Meet the South Aussies to watch on in 2023 from Elsy Wameyo, James Marsh to Isobel Borlase
A sex worker advocator, up and coming athletes, medical masterminds and industry elite. South Australians from all walks of life are sparking change in 2023. Read their stories.
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These prominent South Australia figures are leaving strong footprints in their industry and are well on their way to becoming household names.
From the next Kayla Itsines and photographer Ken Duncan, to world-renowned artist Stephen Meakin and a state basketballer carrying her family’s sport legacy.
Some are shaping the business and legal industry in our state, or heading for global domination in the music scene, while others are racing their way to world championships. Here’s the full list of 21 people that you need to keep your eyes hooked on this year.
1. Judd Ronald Plaisted “Rocket Ronny #11”
Motorbike racer
Award-winning motorbike prodigy Judd Plaisted is one of Australia’s youngest road motorbike racers and he’s on the fast-track to become a professional international racing star as he eyes the MotoGP.
Last year, the 10-year-old, better known as “Rocket Ronny”, was one of 15 riders competing in the 2022 Australian FIM MiniGP Series.
And since then, Judd has garnered support from major sponsors, including Vilani Jewellers, Headsox, Race Bike Services and Moto Logistix.
“I just love to race and compete against the fastest riders in Australia,” he said.
Next year, Judd is determined to be in the 2024 Oceania Junior Cup Series, one of Australia’s nationally recognised ‘Road To Motor GP’ programs racing alongside the Australian Superbike Championship.
Judd then hopes to head to Spain for the 2024 FIM MiniGP Series and other international competitions, including Asia Talent Cup series, The Redbull Rookies and European Talent Cup/FIM Junior GP.
2. Shania Richards
Port Lincoln City Council member, author and artist
At 24 years old, Shania Richards is one of the youngest ever elected members of the Port Lincoln City Council, after finishing up her term as the first regional Aboriginal Youth Governor of South Australia in 2022.
Raised in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, she moved to South Australia and began her political career by joining the Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation Committee, where she presented the Foster Care Reform Bill and Raising the Age of Criminal Capability Bill.
“The next generation can see what is possible,” she said.
“We’re allowed to be in the room where it all happens and aid those decision makers to think deeper.
“This is our reality and planet too, we’ve earnt our right to be included and involved.”
This year, the award-winner will also be tapping into her creative talents while advocating for community issues such as mental health, First Nations Language Revival and environmental protection.
She plans on releasing a series of projects through her Nerdy Indigenous Art brand, ranging from a second poetry book, art to collaborative performances.
3. Callum MacPherson
Founder and host of Young Blood Media
One of the most gut-wrenching tragedies experienced by Callum MacPherson, 29, became the driving force behind the multi-award-winning mental health podcast, Young Blood – Men’s Mental Health.
The award-winning host and creator was working as a journalist when he received the devastating call that his close friend had died by suicide.
Through his grief, he created a volunteer-based podcast – recorded at PodBooth – in the hopes of giving young men a platform to voice their experiences and debunk mental health stereotypes and stigmas.
“I want our episodes which cover different topics and guests, to reach as many high-risk people,” he said.
“Hopefully, we’re creating a generational cultural change, so my goal is to grow the audience and have the greatest impact on people locally, nationally and internationally.”
The 2022 SA Young Achiever of the Year, who also works full-time in media at SAHMRI, said his most important and rewarding role yet was pioneering suicide prevention through his podcast.
Callum says this year he is focused on finding more avenues for long-term funding and support for the podcast, so others will never endure his experience.
4. Isobel Borlase
State basketball player
Basketball player Isobel Borlase is making waves as one of the most exciting sports stars in our state, with Basketball SA expecting to see her in the WNBA by 2024.
Last year, Isobel certified her career as a rising star when she signed a two-year deal with Woman’s National Basketball League, Adelaide Lightning.
This year, she’ll be flown to AIS National Training Centre in Canberra to join the 2023 Opals squad’s five day camp.
At eight years old, she started basketball supported by her father, a former Port Adelaide premiership football player, and her mother, a three-time world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist netball player.
She continued playing throughout high-school, then finished her last two years of schooling in Canberra at AIS.
“It was pretty difficult, but I learnt a lot of things like time management and how to juggle everything,” the 18-year-old said.
