Who’s the most influential young gun in Brisbane? Vote Now
Which young gun under 25 years of age is having the biggest influence on Brisbane? SEE THE LIST AND VOTE
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From courtroom crusaders to sporting sensations and entrepreneurs, meet the under-25s who are quietly building Brisbane’s future.
With a drive for success and a mind for business, these Brisbane young guns are making their mark on the city and beyond.
The Courier-Mail has listed 33 talented community members 25 or under who are using their influence and skills to succeed.
Find out who they are and then scroll to the bottom of the list to tell us who you believe is having the biggest influence on the region despite – or maybe because of – their young age.
See the list in alphabetical order then vote below.
RORY ANDERSEN, 22
Rory volunteers for the Starlight Children’s Foundation in the Starlight Express Room at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
The 20-year-old was a Starlight child himself and saw the opportunity to volunteer, as a perfect way to give back to a foundation that once supported him during a really difficult time.
Rory is a second year medical student at UQ, and volunteering with Starlight has been invaluable to his professional development.
Rory says his superpower as a Starlight volunteer is playing video games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.
LEWIS BISHOP, 20
Lewis was born in Gove, NT into a family of seven, and ended up living in Papua New Guinea from the ages of 6-10.
At the age of nine, Lewis’ leg was severely damaged by a boat propeller while knee boarding.
Lewis had his leg amputated and a further twelve surgeries over three months.
He then learnt to walk on a prosthetic leg and developed a passion for swimming which played a huge part of his rehab.
The 20-year-old’s drive to start Paralympic swimming began after meeting Paralympic legends Brendan Hall and Scott Reardon in hospital.
In 2024, Lewis qualified for his first Australian team to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, in which he won an unexpected bronze medal.
Since then, Lewis has had the privilege to talk to future generations about the Paralympic movement while getting behind the plan for Brisbane 2032.
Lewis is currently training for world champs this year in Singapore while studying a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at QUT.
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KATELYN COLLINS, 24
Katelyn is an Early Career Research Fellow at Cancer Council Queensland and currently completing her PhD.
Research shows more than 3200 Queenslanders are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, and early detection makes all the difference.
Katelyn’s currently working on using behavioural science to increase participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to save lives.
Her achievements include being published in 10 research publications and presenting at seven conferences.
OLIVER BARR-DAVID, 20
Oliver Barr-David is the founder of the Queensland Study Hub, a student-led online platform that has transformed how Queensland ATAR students collaborate, study, and succeed.
Launched in 2022 during his final year at of high school, the hub has since grown into a thriving peer-to-peer learning community with over 2500 members and nearly 2000 volunteer subject helpers answering questions within the hour.
From masterclasses to subject-specific mentoring and study forums spanning 35 senior curriculum subjects, the Hub has become a vital academic support tool — particularly for students navigating the isolation of high achievement.
What makes Oliver remarkable is that he’s continued to lead and expand the platform while studying engineering and maths at the University of Queensland, where he’s also a Liveris Academy scholar.
In recognition of his work Oliver was awarded the Channel 7 Young Achiever People’s Choice award in 2024.
ZIKR DEVJEE, 18
Zikr is currently a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Queensland, pursuing a Bachelor of International Studies alongside a Diploma in Languages.
The 18-year-old delivered a TEDx talk in 2021 and graduated from Indooroopilly State High School last year as school captain.
He is an active member of the YMCA Queensland Youth parliament (QYP) Youth Advisory Council in 2024.
He participated in the Australian Youth Climate Coalition’s (AYCC) Youth Climate Justice Training Weekend in Brisbane (Meanjin) in July 2024, engaging with peers passionate about environmental issues.
Zikr is an alumnus of the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC) in 2022.
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HAYES BUTLER-DUPUY, 17
Hayes Butler-Dupuy is a Year 12 student at the Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus (QACI).
As a youth advocate, he has helped the Queensland Government’s Office for Youth to write the recently released new Queensland Government Youth Strategy.
Through this process he was able to stress how important it is for young people to be listened to, particularly in the formation of policy that directly impacts their lives.
Hayes spends his time campaigning with Make It 16 to lower the compulsory voting age to 16.
In his advocacy with Make It 16, he wrote and made a submission to adopt lowering the voting age into the ALP National Policy Platform, while also featuring on a panel at the ALP National Conference Fringe.
