Who’s the most influential young gun in Ipswich? Vote Now
From lawyers, sporting stars and dedicated volunteers, we have found some of the young guns aged under 25 who are having the biggest influence on Ipswich. CAST YOUR VOTE NOW
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From community heroes to inspiring athletes and law prodigies, meet the young guns 25 and under helping to revolutionise Ipswich.
With a drive for success and a mind for business, these Ipswich youngsters are making their mark on the region and beyond.
The Courier Mail has listed 20 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.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
HANNAH-MAY ALVOS, 20
Hannah has been a dedicated RSPCA volunteer at its Wacol op shop for the past two years after recently commencing study for Individual Support (Ageing and Disability).
She wanted to help out a cause that meant a lot to her in the RSPCA, and also has her own animals, which are close to her heart.
The 20-year-old’s favourite part of volunteering is interacting with customers and helping them out.
Her advice to fellow Gen Zs is to give volunteering a go and help organisations who have a cause you care about.
RYAN WHITE, 18
In his senior year at St Edmunds College, Ryan spearheaded the Skool 2 Skoolies 115km charity bike ride to the Gold Coast.
There, he raised more than $23,000 which was donated to the Ipswich Hospice Care and the St Vincent de Paul.
The 18-year-old was awarded Ipswich City Council’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2025.
He is now a full time electrician with Bright Spark Electrical.
Ryan has been involved in extra-curricular activities such as tennis, athletics and soccer, while also helping with homeless support initiative Signal Flare.
MAX BISHOP, 21
After graduating from Bremer State High School in 2023, Max is now two years through an education degree and keen to hit the ground running as a health and physical education teacher.
Max is a dedicated volunteer coach at the Bremer Rugby League Academy where he combines his passion for sport and rugby league.
He works tirelessly with all junior rugby league teams at Bremer and has quickly become an integral part of the academy’s support network, having positive impacts on the 200 students currently enrolled in the program.
ANMOL CHANDI, 24
Admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland earlier this year, Anmol is a passionate young solicitor carving out a career in criminal law.
Anmol began her journey with Walker Pender Group Lawyers in 2022 as a Law Clerk and has since grown into her current role as a solicitor, where she has received valuable mentorship in advancing her skills and deepening her understanding of criminal law.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (majoring in International Business) from Griffith University.
During her studies, she broadened her legal perspective by completing a semester abroad in the United States, gaining insight into global legal frameworks and justice systems.
She is also a proud member of the Ipswich District Law Association.
The Ipswich Grammar School graduate also embarked on an exchange at California State University in 2023.
Anmol is also a model at talent agency Tamblyn Management.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
CODY COLES, 14
Cody has been racing BMX for four years and has progressed to competing at state & national levels.
He has held state plates for the past two years and currently holds the plates over two states and territories, having 2Q in Queensland, 3N in NSW and 2ACT in ACT.
He is a valued member of the national factory racing team for Planett Cody has his eyes on competing at the UCI World Championships in 2026.
Last year the St Peter Claver College student finished fourth out of 32 riders in an Oceania competition.
LIANNA DOYLE, 19
Lianna was selected to Softball Australia’s ‘Aussie Spirit Futures Squad’ in 2025.
The 19-year-old has represented Ipswich Softball Association in the state championships in under 14s, u16s, u18s and Open women's throughout her career.
Lianna was selected to represent Australia in the u14s Aussie Junior Development team and were scheduled to travel to USA later that year, but due to Covid the tournament did not happen.
In 2023 Lianna was also selected in the Queensland school girls team that travelled to Melbourne for the national schools tournament, where the team finished third, and Lianna was selected in the merit All Australian Team.
2024 was a highlight year as Lianna was selected in the Aussie Junior Spirit u19 team that travelled to Dallas to compete in the World Cup Pool round.
Since graduating from West Moreton Anglican College in 2023, she is in her second year of studying Bachelor of Nursing.
CHRISTINE ELDRIDGE, 25
Christine has developed a reputation as a passionate and skilled litigator for Ipswich residents who’ve been injured at work or on the road.
Her tenacity has seen her settle close to sixty claims in the past financial year, securing millions of dollars in compensation for her clients.
She’s also driving change within the industry, advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the legal profession as a National Director of Pride In Law.
Christine was a finalist in last year’s Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards in the rising star category and has been short-listed for the Queensland Law Society Awards.
JORDAN ANDERSON-EMSLIE, 23
Alongside his work as an AFL participation officer with the NAB Auskick and NAB Superkick Programs, Jordan volunteers his time as a coach for the Under 9 team at the Collingwood Park Power.