Isobel says while she’s preparing for the 2023 Under-19 Women’s Basketball Cup in Madrid, she wants to “perform well at the Opals squad camp and learn from their environment”.
“I want to contribute where possible with the Adelaide Lighting, so I can represent the country in the future,” she said.
5. Benjamin Goode
Landscape photographer
Driven by the motive to “capture nature in all its beauty so the viewer can feel what I felt”, SA-born photographer Benjamin Goode combines beautiful global destinations with fine art photography.
“I suffered from anxiety for much of my life and it wasn’t until I took up landscape photography that I finally found an outlet that calmed my brain and brought me peace,” the 46-year-old said.
Benjamin recently released limited edition prints of his Fresh Air series – abstract aerial images taken around the state – demonstrating his distinct ability to make viewers believe they are existing in the same space and time as the image.
“I spend a few days (at a location) to find the right composition, where the light hits, a spot with a good balance of simplicity and foreground interest, then wait for the right conditions to bring the vision to life,” he said.
His photographs have won prestigious industry awards including the 2022 International Photography awards, and is used by notable companies such as Samsung, Taylors Wines, Avis, Australian Geographic, Australia Post, Virgin Australia and RM Williams.
6. Elsy Wameyo
Singer, songwriter and producer
Multi-talented award-winner Elsy Wameyo is quickly rising to fame and revolutionising the Australian music industry with her eccentric hip-hop tracks and ankara-print style aesthetic.
The Kenyan-born 23-year-old moved to Adelaide in 2006 and has gone on to win Triple J’s 2022 Unearthed Artist of the Year and five awards at the 2022 SAM awards, which gives a short prequel at her anticipated global success.
Last year, she sold out her nationwide Nilotic tour, performed at popular festivals such as Falls Festival, Groovin the Moo and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, WOMADelaide and toured with Hilltop Hoods, and had her acting debut in the musical The Deep North.
As a headliner of the upcoming 2023 New Beginnings Festival, Elsy says, “It’s a multicultural festival that brings people of all ages and cultures together, so shows like this are always so warm and special to me.”
This year, Elsy plans to delve into “creative mode, fine tune her craft and grow artistically, spiritually and mentally.”
“I’ve done a lot of travelling and experienced, seen and heard so many things, I want to now use that as an inspiration to create something fun and fresh,” she said.
7. Cathy Gray
Visual artist
Award-winner Cathy Gray is well on her way to becoming an internationally recognised artist for her intricately detailed mandala art pieces, comparable to the works of world-renowned artist Stephen Meakin.
Cathy takes up to 300 hours to hand-draw each piece with archival ink – ink designed to resist weathering and fading – resulting in a captivating blend of nature and art.
“My work highlights the plight of Australia’s endangered species, through exhibitions, art competitions and partnership with Fairhill Botanical Gardens,” the 55-year-old said.
Passing on her artistic expertise, Cathy’s exciting art-based studio workshops located in Bridgewater are quickly becoming a must-do activity for those looking to combine wellness and creativity.
Cathy, who won the 2022 Women in Innovations Awards for the Arts, is currently creating artwork for the 2023 Royal Botanical Gardens exhibition.
Her latest artwork, exhibited at the SA Museum and National Archives of Australia, was awarded the People’s Choice Awards at the 2022 Waterhouse Natural science Art Prize.
8. Kath Kalz
Fitness coach, co-owner of MNDST, bodybuilding competitor
Kath Kalz is set to be one of 2023’s rising stars of fitness, with a growing fitness empire predicted to match prominent figures such as Kayla Itsines and Emily Skye.
Born and raised in Adelaide, Kath is fully immersed in the fitness world having branched into numerous successful business ventures and shows no signs of slowing down.
Two years ago, Kath and husband Tyson established activewear label MNDST, which is now being sold in over 20 countries.
“We held our first pop-up store in 2022 which was a huge success, and we intend on growing our local and international presence by holding multiple pop-up stores in 2023 and our international ambassadors,” the 33-year-old said.
Kath says she “fell in love with fitness” while training for her first bodybuilding competition and has since made it her mission to help others incorporate fitness into their lifestyle.
She’s also become a nutritionist and fitness coach for women, brand ambassador for La Bang Body, while garnering over 400,000 followers across her social media platforms.
“I’ll be competing in the IFBB Pro League Australia later this year, but I’m excited to use my platform for more than fitness advice,” she said.
