Bundaberg’s rising stars of 2024 revealed
From entrepreneurs to athletes, doctors, support workers and influencers, these talented, competitive young people from all corners of Bundaberg - some as young as 14 - are blazing a trail and shaping the future.
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Bundaberg is home to a near endless list of people working hard every day to improve the region for the better, from social advocates to business moguls and sporting talent bringing industry and pride to the community.
As the region continues to grow, the influence of its youth is needed more than ever and the NewsMail has taken the time to celebrate 20 of those young people who are putting in the work and making things happen.
With a drive for success, resilience, talent and determination these young men and women are shaping up to the leaders and mentors of tomorrow.
Here is our list, in no particular order:
Josh Brillante, 31
While many might argue Bundaberg soccer star Josh Brillante is already an established success, his deep connection to his home town have earned him a spot on this list.
The 31-year-old athlete made his start playing for the local Across the Waves team, before his talent quickly caught the eye of some major players in the soccer world.
In his youth, Mr Brillante went on to play for the Queensland Academy of Sport Men’s Football Program and Gold Coast United.
In more recent years his skills have taken him across the globe as he has donned the green and gold most recently for the 2018 World Cup, which took place in Russia.
The local legend now makes a home for himself in Sydney where he has a two-year contract with the Western City Wanderers.
Despite international success, Mr Brillante often makes the time to come back to his roots, and offer his coaching skills to local players.
He also goes out of his way to donate award winnings to his local club, making sure the team is never wanting for balls and bibs.
Dr Daniel Ballantine, 35
In February 2024, the Bundaberg RACQ LifeFlight team welcomed 34-year-old Dr Daniel Ballantine to the team.
The young doctor shared a passion for rural medicine as part of his welcoming to the region, a passion he has taken a step further since joining the LifeFlight team.
“I think the goal of retrieval medicine is to provide a specialist service to some of these more regional areas and I just absolutely wanted to be a part of that, so here I am,” he said.
In preparation for a role with the essential crew, Dr Ballantine not only had to undergo intense training at the LifeFlight training academy, he also had to tackle his own fears head on.
“I’m very excited for winching. I kind of have this weird fear of heights but I feel like I could conquer it, if I’m dangling outside of an aircraft so I’m ready to go.”
The young doctor has already played a role in distributing lifesaving, emergency medicine for the region’s most remote community members, from snake bites to crashes.
Shannan Davey, 24
Those planning on watching the 2024 Paris Olympics might spot Bundy boy Shannan Davey when he steps into the boxing ring, donning the iconic green and gold on behalf of his country and his hometown.
The 24-year-old first found his way into the ring as a self-professed “chubby kid” following in the footsteps of his brother before finding a passion for the sport, and an undeniable skill.
Over the years he has competed across the globe, from America to Europe, representing his country under the guidance of local coach Attila Kovacs.
In late 2023, Mr Davey’s years of hard work paid off when he received his ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games after competing in the Solomon Islands for the 2023 Pacific Games.
Despite being a polite and humble young man, it is clear Mr Davey is hungry to put his best foot forward at the Olympic Games, sharing his personal manifestation strategy with the NewsMail.
“For months leading up to the (Pacific) games, my phone screen saver was a picture of that ticket,” he said.
“I really manifested it, and now my screen saver is a photo of the Olympic gold medal.”
Mel Zielke, 35
As the co-owner of one of the largest building companies in the Bundaberg region Mel Zielke and her husband oversee 40 staff and hundreds of contractors all while giving back to the community they call home.
Mrs Zielke and her husband Jesse first started JRZ Homes 12 years ago, and have gone from strength to strength, crediting the support of staff and the community who have supported their journey.
“It is such a rewarding industry to be a part of, we are given the opportunity to be a part of someone’s story,” she said.
“Building in some cases their forever home and being a part of the biggest investment some will ever make. With that we take great pride in our homes, their quality and finishes, and for that our business has grown, maintaining a great reputation.”
The business continues to play a role in some of the largest developments in the region including Ingenia Lifestyle’s over 50’s resort Drift, but the young business owners also credit Liveable Homes Australia to their names, a business building specialist disability accommodation across Queensland.