Through his role with AFL Queensland, Jordan has engaged with more than 50 schools within the Springfield and Ipswich area, and delivered programs to more than 5000 children.
But it is Jordan’s volunteering at the Power that stands out.
Jordan can be seen at the club every Tuesday helping out with the Power Auskick program, Thursday for Junior Training and on a Saturday morning coaching on the field with his amazing team of under 9s.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
ASTERIA GRACE, 23
Asteria is a dynamic model, author, speaker, and passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Her children’s books, A Wish Upon a Star and Celebrate Me, helped spark important conversations with young readers about embracing differences and celebrating individuality.
Through Asteria work in the fashion industry she is actively reshaping outdated societal standards.
As a model, she works with brands and campaigns that reflect the rich diversity of real people.
She advocates for accessibility and representation both on and off the runway, using her influence to help build a fashion industry that celebrates all bodies, abilities, and background.
A five-time national finalist for Miss Australia, Asteria uses the platform to challenge societies standards and promote greater representation and inclusivity in the media, fashion and entertainment industries.
Recently honoured as Professional of the Year by the Multicultural Professional Network, Asteria is recognised for her relentless dedication to advocacy.
JESSICA HERNANDEZ, 24
Jessica is a dedicated volunteer within Scouts Queensland.
From youth helper to cub leader, scout leader and now group leader at North Ipswich Scout Group, she has shown a strong commitment to the organisation.
As a rover scout, Jessica has served on state and national committees and held various roles within the Queensland Branch Rover Council.
Jessica has taken on roles in state and local events and is currently involved in the Australian Contingent Team to the World Scout Moot in Portugal.
Outside of scouting, she competes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and volunteers with the Red Cross Emergency Services and has contributed countless hours to support across various flooding events in Ipswich, Brisbane and Cairns.
Her dedication to scouting and the young people involved has been recognised with the Meritorious Service Award from Scouts Australia and Brisbane Young Citizen of the Year for 2025.
Jessica is about to finish her degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a goal to work with at risk youth and young offenders.
HOLYEE—ANN JACKSON, 16
BMX gun Holyee was recently named Junior Rider of the Year for Queensland.
She has held dual Australian titles, Queensland titles and south Queensland titles, as well as gaining a ranking of eighth in the world.
Holyee recently held a community fundraising event to raise money for her sporting journey, and on the day gave back to young athletes in her community in the way of a $500 donation made by herself to help with their sporting dreams.
MIA KERTESZ, 15
St Peters Lutheran College Springfield’s Year 10 student Mia is a rising star on the national stage, dominating across multiple sports with an inspiring string of victories.
A proud multiclass athlete, Mia recently took out gold in the 15–16 girls 3km multiclass event at the Queensland All Schools Cross Country Championships on May 10 at Nudgee.
This win adds to an already extraordinary 2025, where Mia claimed multiple national titles in Aquathlon in Perth in March, while setting a meet record in javelin at the 2025 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships held in Adelaide in April.
She was also crowned U18 Age Champion at the Short Statured People of Australia Sports Weekend, showcasing her all-round athleticism across swimming, soccer, boccia, powerlifting and athletics.
Mia is a former School Sport Australia national cross country champion (2022, 2023) and continues to train and compete despite facing setbacks due to new classification rules in 2024.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
CORIE LIST, 21
Corie started playing softball in Ipswich when he was 13 with the Southside Stingers.
He has gone on to represent Queensland in under-15s, 16s, 18s and 23 sides.
After the u18s nationals where Corie pitched a “no hitter” vs. NSW, he was named in Australian squad that went to World Cup and finished fifth.
He was also named in Australian u23 squad the same year.
Corie was named MVP at the recent U23 nationals and was named in Australian U23 team that travelled to New Zealand for Oceania Qualifiers, where Australia qualified for the U23 World Cup in Colombia in 2026.
Corie still has two more years eligible in the U23 age level at nationals.
He recently returned from a season in New Zealand.
Corie will travel to the USA in July to play in one of the most prestigious men’s tournaments - the ISC in Mankato, Minnesota.
ARCHER MONTGOMERY, 9
Since starting his racing journey in early 2022, Archer has shown an unstoppable drive to improve, train hard, and chase his dreams—one race at a time.
It all began with his first club race at the Ipswich and West Moreton BMX Club, and in just a few short years, Archer has shown rapid progress and fierce determination.
Archer was recently awarded the 2024 Ipswich and West Moreton Encouragement Award.
He also claimed first place in the under-8 boys and finished second in the 2024 Ipswich and West Moreton Club Championship.