He also co-wrote an article for Crikey advocating lowering the voting age and has been interviewed on radio to discuss why 16-year-olds should have the right to vote.
This year, Hayes was also recently selected as one of 23 delegates representing Queensland in Canberra at the recent National Schools Constitutional Convention.
MADELEINE FORD, 25
Madeleine has built an impressive dual career as both a performer and singing coach.
With a background in musical theatre, she’s performed internationally – from Universal Studios Japan to London – and now brings that experience into her teaching.
While performing abroad, she discovered a passion for helping others grow.
Since then, she’s worked with students aged eight to 60+, guiding them to develop both technical skill and confidence in singing and acting.
Despite her thriving coaching business, Coached by Maddy, Madeleine still performs in musical theatre, most recently returning to the stage in Queensland, a full circle moment.
“There’s nothing like helping another performer have a breakthrough,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding.”
BENJAMIN GUSE, 22
Benjamin recently won the Open Men’s Australian Championships in the Decathlon (Athletics).
The competition was held on April 10-11 in Perth where he achieved a total of 7575 points.
The 22-year-old performed personal best time’s in five of the 10 legs of the decathlon and achieved the qualifying standard for the World University Games in Germany later this year.
In 2022, Benjamin was on track to win the U20 Australian title and qualify for the World U20 Athletics Championships, but he was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury during the pole vault.
Training for the decathlon is a full time job, as Benjamin trains 10 times a week for an average of four hours each day.
Additionally, Benjamin is studying a Masters of Osteopathic Medicine full-time at Southern Cross University.
Benjamin’s goal is to medal at this years FISU World University Games in the Decathlon and continue towards his childhood dream of representing Australia in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
SABRINA GUSE, 20
Sabrina is a third-year student studying a double degree in environmental science and journalism at QUT.
The 20-year-old is founder of EnviroMentoring, a business which provides environmental education to the next generation through workshops at schools, outside school hours care services (OSHC), birthdays, and more.
EnviroMentoring sells DIY kits individually and in bulk around Australia, making environmental education accessible for all.
The business is on a mission to inspire the next generation of ecowarriors to create a sustainable, brighter future.
Since its establishment in 2023, EnviroMentoring has taught 3497 students, helped grow 2,544 plants, 1212 terrariums and 625 bug hotels, aiming to teach 100,000 people by 2030.
The EnviroMentoring team is made up of four university students including Sabrina.
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SKYE HAVILL, 19
Skye began volunteering at Coffee Brigade right after graduating Year 12.
Completing school through distance education, a rather isolating feat, she was looking for a way to spend more time with new people and doing something she felt was productive and positive.
She began volunteering in operations around Coffee Brigade HQ, supporting the team for a couple of hours a week.
Eventually, her family got involved and they joined a monthly sandwich making shift, a lovely way to volunteer and still work in quality time with her mum, sister and grandma.
When she finally turned 18 in 2024, she was able to go on her first van shift, where she met friends the organisation serves and formed the connections she’s grateful to have today.
JOSHUA HO, 20
Joshua is a university student and business owner who founded Acenci, a Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) business, in 2022.
Acenci is the developer and seller of PointDash, a house points management system for schools, aimed at fostering healthy competition and building house culture.
Joshua is studying a Bachelor of Engineering and Information Technology at QUT where he has been recognised as a Dean’s Scholar and awarded the Westpac Young Technologist scholarship.
He is an Assistant Web Developer and Student Ambassador for QUT and is committed to sharing his passion for technology with others.
In his role as an Australian Computer Society (ACS) Young Tech Ambassador, Joshua regularly visits schools to talk about his experiences and inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts.
Other initiatives include the development (concept to delivery) of a student-led STEAM conference and after-school program called Launch, which continues to inspire students today.
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EMILY HODGE, 20
Studying Journalism and Arts at the University of Queensland, Emily first started her volunteering journey with Orange Sky in 2023.
Balancing her volunteering commitments with her studies and work, Emily joined the not-for-profit fortnightly on Thursday mornings, providing crucial conversation and connection for those doing it tough in the heart of the city.
Each week, Emily takes on the role of looking after the washing in the hybrid van.
