Who’s the most influential young gun in Moreton Bay? Vote Now
VOTE NOW: Which young gun under 25 years of age is having the biggest influence in Moreton Bay? SEE THE LIST AND VOTE
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From professional athletes, small business owners, entrepreneurs, community advocates and big hearted volunteers, Moreton Bay has a multitude of talented and inspirational young people.
With a drive for success and a mind for business, these Moreton Bay young guns are making their mark on the region and beyond.
Quest News has listed 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 (alphabetically ordered) list to tell us who you believe is having the biggest influence on the region.
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Carlos Atme, 22
Carols is the proud owner of Pizza Workz Kallangur.
Since the age of 14, Carlos has been working with pizza, sparked by a lifelong passion for food nurtured by his family.
Carlos helped his parents start Pizza Workz Everton Hills in 2017 where he honed his skills.
In April 2021, aged just 19, Carlos seized the opportunity to lead Pizza Workz Kallangur into new horizons.
Despite the formidable challenges presented by Covid he made the business a success.
Over 30,000 pizzas have come out of the ovens since 2021.
Carlos is also a full-time student at QUT studying a dual degree in International Business and Economics, hopefully graduating in August this year.
Carlos said 2024 held the promise of expansion and evolution.
Andrew Barnes
Andrew is a graduate of St Paul’s who went on to complete a Degree in Marketing at QUT with distinction.
He then set up a digital marketing agency, Sharestory.
Throughout the years since school he has faced physical challenges (having an accident at age 20), mental challenges and financial challenges but has made incredible efforts to conquer each challenge along the way.
By invitation, he has participated in school based peer programs at Nudgee College, providing insight to the senior school students and speaking about the real world and the wonderful opportunities beyond school.
Andrew and his team have been the digital partner of choice for a Brisbane private school live streaming their annual awards night for the last couple of years, and partner to the ACU creating advertising focused on reaching out to regional students.
In the last few months, Andrew has participated in the Noosa Triathlon and Tour de Brisbane 2024 and has achieved some personal bests in both.
Gabryela Bettridge, 21
2024 marks the 14th year Gabryela has played for the ACE Netball Club. She’s coached for six of those.
Three of those years she has coached two teams, committing three hours to coaching on training nights, along with games on the weekend.
Gabryela has assisted with grading players into teams at the start of the each season, which is a lengthy process.
She was awarded Club Captain in 2022 for her dedication, commitment in her volunteer work being a good role model for the younger players.
Gabryela has played representative netball for four years and coached at that level for two years.
She is in her fourth year of studying physiotherapy at university and was working during this time, except in her final year of study, in order to attend placements.
Gabryela also volunteers as a Level 1 Sports Trainer at Albany Creek Crushers, particularly for the senior team.
She does pre game strapping, massage and then on field during the game.
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Jayda Bruce, 24
Jayde is a wildlife scientist, currently mentored by Australia’s top detection dog trainer, Steve Austin.
Right now, she’s training her dog, Jarrah, to detect long-nosed potoroo scat (faeces) as she prepares for her self-funded and volunteer driven research project to be undertaken within the Bribie Island National Park.
The 24-year-old has graduated UQ with a Bachelor of Wildlife Science and successfully completed a certificate 3 in Dog Behaviour and Training through NDTF.
Jayda has already trained Jarrah to target koala and feral cat scat.
Jayda is an active volunteer with the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA), organising community BioBlitzes and contributing to the BIEPA Dugong Diaries project.
She is a talented artist, specialising in intricate Australian fauna art.
Based in Ningi, Jayda is dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Tailah Clemson, 17
Taliah spent time in intensive care soon after her birth due to heart issues, breathing difficulties and contracting Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV).
She was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome at age two after many trips to the hospital for heart related issues.
Marfan syndrome can be mild or severe and can affect many parts of the body which can be life threatening.
For Taliah, her heart valves weren’t in great shape and she had an enlarged aortic root, a floppy mitral valve and regurgitation through the chamber.
At 12 Tailah started playing netball despite people suffering from Marfan Syndrome not usually being allowed to play contact sport.
At 14, she began working at McDonalds and became a crew coach in just under 12 months.
Afterwards she began a Cert III in Retail traineeship.
Tailah had open heart surgery on her 16th birthday and was off work and school for eight weeks.
She had collapsed lungs, an inability to pass urine and delusions brought about by the side effects of the drugs she needed.
In Year 11 she enrolled to the Australian Trade College and commenced training as an Assistant in Nursing.
