Who’s the most influential young gun in Logan? Vote Now
VOTE NOW: From sport, to property to the art, meet some of Logan’s top talents under 25. Which young gun is having the biggest influence. SEE THE LIST AND VOTE
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From legal eagles to property whizzes and sporting sensations – these under-25s are the unfamiliar faces sculpting the future of Logan.
With a drive for success and a mind for business, these Logan young guns are making their mark on the region and beyond.
The Courier Mail has found 29 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.
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JOSHUA BRASS, 15
Joshua is making serious moves on the international wheelchair tennis circuit.
Ranked 28th in the world for Junior Boys and 310 in the ITF Men’s Division, Joshua’s rapid rise is the result of grit, discipline, and a love for sport that started at just three years old.
Before tennis, Joshua competed in everything from wheelchair skating and sled hockey to Spartan obstacle races — even pushing alongside Paralympian Kurt Fearnley.
Now a signed junior athlete with Tennis Australia and sponsored by Solinco, he’s taken on some of the world’s best, including the world number 3 in his men’s debut match.
CONNOR BOYD, 13
Connor dabbled in parkour at the age of seven before discovering his passion for Ninja sports.
He attends regular training at Mr Ninja HQ in Narangba and has even built a ninja rig to practice his skills at home.
After outstanding performances and qualifying streaks at recent Ultimate Ninja, Ninja Hub, Ninja Challenge League, and the Federation of International Ninja Athletics competitions, Connor will represent Australia in speed and endurance events at the 2025 World Ninja Championships, in Texas (USA) in July.
He will also compete in the World Championships’ elite Ninja vs Ninja discipline.
Connor will also head to the Australian National League Finals in Geelong and the Asia Pacific Championships for the World Ninja Athlete Games in South Australia later in the year, showcasing his consistency across all levels of competition.
RUEBEN DAVIS, 24
Rueben is a proud Indigenous man who is teaching at Loganlea State High School, also taking on the role as First Nations Co-ordinator.
He has strengthened and enhanced the school’s connections with external agencies and the community to support the school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Rueben was instrumental in creating a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural care group model at Loganlea, which has created a safe space for students to claim their identity and engage in learning about culture.
In 2024 Rueben presented at the Logan Student Summit at Griffith University, speaking as a role model for other young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the Logan region.
Rueben has recently been recognised for his work in supporting First Nations students in Logan, by achieving the South East Region NAIDOC Educator Award.
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LINCOLN EVANS, 17
Lincoln went from passing his P-plates to racing a Porsche 911 GT3 at Phillip Island in just one week.
The 17-year-old made his Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge debut in April at Phillip Island, racing a high-powered Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car as part of the Tyler Greenbury Racing team.
At just 16, the Cornubia racer made a name for himself last year as one of the Asia-Pacific and Oceania region’s top young drivers.
He was selected as one of the top 13 young drivers in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania region for the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy in Malaysia, where he trained at the Sepang F1 Circuit.
He has also been part of elite driver development programs as well as the ARDC Formula 4 Pathways Program at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Adding to his impressive resumé, he secured 11th place at the World Excel Enduro Championships, proving his talent on an international stage.
ISABELLA FRANKLIN, 15
Canterbury student Isabella is making waves on the court as a rising volleyball star, recently selected for the Australian U16 Volleyball team.
After making the U15 South Coast Schools Team in 2024, she won gold with the Qld Club U15 girls team and claimed a Division 1 premiership with her South Brisbane Wolves club team.
Her drive, athleticism, and dedication have earned her national recognition and a place among the country’s top young players.
In 2025, she rejoined the South Coast team, who made history as their division’s first-ever winners, and was selected for the Qld Schools U15 Team (competing in Adelaide) and the U16 Australian Team, set to play in Jordan this July.
Now playing in both the U17 and Open Women’s Division 1 teams, Isabella also maintains academic excellence, regularly placing first in subjects. Her sights are set on the Olympics, a US college scholarship, and a professional volleyball career.
EDEN MATTHEWS-FREDERICK, 16
Eden is the 2025 Youth Member for Waterford with the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament and a youth board member of the National Youth Employment Body.
For the past three years, she has supported initiatives such as youth employment workshops, community gardening projects, and has volunteered at a number of events through the Logan Youth Action Group.
She is particularly proud of leading the creation of a digital guide to help seniors navigate technology, addressing both cybersecurity concerns and social isolation. The guide received national television coverage and is available in community libraries across Logan.
She hopes to inspire others to be a part of creating meaningful change.
HENRIETTA STAHELIN-HALL, 17
In 2024, Hettie was elected to the Junior Gold Coast City Council and now serves on its Executive Committee.