Emily’s connection to Orange Sky stemmed from a desire to give people in Brisbane doing it tough a sense of dignity by providing them with clean clothes and genuine conversation.
“I have lived in Brisbane my whole life, and our community is really important to me, which is why I wanted to give back to the community in such a meaningful way,” Ms Hodge said.
“Being able to connect with so many people – other volunteers and friends alike – has such a profound impact on my mood, and I hope that I can give that back through volunteering.”
LIAM JONES, 17
Liam is skilled and soulful musician (tenor and soprano sax) referred to as ‘Jazzy Jones’ by his peers and is a member of multiple school bands.
The musical abilities exhibited by Liam have been highly recognised, with Liam accepted into Creative Generation (CGEN) in the Big Band and Symphonic Band and the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) in the Big Band.
Liam has very recently been advised that he has been selected for the MOST Program (Musically Outstanding Students) – a prestigious, biennial event that brings together exceptionally talented students from Queensland state secondary schools for an intensive 10-day musical development experience.
Outside of the instrumental realm, Centenary State High School’s upcoming musical production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ sees Liam star in a lead role as the ‘Cowardly Lion’.
Quite the athlete, having competed at state competitions for both school and club swimming, the young gun is a swim coach for children aged 3-14 in his spare time, something he thoroughly enjoys.
ALICE JUKES, 17
Alice Jukes is the founder of Shift The Gears, a platform dedicated to the promotion and empowerment of women in motorsports.
What began as a school project as part of her International Baccalaureate studies at the Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus (QACI) quickly grew into a global initiative, focused on sharing the stories of women racing at every level and working behind the scenes in roles such as engineering, media, PR, and team management and beyond.
Since going live, Alice has published 44 interviews, sharing the stories of women and men from 19 nationalities and 23 racing categories.
Alice has formed invaluable connections and relationships with people across the industry, and she says each of them inspire her in her own journey.
In March, Alice had the chance to attend the World Superbikes Championship as a guest of the series.
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FAITH KAYROOZ, 21
A proud descendant of the Karingbal mob, Faith is a singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist (voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, harmonica, viola), composer, and producer.
She began paying her dues busking at the age of 10, with her first professional performance at 14.
In the years since, Faith has won several awards including Brisbane Battle of The Rock Bands – Best Vocalist 2019, 2021, and Ekka Country Music Showdown Runner Up 2022.
As a young student, Faith juggled school and caring for her unwell mother.
In Year 9, she started receiving support through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
Faith’s first release, Mumma’s Not Doing Well, featured at the FRSA National Conference, followed by a live performance by invitation at the launch of National Carers’ Week at Government House, Canberra, and a third performance headlining with The Veronicas at a Qld charity event.
The world premiere of her heart-stirring song Silent for National Reconciliation Week in 2023 shared the impact of generational trauma within First Nations history.
LACHLAN KENNEDY, 21
Known as Gout Gout’s friendly arch rival, Lachlan ran a blistering first leg in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics, helping Australia set a new national record.
He also shattered records in the 60m sprint at the Oceania Championships and recently captured national attention with his 200m win at the Maurie Plant Meet.
The 21-year-old also claimed silver at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing on March 21.
A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Commerce student, Lachlan was recently crowned UQ Sportsman of the Year.
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RACHEL KIM, 11
Rachel is in Year 6 at All Hallows’ School and is the youngest member of Queensland Youth Orchestra 2025.
Rachel recently achieved second place in String category, Presto section (Under 13 years) of the BIYMC (Brisbane International Youth Music Competition) 2025, playing Mozart violin. Rachel will perform at the upcoming Gala concert and award ceremony at Brisbane City Hall.
ELLA LIANG, 17
North Brisbane teen Ella Liang, a Year 12 student at Northside Christian College, is racing toward the world stage — juggling studies with a cycling career that’s already breaking records.
Her ability to manage her time, stay focused, and remain committed — even through the toughest moments — has been key to her success both on the bike and in the classroom.
Ella holds a cycling scholarship with the Queensland Academy of Sport and rides with the Balmoral Cycling Club.
She has represented her region at state championships and national qualifying events and recently received a letter of acceptance to compete at the UCI Junior World Championships in Apeldoorn.
A former world record holder in the 1km race, Ella continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for young athletes in her sport.