This involved attending school, studying and working a minimum of two days per week at Ballycara.
She was still working at McDonalds during this time.
Tailah completed a Cert III in Individual Support (Ageing Specialisation) at the start of this year and then changed over to TAFE to now be studying an Enrolled Nursing course (Diploma of Nursing).
Tailah also holds NDIS Certification, First Aid/CPR certification, Blue & Yellow cards and an RSA.
Aria Cook, 19
Aria is a talented vocalist and pianist for the Brisbane based band Vegas Rayz.
She is currently studying a Bachelor of Music at the Griffith Queensland Conservatorium, specialising in pop music.
Aria’s end goal is to continue studying to become a music therapist.
She has recently received an academic excellence award at Griffith University, placing her in the top five per cent of academic performance among students.
Aria also received an invitation to join the Golden Key International Honour Society, the world’s largest collegiate honour society for graduate and undergraduate students.
Membership into the society is by invitation only and applies to the top 15 per cent of college and university students.
Aria is also an aspiring pop musician, her first single Vampire was released last year and has since had over 80,000 streams on Spotify and has just started to get radio airplay in the USA.
Vampire has also been soaring up the aBreak58 charts, the most influential indie chart in the US!
Aria is often seen performing on the Laneway stage at Eat Street Northshore, Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival and other events across Brisbane.
You can follow Aria’s career at ariacook_music.
Kirra-Leigh Crouch, 19 and Molly McCaughey, 19
Kirra-Leigh is currently playing in her fourth season in a Premier Women’s team at Beegees.
2023 was a successful year where her team won the Premiership for the season, as well Kirra—leigh was awarded the 2023 FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Women’s Player of the year.
Since 2022, she has co-coach eda junior girls team with Molly McCaughey.
The pair are currently coaching an U15 girls team, where the aim is to help uplift and teach the girls skills and teamwork, as well as teaching them ways to have fun within a sport.
In 2023, Kirra-Leigh and Molly helped coach them to a grand final win.
While juggling playing, coaching as well as a part time job, Molly is currently a full time second year university student, studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Science at The University of Queensland.
As well having also completed a Diploma of Business previously.
After completing her bachelors, Molly has the hope to go and study a Masters degree abroad.
If you don’t find the girls at the clubhouse either coaching or playing, you will find them volunteering in the canteen, or in the grandstands cheering on the other Beegees teams.
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Alyssa Crowe, 24
In 2019 when Alyssa was 19, she babysat a little boy who was in emergency care for a couple of hours once a week for about a month.
Alyssa was then asked if she could take this little boy in for about three months.
She fought tooth and nail to keep him in the Crowe family as his biological family were unable to care for him anymore.
She has now received a permanent care order for him until he turns 18.
In the middle of advocating for him, Alyssa started her own business as a disability support worker, APC Support.
She started with one client in 2020 and now has about 15 clients and employs eight carers.
While this was all happening, she also helped one special client and his family release some fantastic books showcasing Alex and his friend Joe who have Down Syndrome.
Alyssa excelled in her first job out of school as a dance instructor going into primary schools across Queensland and NSW, winning the rookie of the year award.
Nick De Bonis, 17
Nick was less than a year old when he received a lifesaving liver transplant in 2007.
Now, over a decade later, he has been selected to represent Australia at the inaugural Transplant Football World Cup in Ceriva, Italy this September.
When Nick was only three months old when he was diagnosed with biliary atresia.
He was immediately placed on the transplant waiting list and spent the next nine months fighting for his life until his parents received the lifesaving call that there was a suitable liver.
Thanks to the gift of life, Nick has been able to grow up without limitations.
He is a football fanatic, playing for his local league club and for his school throughout his childhood.
Now Nick is honoured to be selected to as the youngest member of the team heading to Italy to represent Australia at the inaugural Transplant Football World Cup.
The Transplant Football World Cup is an initiative started by the World Transplant Games Federation.
It provides a new and exciting international event for transplant football players.
Teams composed of heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, and bone marrow recipients will come together for a week-long celebration of the gift of life in Cervia, Italy.
Men and women of all ages are eligible to compete in the 7-a-side competition which will follow the FIFA World Cup format.
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Hannah Exton, 16
Hannah has played at ACE Netball Club for 10 years and has been coaching now for four years.
This year she has an under 9 and under 12 team and is her second year of coaching two teams.
Hannah spends over two hours each week at training, over 30 minutes in setting training plans and then at the games on Saturdays she is there for over two hours.