“We collaborate with NDIS participants, their families and supports, to ensure we can design a home that suits each participants needs,” Mrs Zielke said.
“Our building company JRZ Homes builds and develops the dwellings and then I manage the homes after the participants move into the home at Liveable Homes Australia with our employees.”
Tom Smith, 34
The young primary school teacher turned Bundaberg Labor MP was elected in 2020 to be the state Member for Bundaberg.
Tom Smith has been a vocal advocate for the community, standing up for important issues within the region from ongoing water security issues to education initiatives including TAFE agricultural education upgrades.
He is also quietly working to support those battling homelessness and housing insecurity, calling on relevant government leaders to turn their attention to those struggling the most in the Bundaberg region.
Mr Smith has also been vocal in his support of the existing health services across the region, and a staunch supporter of the construction of the new Bundaberg Hospital.
Despite being an advocate for many state government initiatives, he has also kept his focus closer to home supporting community events such as the return of the popular Pageant of Lights in 2023.
Tylen Wallace, 21
Young Bundaberg local Tylen Wallace wears many hats as an advocate for the region’s farming community, from social media influencer to farmer to reality TV star.
Despite being a 2023 Bundaberg Show Society Rural Ambassador, a role which saw him nominated as a finalist for the Queensland Rural Ambassador of the Year, many first met Mr Wallace when he appeared as a contender on Channel 9 and 9 Now’s reality show Rush.
The show drops three teams of four into major international tourist and cultural events such as Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro, blindfolded and made deaf to the world.
After coming to their senses each team must track down their host with just a few dollars and their wits and after touching base with their host the teams are given a series of challenges to complete, with the slowest time facing a contender elimination.
The cheeky country boy was a hit with fans, building on his social media success which boasts more than 200,000 followers across several platforms.
Through his social media presence, the young jackaroo has introduced a diverse audience to the ups and down of agricultural life, while remaining a bright and friendly face.
Followers watch Mr Wallace as he works on his family’s Bundaberg farm, tending to the livestock while educating viewers.
Angelle Fritz, 19
Since graduating from Kepnock State High School, 19-year-old Angelle Fritz has been working hard to develop her own small business to the betterment of the region’s health.
As part of her high school education, Miss Fritz completed a Certificate III in Fitness, building on an athletic background in dance and gymnastics.
After leaving high school she began teaching classes at Bundaberg’s World Gym, before establishing herself as a personal trainer operating as an individual business entity within the gym.
Through teaching classes the young PT believes she has identified a key gap in the healthcare market, as many women in her classes struggle to find appropriate training and support while pregnant and post pregnancy.
“There’s not enough around women’s pregnancy health,” she said.
“I would love to have that as my focus so they know they have someone to go to, and so that they can feel safe.”
A passion for helping others on their health and fitness journey has lead to Miss Fritz beginning a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) through Central Queensland University, a degree she is hoping will help her to become a beacon for women’s natal health.
“I would love to have a hub for women’s health where there is a mix between physiotherapy, personal training and exercise support,” she said.
Danielle Robert, 18
At the young age of 18 Danielle Fritz has already accomplished an impressive amount for her local community, from volunteering her time for Bundaberg’s most vulnerable to expanding her creative prowess.
The St Lukes Anglican School graduate began her community presence during high school as the Service Captain, working to connect the school with local charities and organisations.
Her work with the school allowed her to support a range of organisations including World’s Greatest Shave, and provide support to those caught in the horrors of the 2023 Turkish earthquake.
In 2022, while still at school, she joined the Relay For Life committee, and remains an active member of the lifesaving group.
She remains an active member of local soup kitchens, and served on the Queensland Youth parliament developing a unique insight into the struggles faced by those across the state, skills she applied to her time spent on the Wide Bay Health and Hospital Customer Reference Board as the Youth and Schools Representative.
Her efforts for the community, spread through a diversity of channels saw her nominated for the 2023 Young Australian of the Year award for the Bundaberg region.
As Miss Robert enjoys her gap year before undertaking a dual degree at the Queensland University of Technology in Human Services, she is enjoying giving back to the community.
