Who’s the most influential young gun in Moreton Bay? Vote Now
Which young gun under 25 years of age is having the biggest influence on Moreton Bay? SEE THE LIST AND VOTE
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These are the young trailblazers you probably haven’t heard of who are shaping the future of Moreton Bay.
With a drive for success and a mind for business, these Moreton Bay young guns are making their mark on the region and beyond.
The Courier Mail has listed 22 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.
ATTIYA-TUR—RAHEEM ADAN, 16
Attiya-Tur-Raheem Adan (Tia) is in the process of establishing Rise as One to empower, educate and elevate young women across Moreton Bay.
Tia raises funds for Humanity First, Red Cross, Breast Cancer and the Biggest Morning Tea, helping to raise over $10,000 this year.
Although she is unable to be an official member until she turns 18, Tia attends and contributes to Zonta meetings, functions and planning of local events.
A Year 11 student at Caboolture State High School, Tia led a program for older students to speak to younger students regarding mental health awareness.
She has secured sponsorships from two local businesses to support the school and is currently studying an ATAR pathway with the aim of entering the political arena after university.
Last year Tia received and Academic Distinction, three subject and Dux of year 10.
ISY CHRISOSTOMIDIS, 19
Isy is a highly accomplished sales associate working alongside esteemed McGrath sales agent, Aaron Raj.
Her journey with McGrath began as a school-based trainee, where she showcased exceptional promise and a strong work ethic.
From there, Isy advanced through pivotal roles in sales administration and later as a sales cadet.
With deep industry insights and a client-focused approach, Isy has earned her reputation as a trusted adviser.
TEGAN CLOUGH, 23
Over the past year, Delta Gymnastics Club Manager Tegan has transformed Delta’s pilot model K2 recreational venue, leading it to its highest enrollment ever.
The 23-year-old is a former Level 10 gymnast with a Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science.
Tegan oversees the delivery of before and after school classes, a high percentage of under-5 programs.
Tegan has competed at various high level gymanstics competitions and judged at Queensland’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
TAYLA CULLEN, 23
Tayla is a member of Oyster Point Scouts and serves as Rover Crew Leader.
She has earned some of the movement’s highest honours, including the Grey Wolf Award in Cub Scouts and the prestigious Queen’s Scout Award in the Venturer section.
From her earliest days in Cubs, Tayla stood out as a natural leader with a unique ability to uplift and empower those around her.
Tayla holds a double degree in Justice and Behavioural Studies and works within the justice system supporting young offenders.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
JAYDA EVANS, 14
Jayda is a rising star in AFL and touch football, making regional teams and recently selected for the upcoming under-14 Oztag Super Series.
She will represent the Marlins at the nationals in Coffs Harbour in October.
Recently Jayda competed for her under-15 Sunshine Coast regional team (state trials) in Hervey Bay where her team went home with the silver medal.
A Bribie Bulldogs footballer, Jayda made the under-12 Queensland team in 2023, her first year in the sport.
Her goal is firstly to make the Brisbane Lions Academy and, when she is older, play in the WAFL for the Brisbane Lions.
ELIZABETH FORSTER, 18
In April 2024, Elizabeth began volunteering with Eats 4 the Streets (E4TS), a local charity started by a personal friend to provide not just food but community to the Caboolture and Morayfield areas.
E4TS provides a free barbecue every Saturday for the homeless, people with disabilities or mental health, those who are lonely, elderly, kids, or just anyone hungry.
The 18-year-old has juggled Year 12 commitments and university subjects to serve as vice president of E4TS.
The charity has served over 9000 meals and held 27 events.
SHANAE GRAY, 24
A multi-time state champion in campdrafting and sporting, Shanae developed discipline and resilience that would later become the foundation of her work with young people.
After earning a Bachelor of Criminology and Justice, Shanae began her career as a youth worker at Y Schools Queensland’s Moreton Bay campus.
She quickly became known for her calm, compassionate and unshakeable presence, especially with students who face significant challenges.
At Y Schools Queensland, Shanae helped young people overcome hardship and take steps toward a brighter future.
Driven to make an even greater impact, she completed her Master of Learning and Teaching and now works as a teacher at the same school, continuing her mission to create a safe, empowering space for every student.
Outside the classroom, Shanae is a powerhouse in a different arena: rugby league.
After transitioning from horses to footy, she now plays at a professional level with the Sunshine Coast Falcons Women’s Team.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
JOSHUA HANDS, 20
Joshua has been a member of the Redcliffe Snooker Club since he was 11.
He has represented Australia at the Worlds Under 18 Snooker Championships twice in England and Sydney.