“I’d love to inspire others who are considering starting a small business and share valuable tips and tricks, more BTS and anything that can help others succeed.”
9. Denis Yengi
Head of African Communities Council of SA, financial consultant, board member
Believing that every immigrant deserves a chance to succeed, Denis Yengi is responsible for unifying and bringing social change to South Australia’s multicultural community through an array of prominent roles.
He moved to Adelaide from South Sudan and has since gone on to become the president and board chair of African Communities Council of South Australia and a board member of Australia Migrant Resource Centre and the South Australia Multicultural Commission.
Last year, “after a spate of violence”, Denis, along with the ACCSA, created a working group with a judge, rehabilitation psychologist, community leaders and young people to inquiry into the challenges facing young people.
“I’ll be using my knowledge, experience and passion for community affairs and conveying the voices of our multicultural community to the government through the commission in 2023,” he said.
“While tackling everyday challenges in our community, including the lack of opportunities for young people, mental wellbeing, unemployment and strengthening collaboration with other communities.”
Denis said the ACCSA’s flagship events would also be bigger and better this year, including Africa Day, Unmasked Festival and Arts Exhibition, African Unites Gala and the anticipated African Cup of Nations of SA.
10. Eamon Lawson
Regulatory lead at Southern Launch
Since receiving the Australian Industry Defence Network’s Young Achiever Award for his brilliance in shaping space law in Australia in 2022, Eamon Lawson is a certified icon to watch.
Born in Victor Harbor, Eamon is a trailblazer in the state’s burgeoning space industry.
“I’ve always been passionate about space and SA is home to an incredible space industry that is moving ahead in leaps and bounds, to become the next global space hub,” he said.
At the age of 25, he’s one of few Australian lawyers specialising in space regulations and through his current role, Eamon advocates for existing legislations to support and develop Australia’s sovereign space defence capabilities.
With his expertise in the niche role, this year Eamon says he will “directly work on launch authorisations for upcoming launches from Southern Launch’s two facilitates in SA”.
“This will place the state on the global map ensuring we’re no longer just a footnote in Australia’s history in space,” he said.
11. Kelly Kuhn
Owner and tour host of Juggle House Experiences
Award-winner Kelly Kuhn, has rightfully earned the self-proclaimed title as ‘master juggler,’ for her contribution to our state’s tourism industry.
Owner and tour host of Juggle House Experiences, Kelly has immersed herself in the industry for over 20 years, garnering large clients across her numerous roles and businesses.
Kelly was a Deputy Mayor of the Mid Murray Council, a tourism and media manager at Monarto Zoo, a board member of the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance, the governing council chairman of Mypolonga Primary School, and currently a founder and secretary of Progression Association.
But this year, the mother of two daughters wants to be known as the “resilient comeback queen”.
After bouncing back from the Covid pandemic, her business – personalised tours, charters and travel adventures – faced the devastating impact of the recent River Murray floods.
“It’s taxing on our resources, our energy, for the leaders in our field and government departments, there’s a lot of constant uncertainty,” she said.
“I promised myself I wasn’t going to be overcome with overwhelming paralysis again. But when we bounce back, the gratitude is 10 fold because we got through it and you never forget the people that stood by you.”
12. Courtney Hazell
Real estate property manager
In two short years, award-winner Courtney Hazell went from a real estate receptionist to one of its most talented property managers and an influential industry trailblazer.
Born in Mt Barker, Courtney said she had no prior experience when she started as a receptionist with a different real estate agency, but seized an opportunity with Ouwens Casserly in 2019.
“I took an assistant (property manager) role and worked for a year and half, before I took over managing a portfolio when one of the property managers left,” she said.
Courtney said the transition came with its own set of challenges, but she helped pioneer a career pathway to properly guide and prepared assistants jumping into a full time property manager role.
“Over the last two years, I’ve had curve balls thrown at me and dealt with strange stuff including property housing audits, numerous SACAP tribunal hearings, tenants randomly leaving a property with other tenants inside,” she said.
“I’ve had property housing orders and domestic violence situations – but those experiences helped because I pretty much do anything now.”
Courtney, who’s also a nationally competing professional wrestler, says the sport has contributed to her professional stamina and growing success.
“I watch myself back in wrestling and I’ll see what I need to work on and fix,” she said.