Adam Harford, 22
Personal trainer Adam Harford has become a beacon of health and fitness in the Bundaberg community, after his own near fatal health scare centred his life goals.
“Back in 2019, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, and battled through that for two and a half years of my life,” he said.
“Fitness got me through that.”
After making it to full remission, Adam realised he could use his experience and passion to help those who had similar journeys to his own.
“I really wanted to dive into helping others and everyone goes through different forms of life-altering or life-threatening things,” he said.
Since recovering from cancer, the young PT has established himself as a generous, selfless member of the community, who is always ready and willing to help anyone who comes forward seeking to prioritise their health.
“I just approach every single person with the idea that if they are asking for help, they need help,” he said.
“If I am able to impact their life with their health choices and lifestyle, I see that as more important than making a buck.”
Christian Lane-Krebs, 19
Disability advocate, medical science student, world record holder and Bundaberg Young Citizen of the Year 2024 are just some of the impressive titles held by Christian Lane-Krebs.
The born and bred Bundaberg local has spent many years working closely with the community to advocate for the capabilities of disabled people across the region, not only through his impressive athletic achievements but on a state and national level.
Mr Lane-Krebs has represented Australia in rowing, swimming and track and field athletics, and in 2022 was awarded the Olympic Change Maker award for his involvement in community sport.
While completing his final years of schooling at Kepnock State High School, his involvement with the Queensland Student Advisory committee gave him the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Education and provide input on educational legislation and curriculums before they were implemented within Queensland schools.
Beyond that, his advocacy for the disabled community within Bundaberg, and across the country allowed him to sit on the 2020 review panel of the Disability Standards Act 2005.
Mr Lane-Krebs has also worked closely with the Central Queensland University through the Destination Doctors program as he undertakes his Bachelor of Medical Science/ Doctor of Medicine program offered within CQU and the University of Queensland.
Upon completing this demanding degree, he hopes to provide health care support to his hometown, and the Wide Bay Burnett.
Maddelyn Batt, 22
As the host of the recent Bundaberg Wedding Expo, 22-year-old Maddelyn Batt has already shown a determined entrepreneurial spirit aimed at supporting local businesses.
Despite organising the popular expo, Miss Batt is better known for her photography through her business Maddelyn Grace Photography.
Her wedding and lifestyle photography has become known for its intimate, positive way of capturing clients during heartfelt celebrations.
Miss Batt’s passion for photography began in childhood, and she fondly recalls taking photos with anything she could get her hands on, be it an old digital camera or her iPhone.
In 2019, she purchased her first professional camera and began taking photos of friends and family as a hobby, a decision that would shape her future.
“Not long after posting some of these online I began to receive messages asking if I took bookings,” she said.
“It was a huge shock to me that my passion could turn into something more but eventually I decided to turn my hobby into a business and now here we are years later capturing the most important moments of other people's’ lives including weddings, proposals and engagements, maternity and even newborns.”
Beyond her successful photography business, Miss Batt has begun planning the 2025 Wedding Expo following the wave of positive feedback.
However, the hard work doesn’t stop there, as she is also studying a Bachelor of Primary Education, and teaching dance at the Bundaberg Dance Academy.
Elijah Richardson, 11
At just 11 years-of-age, Elijah Richardson is the youngest person to be named in our 20 Under 35 list, for his passionate work advocating for the natural environment.
The young social scientist has become a minor celebrity in recent years for his tireless commitment to protecting reefs, a journey which began when he joined the local Coral Watch.
Since then he has become a CoralWatch Junior Ambassador and worked with the like of Billie Eilish and Australian Geographic to raise awareness for the protection of local reefs and environment.
Through his hard work, he has spread his message of environmental awareness and sustainability on endless platforms including Channel 7, ABC, the Sunrise Breakfast Show, and worked on the Nets Out Now message to Stephen Miles.
He has fought for almost every level of government to be more conscious of the way agencies engage with the environment, from something as simple as the surfaces of beachside playgrounds to educating on sustainable, reusable swaps to minimise waste entering Queensland oceans.
Keiarna Seymour, 17
Teenage entrepreneur Keiarna Seymour has become known in the region for her delightful desserts, and was recently awarded as Bundaberg’s Best Cake Decorator.