The 20-year-old has won three national titles in snooker and billiards, also crowned Queensland Under 21 billiards champion in 2024.
In pool, Josh won the Under 18 world championship with his doubles partner in 2023.
That same year he was runner up in the world Under 18 singles.
Outside the pool room, Josh works full time at Bradnam’s Windows and Doors in Boondall.
JORDAN IVINS, 23
Jordan is one of Moreton Bay’s most promising young real estate professionals.
In just 12 months as a sales agent with Precinct Realtors, he’s already achieved multiple record-breaking results across Caboolture, Caboolture South, and Morayfield.
Jordan has demonstrated exceptional versatility and an energetic drive to go above and beyond for his clients — most notably with the recent sale of three lots on Bertha Street, Caboolture, for $2.4 million.
Outside of real estate, Jordan is passionate about giving back to the community he grew up in.
He recently helped organise a community Easter egg hunt that raised funds for a local family in need and donated a laptop to a local swimming club to support the development of young and upcoming athletes.
ANDRE MASCARENHAS, 21
Andre is undertaking his placement with the UniSC Tax Clinic and is an absolutely outstanding student.
Andre has put a great deal of work into his studies and has been selected to join the KPMG graduate cohort in 2026.
He is undertaking a combined degree Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance) and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting).
He has a cumulative GPA of 6.46 and according to his resume works two days a week as a Telstra consultant in Redcliffe.
Andre enjoys Python programming, investing on the ASX share market, volunteering at The Smith Family and is an avid guitar and chess player.
ALYSSA MCLENNAN, 22
Alyssa has always loved volunteering, including time with Rosies, Friends on the Street and the Leukemia Foundation.
In the lead up to finishing her Bachelor of Education, Alyssa travelled to Fiji to volunteer her time in a community school where she made a huge impact and will return in the near future.
During university, Alyssa volunteered at different schools and local kindergartens to gain extra hands on experience.
It was also a chance to enhance the theoretical skills she was learning at university.
Teaching children is something Alyssa is passionate about, having always wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and help them achieve their potential.
XANDER NICHOLS, 12
Xander is a 12-year-old with autism and ADHD who’s been on a mission since September 2023 – collecting cans and bottles to help the planet.
With the money he earns from his collections, Xander supports charities like Bright Bags, donates food to local pantries for the homeless, pays it forward at cafés, and has even contributed to the Heart Foundation.
He’s also saving to pay off his very own van so he can continue expanding his recycling efforts and keep making an impact.
In recognition of his incredible work, Xander was proudly named Young Change Maker of the Year 2024 by Containers for Change.
Through kindness, dedication, and a heart for helping others, Xander is showing the world how one young person can inspire change—one can at a time.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
JAYDEN NIPPERESS, 20
Jayden Nipperess from Ray White Caboolture and his bright hair can’t be missed.
The 20-year-old real estate personal assistant rose to internet fame overnight after filming a monologue on his phone as he handed out flyers in his local neighbourhood.
He was amazed when it was viewed more than 267,000 times on Instagram, with many comparing him to the cult American Pie character Sherminator.
The real estate video, which debuted on May 9, 2024, landed him numerous endorsement deals including with Queensland drinks brand Hard FIZZ.
Since that first viral monologue, Jayden’s Instagram followers have skyrocketed from a handful of school mates to more than 6000 followers on @jaydennipperess.raywhite.
Other businesses to reach out to Jayden included surfwear brand Rusty, Tooletries, ATP Science and Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers.
TIFFANY PARTRIDGE 22,
Tiffany Partridge is a legal professional who is currently completing her Master of Laws at the University of New England.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from QUT in 2024 and completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in May 2025.
Tiffany’s involvement in Queensland Youth Parliament began in 2021 as the Youth Member for Pine Rivers.
There, she worked on a Youth Bill that focused on domestic violence reform and the criminalisation of coercive control.
In 2025, she returned to the program as part of the executive team, working as a parliamentary officer, overseeing committees and supporting young Queenslanders in drafting and debating youth bills.
Beyond QYP, Tiffany has carved out a strong career in family law.
She is currently the associate to a Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1).
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
ANDREW PHYTHIAN, 21
Andy Phythian is a dedicated real estate agent with Clarke & Co in Moreton Bay.
The 21-year-old was recently awarded with the fastest growing five-star reviewed agent on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Andy also plays basketball in the Queensland State League for the Moreton Bay Suns and is currently among the league’s leading scorers.
Beyond work and sport, he is committed to giving back through sponsorship and volunteer efforts within both the real estate and basketball communities.