She has represented Queensland at the Burn Bright National Leadership Camp and participated
in the Queensland Constitutional Convention, Gold Coast Disaster Management sessions, and multiple city planning and youth summits, including the IMPACT Youth Summit, where she returns in 2025 as a VIP Ambassador.
Hettie has helped plan and deliver youth events for the Gold Coast City Council, including attending meetings with Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate; volunteered at aged care homes and the Night Light Service to help support people experiencing homelessness; helped boost literacy through the Smith Family Reading Program; and contributed to environmental and city planning initiatives including the 8 Years to Go Olympic Planning Committee.
She also performs in Rivermount College’s choir and musicals, and has previously featured in Beenleigh Community Theatre’s 2022 production of Newsies.
KATIE HOLMES, 21
Katie is completing her last semester of a Bachelor of Laws at Bond University.
She started her degree straight out of high school and quickly finished a Diploma of Legal Studies in 2023.
Late last year she completed a placement through her studies with Brooke Winter Solicitors. The were so impressed, the 21-year-old was asked to continue on as a law clerk.
Katie helps solicitors, communicates with clients and often appears at courts.
She has a passion for helping those involved in criminal proceedings and hopes to continue working in this field once she is admitted as a practising solicitor early next year.
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ADAM HUSSAIN, 24
Adam completed his accredited Solicitors Practical Legal Training at a firm on the Gold Coast and had founded Adam Prudens Law three years prior.
The initiative grew into a globally recognised law firm, assisting with commercial and corporate law and civil disputes.
The 24-year-old studied his Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution at King’s College London and is a prospective doctoral candidate for a PhD in Law (Legal Science) at Royal Holloway – University of London.
Prior to qualification, Adam resolved a high-profile commercial dispute against Facebook.
He also led a life-changing project in Cape Town, South Africa, where he founded a human rights charity. His work involved providing free legal support to domestic violence survivors and juvenile offenders.
Finally, he also holds a pilot’s licence, allowing him to command single-engine piston aircraft.
GAEL KIBAJA, 17
Gael is a 2025 school captain of Loganlea State High School and shows outstanding leadership in a variety of areas.
He is leading a project to introduce a welcome walk leading into the school office, to make sure the campus is a welcoming place for all cultures.
This has involved investigating the cultures and languages of his school community to ensure he can fully represent the diversity.
Gael aspires to be a surgeon when he finishes school.
He is about to complete his school-based traineeship at the hospital to attain his Certificate III in Health and has received outstanding feedback.
TEKKIYA LARKINS, 24
A QUT engineering student, Tekkiya is an emerging aerospace leader, who is shooting for the stars in Australia and globally.
She spent three weeks in Poland earlier this year living as an ‘analog astronaut’, taking part in a land-based simulated moon mission.
In September, she will be a guest speaker at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, where she will talk about renewable power in space missions.
Her ultimate goal is to start her own space company and integrate renewable energy into space travel.
Tekkiya is also the recipient of the Australian Youth Aerospace Association’s Emerging Space Pioneer Award.
GEORGE LI, 14
A gifted cellist, George attained his AMusA at just 10 years old and became the youngest ever player to be selected by audition for the Queensland Youth Orchestra.
Since making his concerto debut at age six in Brisbane City Hall, George has continued to shine on both national and international stages.
He has toured Singapore, Germany, and Austria with the Queensland Youth Symphony and performed in Hamburg with his award-winning ensemble, Trio Bellissimo.
George was named a Highly Commended finalist in the 2025 Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Young Instrumentalist Prize and is a two-time finalist in Musica Viva’s Strike A Chord competition — taking out second prize in 2024.
His accolades also include the AUSTA Q Concerto Prize and a 2025 solo performance with the Queensland Korean Orchestra.
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HAYDN LI, 17
Canterbury’s Performing Arts Captain Haydn Li has cemented his place as one of Queensland’s top young musicians, named a finalist in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Young Instrumentalist Prize for the third time.
A gifted violinist and violist, Haydn holds LMusA diplomas on both instruments and is on track to receive his FTCL Fellowship from Trinity College London.
He’s performed nationally as a recitalist and chamber musician, earning recognition at Musica Viva’s Strike A Chord competition and the John Curro National Youth Concerto Competition.
=Haydn balances elite music with athletics, embodying well-rounded excellence.
RIAH MANSER, 23
Riah works alongside Rebecca Cuderman and sold more than 200 homes across Logan in 2024. They are currently ranked within the top 1 per cent of agents within Australia and the number one team for number of sales & recommendations in Logan.