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MADDIE LLOYD, 23
Maddie is a part of the Prevention & Early Detection team at Cancer Council Queensland and is passionate about educating the community.
With Queensland being the skin cancer capital of the world, Maddie protects thousands of Queensland kids from sun damage every year by delivering the SunSmart program, Shade Grant initiative and Portable Shade Project.
She’s supported hundreds of primary schools, early childhood centres and OSHC centres to develop best practice sun safety policies to protect children and staff.
Maddie says “It is really rewarding knowing my work is making a difference in reducing the risk of preventable cancers for our next generation.”
Maddie graduated from QUT in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Human Services and a Bachelor of Public Health.
She’s always been community minded: she’s also been a volunteer and fundraiser since she was a teenager, and hosted her very own Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event.
LOLA MOORE, 12
At four years of age, Lola first learnt to swim in Germany under a Russian-born German coach with some unusual teaching strategies which involved jumping in with up to six floating devices and swimming laps.
Once Lola worked out that these could be removed the stronger she swam- there was no turning back.
Fast forward a few years and a return to Australia, like many girls (and boys) – Lola took up netball, currently one of five sports she plays and succeeds in.
By the end of June 2025, Lola would have attended three State titles across three sports, narrowly missing out on a fourth (swimming- by 0.02 seconds in the highly competitive 50 freestyle).
The 12-year-old is a regular on the Metropolitan West team for school sport in Athletics (discus/ shot put/ netball).
She has also just returned from an Australian Futsal tour where she filled in as a goalie for a primary school team in 2024 and was selected on the Australia All Star team.
In 2024 in an attempt to combine her sports, she took up water polo playing for her school.
Lola had a successful first season and attended State titles recently, taking away a competitive bronze with her team.
ZACK NEWSHAM, 20
Zack discovered his passion for trail running through a natural progression from cross country and track events during his school years.
The 20-year-old’s journey into the competitive trail running scene began when he participated in the South East Queensland Trail Running Series.
Under the guidance of his coach at the time, John Purcell, Zack entered the Junior Mountain Running Championships at age 18, where he achieved a runner-up finish.
The following year he returned to claim the championship.
These early successes paved the way for international competition, earning selection to represent Australia at the World Mountain Running Championships in Thailand (2022) and Austria (2023).
Zack’s development has been significantly enhanced by having Mount Coot-Tha on his doorstep, providing the perfect training ground for developing the strength and technical skills required for trail running excellence.
Zack has competed in major races across Australia and New Zealand, travelling to Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, to test himself against diverse terrain and competition.
Zack is currently competing in the National Golden Trail Series, with his next race in Newcastle this June.
INDIA PARKER, 11
India recently represented Australia in Futsal at two U10/11 international tournaments in Malaysia, where she was also named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in one of the tournaments.
She was selected for the Australian team from the National Futsal Championships.
India has represented Queensland (U10s) at two National Championships – winning the September 2024 Nationals in Brisbane and placing third at the January 2025 Nationals in Sydney.
Most recently, she was selected for the All Stars Australian Girls team (U11s) and will compete at the World Futsal Championships in the United States in July.
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KATELYN PRETORIUS, 16
At just 16 years old, Katelyn has already proven herself to be one of Australia’s top young athletes.
A Year 11 student at Brigidine College, Katelyn recently competed in the U17 100m Hurdles at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth – earning an impressive 8th place nationally.
The 16-year-old finished third in the U17 hurdles at the 2024 Queensland All Schools track and field championships.
Katelyn’s passion for athletics began with Little Athletics, but it was her time at Brigidine College that allowed her to truly focus on her hurdles training.
ELLA RACITI, 19
Ella is a passionate youth advocate from Townsville, now studying journalism in Brisbane.
As a Youth Advocate with the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC), she focuses on healthcare, First Nations issues, and youth justice.
She has been appointed as a Youth Ambassador for Children’s Rights Queensland and serves as the Youth Member for Maiwar in the 30th YMCA Youth parliament.
In her parliamentary role, Ella contributes to the Health and Emergency Services and Family, Seniors and Disability Services committee, currently co-drafting a bill on Ryan’s Rule — a topic deeply personal to her.
Ella’s commitment to youth advocacy is reflected in her selection to attend nine national conferences and camps since 2022, hosted by institutions such as The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney, Australian National University and The University of Melbourne.
