to inspire migrant youth and contribute to multicultural support.