Hannah is the youngest ACE coach to achieve her Development Level Coaching Accreditation.
She is always around at ACE and helps out at different activities and events they run for the community.
She played in representative netball teams ages 12 to 14.
Hannah has a casual job and she is mashing it at high school.
Last year for the end of Year 10, Hannah received Academic Excellence award (top five per cent) and is considering a job in the health industry.
Sonya Gerstel, 17
Sonya is a straight-A student and business leader at Ferny Grove State High School.
Balancing two jobs while nurturing her dream of entering the legal field at university after Grade 12, Sonya exemplifies resilience and determination.
Instead of typical school holiday activities, Sonya spent her time engaged in unpaid legal internships within Brisbane professional spaces, using her breaks to network and showcase her work ethic.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Sonya’s standout role in the cross-cultural exchange SBS TV show “The Swap” has propelled her onto the global stage as an advocate for inclusivity and equality .
The show won international recognition at the MIPCOM Cannes TV Awards, winning the Representation of Race and Ethnicity – Non-Scripted category, inspiring a worldwide audience to embrace diversity and foster understanding.
Sonya also took part in a school innovation project where she developed an app called ‘Savii.’
This app allowed teenagers to monitor their purchasing habits.
The app aimed to educate teenagers about the dangers of impulsive online shopping.
Sonya was awarded a Highly Commended in the Future Anything Australia National Grand Finals.
From active community service to her selection for the prestigious UQ Young ChangeMakers program, Sonya’s journey reflects her ethos of hard work, barrier-breaking, and promoting inclusivity and education.
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Chloe Harrison, 21
Chloe studies a dual bachelor degree in social science and counselling at UniSC.
She has previously successfully completed a Certificate III in Screen and Media (Multimedia) through TAFE.
She operates her own art business during her spare time, @chlxe.arts on Instagram.
She has also had her artworks featured in Redcliffe art gallery as part of her participation in the Club Create program in 2020.
Chloe has been volunteering with Headspace since 2022 in the Youth Reference Group, helping reduce the stigma towards youth mental health.
She had the opportunity to fly out to Melbourne with Headspace to attend the 2022 Headspace Youth Forum.
Zachary Henderson, 15
The year 10 student is the proud owner of ESCAPE Clothing which was started after witnessing domestic violence as a 12 year old victim with his mother.
Zachary now wants to be a force of awareness and change in the domestic violence crisis.
His experiences became the driving force behind the brand, serving as a symbol of liberation and empowerment.
Through his journey, he transformed his pain into creativity, his suffering into strength, and his “ESCAPE” into a source of inspiration for countless others who had faced similar hardships.
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Lily Kirkpatrick, 25
Lily moved from Sydney to Redcliffe without her family at 21 years old, and pursued a career hairdressing.
She opened the Azure Hair Studio in January this year, completing a renovation in less than two weeks while her hand was broken.
Since opening, the studio has been named a finalist in two categories of the Pumicestone Small Business Awards.
The 25-year-old is a classically trained ballerina and has always had an interest in hair and makeup since childhood.
The mother-of-two sadly lost her own mother-in-law to cancer in March.
Shortly before the salon opened, Lily’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Since then Lily has wanted to help people in similar positions, offering services such as free head shaving, extension fittings and stylings to people battling cancer and similar illnesses.
Often Lily fulfils these services outside of regular business hours and after the salon is closed, by appointment.
Lily recently hosted a giveaway with other local women in business, including a makeup artist, eyebrow technician, and headspa.
Tristan Kolio, 19
After graduating high school, Tristan took the chance to maximise his career and skill set, which was first achieved by being asked to return to his high school as the Drama Liaison Officer for a short period of time.
As an actor he has worked in commercials and numerous numbers of major TV series and films, as well as theatre productions.
These include most recently Opera Australia’s AIDA performed at QPAC.
Tristan is currently producing, directing and starring in his own upcoming show ‘Ace & Al’.
During that time Tristan has started two business, a production company (Est. 2020), made to help support other creatives by creating their own projects and a Cafe & Dessert Bar (Est. 2023), in the Heart of Woolloongabba at age 18.
When not at work, Tristan has been giving back to the community by serving with the SES.
He has been promoted to the Moreton Bay Unit Media & Com Ed Officer.
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Levi X, 16
The 16-year-old singer and saxophonist from north Brisbane drastically raised his profile during his appearance on season 12 of The Voice Australia.
Levi spun two judge chairs around and progressed to the battle stage, where he sadly was eliminated.