The young powerhouse behind Cupcakes by K.Rose launched her business when she was just 14 years old spurred on by the support of her family.
“I’ve been baking for as long as I’ve known, I used to help my mum when I was little,” Miss Seymour said.
In the years since her skills have continued to grow, as has her standing in the community as a respected business owner working with businesses and locals alike.
Her cake designs vary from bright and bold themed cakes including Alice in Wonderland, to subtle natural designs suited to weddings and engagements.
“I love getting customer reactions, and I just love the creative aspect of it all, trying new things and there’s always a cake trend to follow,” she said.
Shayler Ann McRae, 27
In recent years Shayler Ann McRae has become a beacon of kindness and empathy to the Bundaberg homeless community through her work with popular Facebook group ‘Helping the Homeless.’
The 27-year-old volunteers her time to help manage the page, connecting those in the community who are facing financial and housing insecurity with those who have spare food, nappies, clothes or even accommodation.
“We can get you in touch with people that are able to help,” she said.
“Whether that be having a couch to sleep on, a warm blanket, a warm meal, a tent if they had no other living options and are on the street so they feel safe and also for families who had children as no child should sleep on the street, groceries for a family that couldn’t afford to put food on the table for there family due to unexpected circumstances.”
Miss McRae often takes time out of her day to organise major community events, including a Christmas Day event in 2023, which offered a huge free and festive feast for those who could not do the same for their families.
While many chose to spend Christmas Day at home, Miss McRae was hosting the event, alongside other ‘Helping the Homeless’ team members, dishing up meals and handing out gifts, all of which had been kindly donated.
As someone who has experienced housing insecurities, Miss McRae is an understanding face for the group and has no plans to pull back on her work any time soon.
“I’ve lived in Bundaberg all my life so I’ve seen a lot growing up with the cost of living and housing crisis worsening,” she said.
“I have also experienced times in life where I faced situations where I needed a helping hand, so I want to be able to provide that for other people.
“I have a strong passion for helping those in need and believe if we all can help just a little bit we can make a change.”
With the others behind the Facebook group, Miss McRae said there are plans to turn the page into a registered charity, in the hopes they will be able to do even more.
Isaac Cooper, 20
From humble beginnings at the Fairymead Swimming Club, Bundaberg athlete Isaac Cooper is the second Olympian on our list of impressive young locals.
The 20-year-old made his Olympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and successfully managed to nab a bronze medal for his efforts in the 4x100m mixed medley relay team. Since then, he has continued to impress, and most recently was crowned the 50m backstroke world champion after bringing home gold at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha.
Despite being disoriented during the swim, which according to the Swimming Australia report, was caused by a sloped roof in the Aspire Dome stadium, Mr Cooper clocked a national record during the semi-final of the big race.
“I told my coach I would love a go at going under 24 tonight but I whacked my finger a couple of times, the roof is curved, so it was a bit of a mind game to swim straight,” Mr Cooper told Swimming Australia earlier this year.
“I am really proud of that swim. I have no idea what I am capable of but I think it’s up to the individual to test it.”
The performance puts the young athlete on track for another Olympic appearance at Paris in 2024, but final race meets will decide if he makes the team.
Anna Smith, 21 and Tasman Harman, 20
As the dynamic young duo behind blooming businesses Wholehearted Support, Anna Smith and Tasman Harman have proven age is just a number when it comes to caring for the community.
The young students, who are one year away from completing their degrees in Occupational Therapy at the Central Queensland University, first launched their business in September of 2023.
Since then they have gone from strength to strength, and have already expanded the team to include four new workers, all of whom aim to connect community members with support workers, backed by a cutting edge education.
In the months since launching the business, the young entrepreneurs have also opened an office in Earls Court, Bundaberg providing a calming and welcoming space for first time and returning clients.
Their passion for providing support work arose from their shared degrees, which revealed to them the depth of the injustices faced by those who have been marginalised due to disability.
As they look to the end of their degrees the childhood friends are uncertain of the direction their business may take, but know their focus will be on supporting and elevating those who through no fault of their own have been left to fall through the gaps.