Riah is making waves by combining innovative strategies with a strong focus on clear and honest communication.
Her biggest sale to date is a $3,000,000 property that was purchased cash unconditionally by a client in her extensive database.
EMILIO MARTIN, 12
Emilio’s BMX talent came to attention in 2023, when he was selected for the Queensland Academy of Sports Daredevils riding program.
He is now also part of the Auscyling National Talent Program through the Queensland Academy of Sport, which prepares kids for the 2032 Olympics and offers the opportunity to ride the professional training facilities.
Emilio attends Level Up Training Academy, which allows him to receive professional coaching from Josh Khoury (JK Coaching).
This year he has won gold in the Under 13s age division for Qld state, national and Oceanic BMX Freestyle Championships.
Emilio competed in Shanghai at the 2024 Fise World Championships claiming Silver in his age division. He competed in the 2025 Fise World Championships in Montpellier France in May.
KAYLA MCCORMICK, 15
Kayla discovered BMX Freestyle through the Queensland Academy of Sport’s ‘You for 2032’ talent identification program.
The 15-year-old is fast-tracking her future in BMX Freestyle, stepping into the elite category in 2025 after dominating the amateur field.
She is holding her own against Olympic medallists like Natalya Diehm, and Kayla is ranked 38th in the world.
She was the Australian National Junior Female Champion in 2023 and 2024.
She has since joined the AusCycling National Academy, balancing training with school as she prepares for potential competitions in France, Spain, and on the Gold Coast.
Kayla is also involved in community through Logan-based charity The Kids Foundation.
Kayla has featured in the ‘Progressive Playground’ BMX Freestyle museum display at the Logan City Council Butter Factory – highlighting the history of the sport in Logan and the rising presence of girls on the scene.
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COOPER MCINTYRE, 16
Cooper received the prestigious Long Tan Leadership Award at Canterbury College’s 2024 Speech Night — a testament to his outstanding leadership, service, and strength of character.
Presented in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, the award honours students who demonstrate teamwork, resilience, and a strong commitment to their community.
Cooper exemplifies these qualities both in and out of the classroom, earning the respect of peers and staff alike.
CONNAR SMITH-MILLER, 17
A rising star in track and field, Connar placed third in pole vault at the national championships, and took out first place at both the Queensland and New South Wales state titles.
Off the field, Connar is just as committed. He’s an active member of the State Emergency Service, and holds key roles with the Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce, serving as Treasurer and, previously, as Student Liaison Officer.
TAYLAH SMITH-MILLER, 15
In 2024, Taylah claimed silver and bronze in the short and long course events at the Australian Kayaking Nationals.
She also placed second and third in the national kayak marathons and made all finals in the national sprint series — a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive field.
Before focusing on kayaking, Taylah competed at a national level in swimming for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), and was selected for the Youfor2032 Olympic Development Program in both swimming and kayaking.
She also competed in athletics, finishing fifth in hammer throw and eighth in pole vault at the national championships.
KAYLA MITCHELL, 18
All Properties Group administrator Kayley is known for her professionalism, dedication, and infectious positivity.
She takes her work very seriously, strives for excellence everyday and sees only growth and progression in her career.
But Kayley’s talents don’t stop at the office, she was selected to represent Australia in rowing as part of the Paralympic team.
Her journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges, but through sheer strength, focus, and an unyielding spirit, Kayley has proven that anything is possible.
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REESE MORA, 25
Reese is an educational leader for Berrinba East YMCA OSHC and at 25, has been selected as a member of Cohort 6.0 to represent Queensland (and one of eight Australian representatives) in World YMCA’s Change Agent Program.
The Change Agent program is a global leadership program aimed to empower leaders and strengthen communities.
Over the next 18 months, Reese will be able to develop lifelong skills whilst also offering the chance to create and identify ways in which to further support the Y’s Vision 2030 in creating a better world with and for young people.
RYAN MURPHY, 25
Ryan has been awarded Rate My Agent’s agent of the year for the last five years.
Working out of the Harcourts Beenleigh office, the 25-year-old has a university background in property economics.
Ryan has been rated a Premier Performer and Elite Performer from 2020-2023.
The Canterbury College alumni is also involved in the community, helping out with various charities and sponsoring a number of events and sporting teams from Loganlea State High School
LILLY RIDER, 17
Lilly graduated with an ATAR of 97.5 and was school captain at Canterbury College, where she led several community initiatives.
Over the past four years, the students and staff have raised more than $103,000, making Canterbury College the highest national fundraising school for Orange Sky in 2023 and 2024.
Personally, Lilly has raised more than $12,000.