“In property management, you’re dealing with money so when something doesn’t go right, I self-reflect on it and ask myself what I did wrong and how I could I change it.”
Early last year, Courtney was a SA finalist in the Domain Trailblazer Awards and continued her meteoric rise in the industry by winning the Future Leader (Property Manager) Award at the REISA Awards for Excellence – the self-proclaimed ‘Oscars’ of Real Estate.
13. James Marsh
President of Law Society of South Australia
As the 2023 president and key spokesman for Law Society of South Australia, James Marsh is one of the most powerful voices our state’s legal system and his mission is to ensure his footprint will be for the good of his successors.
Beginning his practice in 1985, James has worked in notable positions spanning from a graduate clerk, a commercial litigation solicitor, a senior partner in a law firm to a barrister.
His career experience created a desire to strengthen diversity in the legal profession – one of his main focuses for this year.
“Diversity is an existing issues in the law society,” he said.
“It’s one job in one organisation, but it’s important to establish gender equity and diversity.
“Our rules mean that our council (main governing body) has eight male and female metropolitan members, and male and female vice president.”
James says not enough women self-nominated themselves in the last election, though the female vacant roles were later largely filled by women.
Concerned that there might be a delay in diversifying the presidential position, James says his goal is to eliminate personal and professional constraints for women and Indigenous Australians.
“It’s internally focused on the legal profession, but it has an extended facet,” he said.
“Not only can lawyers see a women in that role, but onwards we’ll see that diversity in top jobs is a good thing.”
14. Anthony Robinson
Game developer, storyboard and concept artist
Award-winner Anthony Robinson is one of South Australia’s creative animation geniuses, with an upcoming list of innovative projects set to put the state’s animation industry on the global map.
Previously, the game developer, storyboard and concept artist, drew and painted shot sequences for studios such as Stan, MPC and Warner Brothers working on notable productions including Mortal Komat and The Tourist.
Anthony, who started the local game studio Golden Age Studio, also illustrates digital masterpieces as a freelance artist for national and international projects and games.
“My team is in the final hard yards of our own IP, Tinker & Spell game, and we want to give back to the creative industry by offering employment opportunities,” he said.
“I’ll also begin the creation process of three new ideas while animating and producing an animated short film with local animator Josh Hobbs.”
Last year, he’ was recognised as a passionate and visionary SA entrepreneur after receiving the Early Career Alumni Award through Flinders University. He also attended the video game exhibition Gamescom, where he presented his studio’s game, Tinker & Spell.
15. Dhani Dharmaprani
Biomedical engineer and postdoctoral researcher in cardiac electrophysiology
Multi-Award-winner Dhani Dharmaprani is all about matters of the heart as she dominates three of most challenging practices – engineering, medicine and technology – to trailblaze a strong path for women in STEM.
The postdoctoral researcher, who works in the Flinders University cardiac signals analysis laboratory, focuses on cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac signal processing and analysis, related to heart rhythm disorders.
“The research aims to understand why irregular heart rhythms occur, how these conditions can be stopped or more effectively treated,” Dhani said.
This year, the science Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM, is jetting off to King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London, to learn about advanced computational cardiac modelling.
“I’m developing ‘virtual hearts’ capable of accurately replicating the electrical behaviour of a specific patient’s heart, so they can be used to test the effectiveness of various treatments,” she said.
16. Oscar Zi Shao Ong
National president of the Council of International Students Australia
At 25 years old, Oscar Zi Shao Ong is skyrocketing through SA’s education system, gaining prominent professional titles and becoming an inspiring go-to figure for international students.
Oscar relentlessly pours his energy into ensuring countless foreign students have a fulfilling tertiary experience.
By speaking five languages, Oscar has cultivated a strong network of connections with university students and professionals, culturally diverse communities, student clubs and diaspora associations.
In his role on the Council for International Education, Oscar helped carry out the Australia Strategy for International Education planned from 2021 to 2030, and helped reverse a University of Adelaide decision which almost terminated studies for overseas medical students.
Remarkably, the board director of Adelaide University Union worked on the National Covid Taskforce to make sure foreign students received the best vaccination support, while initiating a food voucher program.
He also supported students affected by the military coup in Myanmar and the Israel-Gaza conflict, organising wellbeing support messages, regular check-ins and assessments extensions.