Regularly landing on the podium at race events, Archer continues to build an impressive racing record—and he’s not slowing down. With his sights now set on the State and National BMX Titles later this year.
FINN MULVOGUE, 14
A proud Gunaikurnai and Boonwurrung lad, Finn is a current member of the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council, and the West Moreton Health Youth Advisory Committee. Alongside this, Finn is a valued player, team captain, umpire, coach, and junior mentor at the Collingwood Park Power AFL club.
When not out on the field, Finn can be seen helping in the canteen and doing many things around the club.
He has even umpired away games for opposition clubs at the last minute so they are not left without.
Finn has received an AFL SEQ Junior Volunteer Award, been nominated for the AFL Young Volunteer of the Year in 2024 and continues to kick goals for his club, on and off the field.
MADELEINE NICKSON, 12
Under the incredible coaching guidance of Tom Harris and his team at Ipswich Grammar School Swim Club, Madeleine has represented her swimming club at many regional and state events over the past few years.
She has also represented both Ipswich Junior Grammar School and Ipswich Girls Grammar School in swimming since commencing there in Year 3.
Madeleine has represented Ipswich Hockey Association in Under 11/Under 12’s since 2020 at the Southern Cross Carnival.
For the past two years, she has also been selected for the u14 team to participate in both the regional and state championships.
Madeleine has proudly played hockey for Thistles Ladies Hockey Club and now Eastern Suburbs Hockey Club for the last six years.
This year, she has been loaned to South Coast School Sport to compete in the Queensland School Sports Hockey State titles as their goalkeeper.
At school, Madeleine has also represented Ipswich Junior Grammar School at touch football, soccer, cricket, and basketball and hopes to represent Ipswich Girls Grammar School in both hockey and badminton.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
JAKOB PELUSI, 25
From handyman to headline graphics, TAFE Queensland graduate Jakob Pelusi has landed his dream job as a Junior Graphic Designer with the Brisbane Lions.
But Jakob’s journey wasn’t linear.
After starting a university science degree, he changed direction, explored game design, and worked in property maintenance before finding his path at TAFE Queensland, with the help of fee-free TAFE funding.
Through the Diploma of Graphic Design, Jakob built job-ready skills using Adobe Creative Suite while learning design theory, branding, marketing, and more in an industry-standard studio environment.
Now part of the AFL club’s creative team, Jakob is proud to see his work come to life every week and hopes to give back as a design educator one day.
DANIEL PHILLIPS, 13
Daniel has had an enormous start to 2025 on and off the athletics track, capping off his great start to the year with his recent selection in the Australian team to compete at the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships.
This national team selection comes off the back of winning the 100m, 400m, 800, and Long Jump finals at the recent Australian Para Titles in Perth, setting new national records in the 400m and long jump.
Daniel has recently moved to Bremer State High School to become a proud member of IRSA (Ipswich Regional Sports Academy), Ipswich’s first dedicated youth sports academy.
The Bremer and IRSA communities are incredibly proud of Daniel and are with him every step of the way as he aims for a 2032 Paralympics medal.
>>> SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE IN THE POLL >>>
MICHELLE PRINCE, 22
Michelle joined The Lockyer Waters Rural Fire Brigade when she was 16.
Later that same year she was part of a large volunteer firefighting effort combating multiple large fires, in what was the longest and most destructive bushfire season in decades.
Since then, she has seasoned her firefighting skills and knowledge by assisting with hazard reduction burns, attending fire calls and regular training, as well as becoming a member of Blenheim Rural Fire Brigade.
She has also been a volunteer community educator since 2023.
Michelle has also been associated with Girl Guides Queensland since 2011 and currently serves as a senior guiding leader.
Her dedication to community service has been recognised through several awards including Citizenship Award from Hattonvale State School in 2014 and the Tabeel Community Award from Laidley State High School in 2020.
RUBY STANFORD, 16
Ruby began playing netball with the Fassifern Netball Association in Boonah before joining the Rebels Netball Club in Ipswich back in 2019.
In 2021, Ruby represented the Ipswich Netball Association in its under12s rep team.
Her netball journey continued in 2022 with selections for the under-13s Ipswich rep team and the Queensland u14 Infernos Indoor Netball Team, which competed at the National Indoor Netball Championships in Melbourne.
This year, Ruby was named in Queensland’s under-17 rep team where she competed at the Australian Netball Championships.
She was then selected for the Netball Australia u17 Squad and will attend a high-performance training camp at the AIS in Canberra in July.
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Originally published as Who’s the most influential young gun in Ipswich? Vote Now
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