KAT RAMLJAK, 24
Kat Ramljak is quickly making her mark in the local real estate scene.
Now mentored by former state top-10 agent Brock Jaeger, Kat is already showing signs of becoming a major player.
Success in real estate is often measured by how many homes you sell.
In her first month alone, Kat has secured four listings; early momentum that puts her on track to sit within the top 10 per cent of the industry.
ANTHONY ROSE, 19
Anthony Rose is a local entrepreneur and community advocate from Caboolture who operates two popular food vans – Curly Tato and The Dutch Pancakes.
Both are Sunday favourites at the Caboolture Markets, known for their welcoming vibe and flavour-packed menus.
In addition to his business ventures, Anthony actively volunteers at the Caboolture Showgrounds, supporting the co-ordination of local events, and regularly donates to various charities—demonstrating his ongoing commitment to giving back.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
DYLAN WEST, 25
Dylan West managed a bustling Guzman y Gomez store in Brisbane then began volunteering at the RSPCA and quickly discovered a passion for veterinary nursing.
In 2023, Dylan enrolled in TAFE Queensland’s Certificate III in Animal Care Services and the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Though returning to study after a decade was daunting, Dylan thrived with hands-on training, supportive teachers, and real-world clinical placement.
Now employed as a feline nurse at Cat Specialist Services in Underwood, Dylan is proud to have secured a role in a specialist facility so early in his career.
He hopes to mentor future students and give back to the profession that has reignited his passion.
MELANIE WILKS, 25
As the operations manager of RE/MAX Living, Melanie Wilks executes a diverse array of tasks crucial for the smooth functioning of the business.
She started in sales support four years ago and worked her way up the ladder.
Mel is also an ambassador and group administrator for the Asset Building Club (ABC) initiative program created by RE/MAX Living principal Kathy Sweeney.
This workshop and ongoing support group was formed to teach young people the ‘ABCs’ of property investing, to remove the fear and uncertainty associated with stepping onto the property ladder and to gain valuable insight into what they need to do to purchase their first property.
On the field, Melanie played in Australia’s Under 20s Mixed Team, the Queensland Reds women’s team and Australian Women’s Rugby team.
She switched codes in April this year to rugby league and is contracted to East Rugby League Club
KAI—NOA WYNYAD, 23
Redcliffe Leagues Padres baseballer Kai-Noa Wynyard started playing T-Ball at five.
Kai shined at the National Under 18 Championships as a pitcher and later signed a professional contract with the Texas Rangers at 19 years of age.
He has been progressing through their affiliate Minor League teams for four years.
A highlight this year when he pitched in Major League Spring training.
Kai is currently having his best pitching season for the Hickory Crawdads in the Carolina League.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
KYARNEE YOUNG, 16
Kyarnee has emerged as a standout talent in BMX racing, achieving impressive results across state, national, and international competitions.
Her 2024 season has been marked by determination, consistency, and podium finishes:
Eighth place in the 15 Girls category at the 2024 UCI BMX World Challenge in Rock Hill, USA
Third place in the 15 Girls category at the 2024 Oceania BMX Championships
Second place in both the 15 Girls and Junior Superclass (14–16) categories at the 2024 Queensland State Titles
Fourth place in the Junior Superclass Women (14–16) category at the 2024 Australian National Titles
In recognition of her outstanding performance, Kyarnee has been selected to represent Australia at the 2025 UCI BMX World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark — a significant milestone in her BMX journey and an achievement Kyarnee is extremely proud of.
CHLOE YOUNGMAN, 24
A Griffith University graduate with a Bachelor of Design (with distinction), Chloe Youngman’s journey is a testament to both talent and tenacity.
During her studies she received Academic Achievement Awards three years in a row — 2018, 2019, and 2020 — and was recognised early on as a standout creative, becoming a finalist in the prestigious Creative Generations Excellence in Art Program run by the Queensland Government.
Since graduating in 2020, Chloe has built an enviable career at the Brisbane-based Comiskey Group, where she is one of only two designers serving the entire organisation.
From designing restaurant menus and branding distilleries to producing concert posters for major Australian acts, Chloe’s creative direction brings life to some of the most iconic venues in Queensland — including Sandstone Point Hotel, Eatons Hill Hotel, The Doonan, The Imperial Hotel Eumundi, Oyster Shed Beach Club, BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, and Comiskey Distillery.
In 2024, she applied for and won a $1,000 grant from the Blackbird Foundation after successfully pitching an app idea — making her one of only 30 recipients selected nationwide.
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