Levi started playing the saxophone with Dad Ian at the Redcliffe Markets when he was 11, as his confidence and singing prowess grew.
Along with his father, they have built a repertoire of over 100 songs. With his brother Gabe’s help, he now has over 35 songs.
Before and now after his appearance on The Voice Australia, Levi performs at markets and festivals across Brisbane, even still at the Redcliffe Markets.
A Lakes College student, you can see Levi’s gig guide on his website.
Rowan Macrae, 20
The 20-year old fashion designer started out in his parents spare room where he taught himself how to sew and repair old industrial sewing machines.
Using these machines, Rowan has built his brand Macrae Studios on a slow fashion ethos.
Creating and selling one of one and upcycled pieces he sourced from the thrift.
Rowan has been posting his journey on Instagram and TikTok and has gained a following from all around the worldwide.
His debut product released on April 30 and currently has over 150 people signed up to his website waitlist.
This drop is a pre order, where Rowan has hand sown each piece purchased in his home studio.
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Zoe McGarry, 25
Zoe McGarry is the manager and part owner of the Rusty Bucket Floristry in Samford.
She bought a local business and turned it around in an 18 month period.
She employees two other young girls and Zoe.
The team are extremely passionate about service especially when it comes to events like Anzac Day, where they made of 30 wreaths for the day.
Before she bought the business she had completed a Marketing And Communications Degree at QUT plus a post grad in Behavioural Economics.
While she was doing that she was the Marketing and Communications officer for her father’s three companies, Eureka Landscapes, Evolve Environmental Solutions and Tubestock Nursery Australia.
Taleatha Wright-Morgan, 20
Taleatha Wright-Morgan is a 20 year old Indigenous dancer whose family comes from the Gubbi Gubbi tribe on the Sunshine Coast.
She currently works full time as a First Nations teacher aide and is studying to become a High School PE teacher.
She has been performing her Aboriginal solos at many local events and eisteddfods for the last 16 years.
In 2016 Taleatha was announced as one of the top 10 Best Teen dancers in the world for her Aboriginal solos with Dance Upon a Dream competition.
In 2017 Taleatha starred in a short film, ‘I’ll Be There’ where she played the lead role, Abigail, who is an indigenous ballerina.
In 2019 Taleatha was named as a semi-finalist in the Channel 7 Young Achiever Awards for her dedication to educating others through her Indigenous dance performances.
Some notable performances have been at:
– Brisbane Broncos Reconciliation Action Plan launch
– Brisbane Lions Indigenous round
– Citizenship ceremonies
– NAIDOC events at many schools and festivals
– Child Safety Christmas concert
– Clancestry at QPAC
– Multicultural events throughout Brisbane
In her dancing achievements she has completed all of her ballet exams, many tap/jazz/contemporary exams, gained her Cert 3 in elite dance, travelled to America on 2 dance tours and performed at countless Eisteddfods, concerts and conventions.
The Indigenous dances she performs are:
– Aboriginal fusion dance (consisting of traditional and contemporary steps) titled ‘Hunting’. It depicts various Australian animals and female hunting techniques.
– Indigenous lyrical dance entitled ‘Bapa’. For Taleatha this piece represents the passing of elders within her family and the way she chooses to deal with her grief.
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Sarah Mortensen, 22
Sarah is in her last semester at QUT where she has been studying a double degree in Business and Education.
Sarah is currently undertaking her final placement at Albany Creek State High School.
She works part time at a local gymnastics centre where she is the Kinder Gym co-ordinator.
Sarah works alongside adults of all ages and is their supervisor in most instances and also works for Scouts Queensland during the school holidays and assists with day camps for children.
During her down time Sarah is a Rover Scout at Stafford Scouts.
The 22-year-old has helped out at many Community events to assist with fundraising, for scouts some of these include Bridge to Brisbane, Santa Sleigh, Bunnings BBQ’s, and car washes.
Sarah also has held many roles within scouts.
In the last 12 months alone some of these positions include Patrol Leader with Brisbane Gang Show and Wonargo Revue.
Sarah is the marketing officer for Queensland Moot and the finance officer for Queensland Aquatic Rover Moot.
She was an activity leader at Urban Challenge and is a member of The Branch Youth Council where she holds the position of project officer for her patrol.
Sarah has also been leader at Agoonoree which is a scouting jamboree for children with disabilities.
Her next adventure is in July at “Riverway 2024 “in Norway where she will again volunteer her time to work as an International Service Team member.