She is a recipient of the CSIRO Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy Scholarship and was honoured to meet Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Cathy Foley and the Governor-General at the National Youth Science Forum.
In Year 12, she was nominated for the Bishop Michael Putney Student of the Year Award and was a three-time semi-finalist in the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards.
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NICK ROCHE, 24
Nick is a rising force in Brisbane’s luxury property market, specialising in prestige sales in Ascot, Hamilton, Clayfield and Kalinga.
THE 24-year-old’s total sales value was $62,795,000 in 2024.
He consistently transacts at the top end of the market, with recent results including multiple sales in the $5- $7 million range and several around the $10 million mark.
Nick’s clientele includes CEOs and founders of some of Australia’s most prominent companies
Nick has carved out a successful start to his real estate career by performing to the Ray White Elite Performer standard, placing him in the top three per cent of Ray White agents internationally.
Working at Ray White Ascot Nick continues to set benchmarks in Brisbane’s prestige property market, with over $250 million in career sales and multiple suburb records to his name.
Nick was ranked a Ray White Premier Performer from 2022-2024 before jumping up to elite status.
The 24-year-old grew up in New Farm and attended Brisbane Grammar School.
His passion for real estate was sparked by his family’s own buying and selling journey.
ELY SMITH, 24
Originally from Yarrawonga in country Victoria, Ely made the move to Brisbane in 2018 after being drafted to the Brisbane Lions, marking the beginning of both his AFL career and his journey in Queensland.
Ely spent his first year playing in the Lions undefeated NEAFL side
In 2020, he discovered a passion for property and purchased his first investment.
Just a year later, with the support of Edwards & Mills, he secured his second investment property.
That experience sparked a deeper interest in the industry and gave him first-hand insight into the value of a great Buyers Agent.
Now a co-owner of Edwards & Smith, Ely brings the same drive, discipline, and focus that defined his AFL career into the property space — skills he now uses daily to support and guide clients through their own property journeys.
He has successfully purchased a range of residential and commercial properties on behalf of clients and continues to grow the business alongside his co-owner, Jake Edwards.
RHIANNON SMITH, 18
Rhiannon is a member of both the U18 Jnr Aussie Spirit Softball squad and the Aussie Futures Squad, (a development squad for those aiming for selection in the open women’s team – the Aussie Spirit.)
Rhiannon represented Queensland at both the U23 Softball Nationals and the U18 Softball Nationals throughout last December 2024 and into the New Year.
The skills and abilities she presented at both these National championships led to her selection in two squads.
At the U18 Nationals she received two awards – MVP of the tournament and Batter of the tournament.
Her father passed away in January 2023 after a 15 month battle with cancer.
Despite the challenges this has presented in life, she has committed to succeed in her sport, and to study hard to successfully complete Year 12.
Rhiannon is in her first year studying physiotherapy.
She is also a former Level 10 state level gymnast, retiring in 2022 so that should concentrate on her softball pursuits.
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THE SUMFINKS (GUS ABBOTT, ARLEN TAYLOR, TYLER OUTTERIDGE)
The Sumfinks are a three-piece band consisting of Gus Abbott on vocals/guitar, Arlen Taylor on bass and Tyler Outteridge on drums.
The boys are all in Year 9 at Hillbrook Anglican School where they regularly perform and recently took out first place in the school’s first Battle of the Bands.
Drawing inspiration from bands like Nirvana, Blink-182 and Smashing Pumpkins, the grunge-esque group is characterised by their engaging stage presence and technical skill.
In January, the band was invited to perform at the Cave Inn Woolloongabba as part of the launch of the Brisbane Teenage FanClub, the inspiration of Deb Suckling, SugarRush Music: an initiative to support and fund youth music assisted by the Australian Government and Creative Australia.
This performance included a debut of their original song “Peach”, with music and lyrics composed by Gus.
In July, The Sumfinks will again perform at the same venue, including the debut of their second original song, as part of Brisbane Teenage Fan Club #2.
In addition to rehearsals, performances and their commitments to multiple other school music ensembles, the boys are also high achievers in other areas.
Tyler competes at state level athletics in high and triple jump and will attend the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) at the QLD Conservatorium for percussion in July.
Arlen plays representative soccer and AFL.