17. John Kelly
President of the Flinders Politics and International Relations Association, peer educator and campaign officer at the SA Sex Industry Network
Award-winner John Kelly has been pioneering the LGBTQI+ community by advocating for one of the most taboo industries in our state in hopes of forging long-term social and political change.
As a proudly vocal sex worker, John believes the broader community has highly stigmatised and discriminated sex workers, which drove him to advocate for the full decriminalisation of the sex industry in SA.
“As a member of a strong and diverse cohort, I’m passionate about lobbying to eradicate the punitive and harmful legislative framework SA sex workers face everyday,” he said.
“It’s high time that SA fell in-line with NSW, NT and Victoria in implementing the decriminalisation for the sex industry, so I’m looking forward to engaging with politicians in 2023.”
The president of the Flinders Politics and International Relations Association, John says his strong sense of community advocacy was instilled by his parents, who worked as regional paramedics.
“I watched them advocate for the best practices and inclusion as paramedics for our local community,” he said.
“They’re my role models and heroes, so I jumped at the opportunity to follow in their footsteps by advocating for better healthcare, industry regulation and inclusion.”
18. Andrew Kay
Chief executive of Business SA
As one of the most notable names in the business industry, Andrew Kay, will be using two decades’ worth of national and international corporate experience to bring thrilling new changes and growth to the state’s peak business body.
2023 is Andrew’s first full year as Business SA’s chief executive and he’s determined to make business conduct easier for people and will oversee a range of new programs, services and offerings for the business community.
He will also be at the forefront of advocacy matters and dealing with important changes to industrial relations legislations at both federal and state level, while also representing businesses on SA’s Gender Pay Gap Taskforce.
Beyond this impressive agenda, Andrew plays a key role as a board member on the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium and Centennial Park Authority.
19. Claudia Bonifazio
Entertainment star
Adelaide local Claudia Bonifazio garnered a large fanbase with her captivating personality as Love Island Australia’s 2022 winner.
The 23-year-old TV personality, with over 143,000 Instagram followers, wants to capitalise on her recent win by catapulting onto the acting scene.
“I’ve been doing acting for eight years. My goal in life is to be an actor,” Claudia told The Advertiser late last year.
Shortly after, Claudia was credited as one of the main stars in the upcoming thriller film Spithood, which was filmed in Adelaide.
20. Sascha Detmold Cox
Executive director at Detmold Group and chief executive at Detmold Medical
A member of the Detmold Group, executive Sascha Detmold Cox played a crucial role in leading the company through challenges during Covid and managed to manufacture up to one million surgical and respirator masks at the peak of the pandemic.
At the 2022 Australian Business Awards, the Detmold Group was one of the Employer of Choice winners.
In 2023, with Sascha leading the enablement division, she’ll use her passion for driving ongoing improvement and automation to ensure their employees continue working in rewarding and value-adding roles.
She also wants to continue increasing The Detmold Group’s substantive range of sustainable, recyclable and compostable packaging products, which are suppliable to local and global companies.
As the chief executive of the medical division, Sascha wants to secure its ongoing sustainability by growing the variety of Australian-made masks with plans to launch surgical respirator masks – the highest standard of mask PPE available.
Plus as a board director at Business SA, Sascha will also be on the frontline to make sure the association has it most successful year yet.
21. Phoebe Conway
Nutritionist, food blogger, photographer and recipe developer
Phoebe Conway is garnering a large social media following for her aesthetically-pleasing lifestyle content similar to Chrissy Teigen, while inspiring others into living a healthier lifestyle.
The qualified nutritionist and commercial photographer, better known as Pheebsfoods, develops her own mouth-watering recipes ranging from salad bowls, gourmet breakfast bowls to soups and dessert treats, then photographs her creations to illustrate that healthy eating should never be boring or bland.
As a recipe developer, Phoebe curates her own easy to follow ebooks, while also photographing beautiful images of motherhood, families and engagements.
Recently, Phoebe’s followers were privy to her own maternity-shoot, when the soon-to-be mother became candid about her pregnancy journey.
“I’ve struggled with accepting the many changes that come with pregnancy, but do you know the craziest thing about these photos?” she wrote.
“When I saw them my initial instinct wasn’t to pick apart my body like I normally would. I thought about how incredible it is that there is a little person in there, and although it’s been hard, my body has grown and nourished this little life.”
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