“We would love to see a world where there was no barriers to someone being included in the world we had the privilege of growing up in,” Miss Smith said.
Claire Mallows, 24
In June of 2023, young Bundaberg hairdresser Claire Mallows was crowned as the region’s best hairdresser for her incredible popularity and passion for the job.
However, it is her eager desire to become the best hairdresser she can be, supported by the team at the Place Hairdressing, which has earned her a place on this list.
The lifelong Bundaberg local said despite the rural image the town has, the talent in the region is strong enough to compete with the capital cities which draw travellers for haircuts.
“We can do just the exact same as a big city salon, you don’t have to go to Brisbane, you don’t have to go to Sydney to get an experience, to get the full makeover,” she said.
Her journey with the hairdressing industry began at just 15 years of age, and over the years Miss Mallows has risen to be a senior member of the Place team, guiding up and coming apprentices with almost a decade of knowledge.
She said it was her passion for bringing joy and self confidence to her clients that had kept her in the industry, despite long days and years of hard work and training.
“If I can make just one person feel a little happier, a little bit better about themselves it just makes everything so worth it,” she said.
As she looks toward her future, Miss Mallows said she intends to stay local, backed by the support of her family and a work team which she said has become like family.
Sami Grace Atkins, 29
As a business owner, employer and tattoo artist Sami Grace Atkins is a young local who encapsulates the heart of the Bundaberg region.
Despite a clear success in the tattoo industry, which has resulted in her launching her own parlour The Tattoo House, Miss Atkins was humble about her journey.
After running away from home at just 17 years old, she first set her sights on working at a zoo in the Northern Territory before taking on a tattoo apprenticeship at the now closed Bundaberg Tattoo parlour.
While she admits she initially didn’t think the apprenticeship was a “real job” her talent quickly caught the attention of the team at Garage Ink, one of the premier tattoo parlours in Queensland.
Miss Atkins accepted a position at the Gold Coast parlour, working there for several years before the pandemic threw a spanner in her plans, encouraging her to move home to Bundaberg to accept her family’s support in raising her young daughter.
Upon returning to Bundaberg, Miss Atkins initially took up a spot at a local tattoo parlour but said it just “didn’t feel like home,” giving her the encouragement she needed to launch her own business.
Two years on The Tattoo House is a clear success, already employing two other apprentices, however Miss Atkins said the success of the business came down to the welcoming atmosphere.
“We all get along really well, so work is really fun,” she said.
“It’s like my safe space, and I hope it is for my staff as well.”
In June of 2023 the tattoo artist was voted the best in Bundaberg, for the grey wash realism that has become her niche.
While she said the award left her feeling more nervous than anything else, it reignited a passion in her to continue forward with the industry and the business and she already has plans to bring the entire Bundaberg tattoo community together.
Brittany Duncan, 34
In her role as a Bundaberg police officer, Brittany Duncan is working hard to keep her community safe and secure.
A born and bred local, Mrs Duncan knew from early on a typical nine to five was not in her wheelhouse and after graduating from the Oxley Police Academy was posted to Rockhampton for five years.
However, a desire to return to her roots encouraged her home to the Bundaberg region, and she hasn’t looked back.
“Family and friends was one of the big reasons we returned to the area but also the relaxed lifestyle. Where else do you have an amazing beach, great sporting facilities, fantastic schools and great people,” she said.
While there is no denying her position is demanding, Mrs Duncan said she wouldn’t change a thing, and loves the opportunity her role gives her to connect with the community.
A focus of her career is connecting with young people across the region, supporting them away from a life of crime and she played a key role in establishing the Road Safety Young Driver Awareness program aimed at younger drivers.
“Each year the program is growing and knowing that we are helping around 1000 students each year to ensure road safety is very rewarding,” she said.
“[I want to] continue proactive work within the youth space to ensure our youth are getting the best support and opportunities without having to go down the wrong path.”
On a more personal note, Mrs Duncan said anyone who knows her knows she is touch footy mad, with the mother of two saying the sport keeps her family connected.
“I am blessed to have a husband and two daughters who also share a passion for sport so if we aren’t catching up with family or friends we are normally playing or training for whatever sport is in season at the time,” she said.
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