Gympie’s most impressive young person for 2022 revealed

From 30 down to five, these are the most impressive young guns from our region, as voted by our readers. See who took home first place.

Tino Fa‘asuamaleauii and Hannah Johnston are among our region's most impressive young guns.

The Gympie region is proud to be home to some impressive young guns, and these five are the cream of the crop.

After a week of voting on our 30 young guns and rising stars poll, our readers have selected the best of the best.

Congratulations to everybody nominated, and especially to our people’s choice winners.

Check out the top 5:

#5: Sam Klein

Sam Klein has gone from Gympie to the world stage for soccer. Picture: supplied.

At just 18 years old, Sam Klein is one impressive sports star.

He made his Young Socceroos debut in the 2022 Costa Calida Supercup.

It comes less than a year after Mr Klein made his A-League debut for the Brisbane Roar in January.

He has an extensive history in the Gympie soccer scene, having played for the Diggers Football Club and then later the Columbia Football Club.

He moved on to join the Sunshine Coast Fire, before taking to the global stage.

#4 Caitlyn Shadbolt

Caitlyn Shadbolt performing at the Birdsville Big Red Bash in 2021. Picture: Matt Williams.

Singer/songwriter Caitlyn Shadbolt has been making waves in the music industry since 2014, and has become one of the most recognisable faces in Gympie.

Her career was launched by The X Factor, where she placed fifth.

Now she is regularly on the road touring and has amassed thousands of followers on social media and Spotify.

#3 Payton Jennings

Goomeri's Payton Jennings making waves in meat industry as Nolan Meats buyer. Picture: Terry Nolan.

Despite being relatively new to the meat industry, Payton Jennings, 24, has become a rising star in livestock.

Ms Jennings works at Nolan Meats as a livestock buyer and has quickly made a name for herself.

She started work for the business in 2018 and quickly climbed the ranks, starting her new position in 2020.

Ms Jennings is well respected and pleased to be breaking down barriers in the male-dominated industry.

#2 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Gympie boy Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been voted as one of the region’s top young guns. Picture: NRL Images

With 18 per cent of the votes, State of Origin player Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 22, has taken the second place on our people’s choice list.

A Widgee native, Mr Fa’asuamaleaui attended James Nash State High School and was a popular player for the Gympie Devils.

He was first signed to the Brisbane Broncos when he was a teenager.

Now, he is the captain of the Gold Coast Titans and is signed to play for the team until 2026.

#1 Hannah Johnston

Hannah Johnston, 18, has been selected as Gympie’s most impressive young gun. Picture: Elizabeth Neil.

Who better to take the first place position but Gympie’s Young Citizen of the Year?

Ms Johnston received the prestigious honour for her outstanding academic achievements and community efforts, all while living with Type One Diabetes, on top of pre-existing heart and medical conditions.

She received more than a quarter of the votes in our poll.

Ms Johnston said she was honoured to have the chance to be recognised for her ongoing contributions to Gympie.

“I want to continue to give back to my local community,” she said.

“Thank you for your support.”