Gus also plays trumpet, joining the Senior band when only in grade seven and participating in SHEP.
Gus also plays Basketball with a passion, winning the coaches award last season.
Having only formed a year ago, The Sumfinks have already made an impact on audiences and are enthusiastic to see what their musical future holds.
RUBY TUCKER, 25
Recognised for her academic achievement and community contribution by receiving the 2017 Bendigo Bank University Scholarship, Ruby embarked on her legal studies keen to gain the knowledge required to make a difference in the lives of everyday people.
After kickstarting her legal career in civil litigation, Ruby quickly realised her passion lied in personal injury law.
Eager to gain practical experience in the area, Ruby balanced her studies with playing a key role in the successful outcomes of personal injury claimants since 2020.
Throughout her studies, Ruby regularly appeared on the Dean’s List for her high academic achievements before graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Justice (with distinction).
Following her admission as a lawyer in 2023, Ruby is quickly establishing herself as an up-and-coming pre-eminent personal injury lawyer.
While managing a diverse case load under the wing of leading personal injury law experts as a Solicitor at Fisher Dore Lawyers, Ruby aims to be recognised by the Queensland Law Society as an accredited specialist when she becomes eligible to apply in 2028.
SOPHIE WILSON, 18
From state-level soccer in Tasmania to coaching in Brisbane, Sophie Wilson is chasing her sporting dreams — both on and off the pitch.
After relocating to Queensland to join Kelvin Grove State College’s Soccer Excellence Program, Sophie completed sport coaching certificates through TAFE at School.
When an ACL injury sidelined her, she discovered a new passion: coaching.
“I realised I could still be involved in sport and make an impact from the sidelines,” she says.
Now studying a dual Diploma of Sport and Leadership and Management through the Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute, Sophie is learning in a high-performance environment that mirrors the industry she hopes to work in.
She’s already applying her skills as a coach for an under-10s girls’ team at Brisbane City FC and has gained real-world experience through the Broncos’ Game Development clinics.
“The emotional intelligence unit completely changed how I coach,” she says.
Sophie credits her teachers and classmates for inspiring her and creating a strong learning community.
“I’ve studied with TAFE Queensland from certificate to diploma, and every teacher has grown my skills and confidence,” she says.
At just 18, Sophie is passionate about coaching, player management, and community sport — and she’s just getting started.
BRIANNA WOOLLER, 24
Brianna has taken the fight to a number of large organisations and institutions which failed to protect children from perpetrators of sexual abuse.
Her pursuit of justice recently led her to the New South Wales Supreme Court, where she boldly challenged The White Fathers for their historic crimes against children.
Brianna is an avid basketball player and co-founded The Basketball Lab, a high-performance basketball training facility dedicated to developing the skills of aspiring athletes.
EVIE WRIGHT, 11
Evie’s passion for volunteering was ignited in November 2024 through All Hallows’ School’s Mercy Action Program, where she participated in the Year 5 Learn by Heart session with CommonKind, a community organisation dedicated to fostering kindness and inclusion.
Since then, Evie has joined commonkind’s Child and Youth Advisory Group, where she contributes to ensuring that the voices of children and young people are embedded in the organisation’s strategy and decision-making.
Evie was honoured to be invited to speak at the Queensland parliament as part of the Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee’s public hearing into volunteering.
Sharing the stage with representatives from the Australian Red Cross, Queensland State Emergency Service, and Surf Life Saving Queensland, Evie delivered a heartfelt and articulate statement on the importance of inclusive volunteering and service learning.
Interestingly, she was the first child in over 15 years to speak at a Parliamentary Enquiry.
MADISON WRIGHT, 22
As a psychology student, Madison is passionate about supporting mental health spaces and building stronger, more compassionate communities.
The 22-year-old is completing a postgraduate thesis, investigating the psychological mechanisms underpinning depression in young adults.
She volunteers with Lifeline as a crisis supporter, providing frontline care to people in distress.
Outside of studying and volunteering, Madison works as a therapy dog handler, offering connection and comfort to people in juvenile detention, immigration detention, hospitals, and airports.
Through her dedication to her studies, volunteering, and work experience in the mental health field, Madison is driven by a deep commitment to empathy, community, and fostering spaces where everyone feels seen, safe, and supported.
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