VICTORIA

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards VIC

2026 Winners

 

The Victorian Government Group Achievement in the Community Award:

Live4Life Crews of Woodend are creating lasting cultural change in youth mental health. Live4Life Crews are a youth-led mental health ambassador network empowering young people across rural and regional Victoria to drive change in their communities. In 2025, about 314 volunteers aged 14–16 delivered peer-led education, events and advocacy that improved mental health literacy and reduced stigma among thousands of students. Crews build confidence, leadership and Mental Health First Aid skills, enabling young people to support themselves and others. Their impact is significant in communities facing higher suicide rates and limited access to services, with strong outcomes in help-seeking behaviours, peer support and community resilience.

 

Little Gigs "Little Victorian's" Achiever Award

Leon Wang of Forest Hill is a young environmental leader. Leon is an outstanding scholarship student and accomplished violinist. Excelling academically and musically, he performs widely across Melbourne while using his platform to drive social change. Leon launched a grassroots campaign to protect the endangered Powerful Owl, raising over $10,000 through concerts, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach. Demonstrating exceptional initiative, he created pop-up performances, webinars, and campaign materials, inspiring peers to join his cause. In a remarkable act of generosity, he donated all funds raised, including personal birthday contributions, to conservation efforts. Through purpose, Leon exemplifies how young people can create measurable and lasting community impact.

 

Luminary Tech Visionary Award

Kaushal Ottem of Strathtulloh is dedicated to empowering patients. Kaushal is the Founder of Neuroverse, an innovative neurotechnology platform transforming rehabilitation through AI-powered wearable devices. Combining EEG and EMG biosignals with machine learning, Neuroverse delivers real-time neurological insights, enabling clinicians and patients to track recovery with data-driven precision. Inspired by his own experience with severe injury and epilepsy, Kaushal has validated the solution through over 500 stakeholder consultations and secured early partnerships, including pilot trials with leading rehabilitation providers. His work has gained strong ecosystem recognition, including accelerator programs and awards from the University of Melbourne. By democratising access to advanced neuro-monitoring, Kaushal is shifting care from reactive observation to continuous, personalised rehabilitation.

 

IKON Services Environmental Sustainability Award

Dr Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch of Craigieburn is transforming the construction industry with sustainable engineering. Dr Shannon is an Indigenous scientist and civil engineer. Since 2021, he has pioneered research on repurposing waste materials, including coffee grounds, face masks and gowns, and wood biochar, into stronger, carbon-neutral concrete, advancing circular economy practices. At Monash University, he is a Professor and Associate Dean (Indigenous) at the Faculty of Engineering and Director of Indigenous Research Excellence, leading initiatives embedding Indigenous perspectives into education and research. His work addresses critical environmental challenges such as landfill waste, resource depletion, and emissions from traditional construction methods. Dr Shannon’s work is influencing industry and academia.

 

 

Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award

Jacinta (Rosie) Tu of Knoxfield is a determined student and emerging entrepreneur. She is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Business (Management and Leadership) and has completed Certificates III and IV in Fitness and a Certificate IV in Community Services. Having grown up in out-of-home care and overcoming trauma, homelessness, and mental health challenges, Rosie has shown remarkable resilience. She founded Phase Forward Coaching, delivering holistic fitness and wellbeing programs. She has also volunteered at the Great Ocean Road Running Festival and received an Excellence Award for her achievements.

 

 

Konica Minolta Career Achievement Award

Josh Nguyen of Parkville is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and community leader, who is passionate about driving meaningful changes in mental health systems, especially for marginalised communities. Migrating from Vietnam a decade ago, he is now the founder of a psychology clinic and leads PhD research using AI to predict and prevent suicide in youth. His research work is featured in the world’s leading journals and secured over $200,000 in awards. He also co-chairs the early career group of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (Western Pacific Region) and serves on the Victorian Department of Health’s Multicultural Health Advisory Group.

 

Josh's Rainbow Eggs Ethical Business Award

Nguyen Nguyen – Plante of Hawthorn is making sustainable gardening practical, affordable and scalable for communities. Nguyen is the founder of Plante, a sustainable technology startup tackling plastic waste in horticulture through biodegradable coconut fibre plant pots. Inspired by her experience as a gardener and her Vietnamese heritage, she developed an ethical, plantable alternative that eliminates plastic at the source. Nguyen leads product innovation, ethical supply partnerships with artisans in Vietnam, and the development of a data-driven gardening platform. Her commitment to transparency, fair sourcing and accessibility underpins the business, which has attracted over 2,000 waitlist users, secured $50,000 in funding, and launched school and nursery pilots.

 

Saward Dawson Community Service and Social Impact Award

Mursal Sadat of Carlton North is dedicated to empowering refugee communities and advancing gender equality. Fatima is a co-founder of Afghanistan United Inc. A former member of the Afghan Women’s National Soccer Team, she uses sport as a platform for inclusion, leadership and social change. Fatima has worked extensively with organisations including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Centre for Multicultural Youth, supporting newly arrived migrants and amplifying refugee voices through public speaking and community programs. She has led initiatives enabling Afghan women’s participation in sport and advocacy, while promoting education and leadership opportunities. She is a Multicultural Awards finalist and recipient of multiple leadership awards.

 

 

Turosi Food Solutions Farming and Agriculture Rising Star Award

Zoe Carter of Maryborough has turned personal adversity into impactful industry solutions. After progressing from farm work to management roles, a severe injury shifted Zoe’s focus from on-farm work to workforce development. She founded Young Aussie Farmers, providing courses, resources, and guidance to help young people start agricultural careers, and Agriculture Jobs Auswide, a dedicated jobs platform improving workforce access across Australia. Zoe is a prominent industry advocate, speaking at conferences, panels, and events to inspire future generations, promote workforce participation, and support women in agriculture. Her efforts combine education, practical tools, and online engagement, fostering a more inclusive, informed, and resilient agricultural community nationwide.

 

 

MEGT Early Career Skills Champion Award

Amber Leyshan of Traralgon has a strong commitment to learning. Amber is a qualified Boilermaker/Welder and Victorian Apprentice of the Year, recognised for her technical skill, leadership, and commitment to safety in the mining and energy sector. Trained at AGL Loy Yang, she gained extensive experience across high-risk industrial environments, including pressure welding, fabrication, and maintenance. Amber has continued to build her expertise through advanced certifications, including multiple AS 1796 and AS 2214 welding tickets and Welding Supervisor Ticket 10. She is mentoring apprentices, leading tasks on-site, and contributing to safer, more inclusive workplaces. Amber actively promotes trade pathways through industry events and social media.

 

Community Bank Doncaster East & Templestowe Village, Bendigo Bank Connecting Communities Award

Belle Hayman of Caulfield South strengthens communities through practical, people-first action. As co-founder of FoodFilled, Australia’s leading community-driven food rescue and relief organisation, she has built a network ensuring families have reliable access to food. Since 2018, Belle has grown FoodFilled from a small grassroots initiative into a thriving community of 1,600+ volunteers, 160 retail partners, and 175 charities, delivering over 1 million meals. She has strengthened relationships between local businesses and community organisations, created a model that brings people together to support one another in a tangible way, and empowered young leaders to drive lasting change.