The 17-year-old was named Logan City Council’s 2025 Young Citizen of the Year and has supported causes like Rosies - Friends on the Street, Student 2 Student Reading Program and the Big Box Sleepout.
She is now studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Griffith University.
Lilly has excelled in hockey, being selected as the TAS Sports captain in 2024 and coaching JTAS Hockey Teams.
Her list of awards includes; Ampol Best All Rounder – 2024, Hayden Prior Memorial Prize – 2024, Long Tan Leadership Award 2022, International Women’s Day Award – Recognition of Leadership in Community Service 2022, Duke of Edinburgh – Bronze 2022, The Reverend T Cichero Community Service Award 2021 and Beenleigh Chamber of Commerce – Best All Rounder 2020.
CARISSA ROBERTS, 16
Carissa is completing a Certificate 4 in Dance and a Certificate 3 in Business, and is not only an avid performer, she is also choreographing routines for both the competition teams and the musical.
The 16-year-old received the Sports Award for Girls Cross Country Age Champion and two academic awards in health & physical education and Centre of Excellence in dance, at Pacific Pines State High School.
She loves competing in solo dance eisteddfods at regional, interstate and national final competitions and has won and placed in a wide array of genres.
Carissa’s love of dance saw her selected to join the elite teams with Bloodline Dance Company from Crestmead this year. Carissa and the squad took out first place in the Mega Division at the Australian Hip Hop Dance Championships grand final last month and awarded National Champions for 2025. She will now compete with the team at the World Hip Hop Championship in Phoenix in July.
Carissa has also embarked on a traineeship under the mentorship of Dominique Harvey, the Director of Elliott & Harvey Lawyers.
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LAUREN ROBIN, 21
Apprentice baker Lauren Robin has risen through the ranks to win a prestigious scholarship at the Australian Baking Industry National Scholarship Awards, earning recognition for her talent, passion, and hard work.
The award included a five-day industry tour in Melbourne, entry to the Australian Society of Baking conference, and valuable networking opportunities.
A part-time job in the Coles bakery soon became a career path, with an apprenticeship offer and a spot in TAFE Queensland’s Certificate III in Bread Baking.
Lauren also won the Apprentice Baker of the Year (Sponsored by Manildra Group) at her recent graduation. She will represent Queensland at the upcoming WorldSkills Nationals in Brisbane this June, gaining vital experience to work in overseas bakeries one day.
JAMILLA SNAPE, 25
Jamilla completed her Bachelor of Laws with Central Queensland University before completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with College of Law in early 2024.
She was admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Queensland in August 2024.
Before commencing legal practice, Jamilla worked as a legal assistant and law clerk for more than five years at a Bundaberg firm.
The 25-year-old was the first and only student member to be appointed treasurer of the Bundaberg Law Association and held that role for two years before moving to South-East Queensland.
Jamilla currently works at Brooke Winter Solicitors as a junior solicitor.
ASHUTOSH VAITHA, 15
Driven by compassion and a strong sense of social responsibility, Ashutosh has donated generously to multiple charities and helped raise vital supplies for special schools in need.
His efforts have supported students with additional learning needs, ensuring they have access to quality resources and care.
Whether it’s organising donation drives or contributing directly, Ashutosh continues to lead by example — showing that being world-ready also means being community-minded.
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DANE WINTER, 20
Dane is a former Shailer Park State High School student, house captain and member of the futsal academy from years 7-12.
He has now continued his passion for the sport by starting his own futsal club ‘Storm FC’.
Storm FC is Logan’s only recognised Football Queensland registered futsal club, offering opportunities for young people to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.
Dane works incredibly hard offering well planned and quality coaching sessions in his programs to primary and high schools in the Logan area.
This involves multiple before school sessions every week visiting schools across the catchment, followed by after-school sessions for registered players in his academy.
ESME WYER, 17
Rivermount College Year 12 student Esme is involved in theatre, music, and visual expression.
On stage, Esme has earned acclaim for standout performances, including Charlie in Beenleigh Theatre Group’s 2023 production of Jasper Jones and key roles in Rivermount College’s productions of Beauty and the Beast (2022) and Freaky Friday (2024).
She’s a committed member of Queensland Theatre’s prestigious Young Artists Ensemble, participating in their Scene Project across multiple years, and was recently selected for the 2025 Young Company program.
A dedicated cellist since 2017, Esme has performed with numerous string ensembles, including Rivermount’s Secondary String Ensemble and String Quintet, the Ormeau Community String Group, and a private string quintet.
She is also a 2025 participant in Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program and holds an AMEB Grade 3 Certificate in Cello Performance.
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