Her role will be to support the event organisers to deliver their program to over 5000 participants from around the world.
Keahni and Oscar, 25, 23
Keahni and Oscar opened the Ikigai Cafe and Workshop on Bribie Island nearly six months ago and so far it’s been well received.
The business was nominated in two categories for the Moreton Bay Business Awards.
The pair has focused on creating a quality coffee and creating a space that allows all kinds of people to feel welcome.
Before the cafe they got married in August 2022 and then booked one way tickets to travel.
In 18 months of travel the couple went through a large portion of Asia including Nepal.
Keahni and Oscar trekked the Himalayas and volunteered at a kindergarten/orphanage.
while travelling for over half a year we did a lot of Asia.
The highlight of the trip was Nepal where they trekked and volunteered at a kindergarten/orphanage.
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Bailey Sims, 23
Bailey Sims is a 23-year-old powerhouse reshaping the real estate landscape while enriching the community he calls home.
With an impressive track record of 150 property sales, in January 2024, he successfully launched his own Agency – Pine Property Partners in Beerwah.
Bailey’s entrepreneurial journey is not just about business, but a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
Standing out as one of the youngest real estate business owners in Queensland, Bailey’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication are truly commendable.
Balancing the responsibilities of running a successful business with becoming a dad at the age of 20, exemplifies his exceptional drive and maturity beyond his years.
With a proven track record and a bright future ahead, Bailey Sims is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the dynamic world of real estate.
Kiani Smith, 17
The Bribie Island teenager made it to the top eight of Australian Idol’s ninth season in 2024, as the youngest contestant.
Also known as her stage name Kiani Jazz, the 17-year-old singer and songwriter has been creating music since the age of seven when she picked up a guitar.
She began gigging two years later, and since then, has performed gigs up and down the east coast of Australia.
Competing in competitions and working with Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism.
Her last performance on the show was Feeling Good by Nina Simone.
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Brodie, 12, and Chloe Spicer, 13
Brodie’s successes have been as a junior lifeguard for Mooloolaba SLSC, reigning as age champion for five consecutive years.
Brodie has also nabbed the Spirit of Bribie Island Swimming Club award but his random acts of kindness outshine all awards.
Alongside sister Chloe, the pair volunteer at the special Children’s Christmas appeal.
The pair handed out free gifts donated to the family’s business from suppliers.
They both go above and beyond to do random acts of kindness regularly.
Chloe is completing her SRC course this year to become a junior surf lifesaver.
Both have represented their school in district swimming and competed at the Australian titles for nippers.
Jesse Stewarts, 25
Jesse is the proud owner of Get It Gone Rubbish Removal.
The business recycles and repurposed a large percentage of all rubbish removed, giving furniture, tools, musical instruments etc a new lease on life instead of letting them go to landfill.
In 2023 Jesse received the surprise of his life during a routine visit to the local tip when he opened up a discarded entertainment unit to find a large sum of cash.
Jesse said he moved the old piece of furniture when he heard a heavy box rolling around inside one of the drawers.
Inside was $7000 cash belonging to one of his regular customers in Banyo.
“I returned the cash to her and she couldn’t believe it ether, she gave me a few $100 as a tip.”
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Bree, 23, and Jess Sturgess, 20
The sisters Bree and Jess are deeply committed to the rescue of animals in the Moreton Bay region, as volunteer members of Wildlife Rescue Queensland.
Bree cares for injured snakes, lizards, birds, possums and also helps co-ordinate the Wildlife Ambulance vehicle roster.
Jess rescues and cares for wildlife and like Bree, answers the hotline phone, in order to co-ordinate rescues.
Bree wears many hats in the organisation, including being a rescuer, carer, part of the trauma team and koala team.
The sisters bring enthusiasm and expertise to every role.
Kadey Wright, 21
Kadey is a professional trick rider, and the owner & founder of KW Trick Riding.
Kadey has been riding horses since a young age, and began trick riding at the age of 12.
Kadey has previously performed at the Australian Outback Spectacular live show, and started KW Trick Riding at the age of 19.
Kadey spends most of her time travelling to entertain crowds all across Australia!
KW Trick Riding offers unique & exhilarating equine entertainment, performing dangerous stunts underneath the horse, hands dragging in the dirt, all at top speed!
Kadey is one of a very small handful in the entire country that performs trick riding!
When not travelling and performing, Kadey runs a lesson program based in North Brisbane, and teaches students the fundamentals of trick riding.
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