Gympie’s 30 young guns and rising stars under 30
From songbirds to rugby league guns and business owners these 30 young Gympie residents are influential beyond their years. See the full list and vote in our poll.
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From athletes and songbirds to real estate agents and actors, these Gympie residents have reached the stars before the age of 30.
With their impressive work ethics and can-do attitudes, these young guns have proven that age is no barrier.
The Gympie Times has listed 30 of the region’s most influential and successful people under 30, taking into account their accomplishments and accolades.
Many listed have been nominated by prominent Gympie residents, including councillors, teachers and businesspeople.
You can scroll to the bottom of the page to vote in our poll for who you believe is the most influential young person in the Gympie region.
This list is in no particular order:
Sam Klein, 18
Sam Klein, 18, is a soccer super star in the making, having been recently selected as part of the Young Socceroos team in the 2022 Costa Calida Supercup.
The young midfielder made his A-League debut with the Brisbane Roar in January 2022 and was awarded a scholarship to Nudgee College in Brisbane.
He represented Queensland at the Under 11 and Under 12 levels and was invited to the Australian Under 17s camp in 2020.
After he began his sports career in England at the age of six, he returned to Gympie and joined the Diggers Football Club and then later the Columbia Football Club before joining the Sunshine Coast Fire.
Caitlyn Shadbolt, 27
At just 27, Caitlyn Shadbolt has become one of Gympie’s biggest stars, with her music known across the country.
Ms Shadbolt shot to fame after she placed fifth on X Factor Australia in 2014 and released her self-titled debut album the following year. The album peaked at number 50 on Australian Music Charts.
Ms Shadbolt returned to the Gympie Music Muster stage this year after the festival was forced to take a two-year break due to the pandemic.
She has more than 34,600 followers on Instagram and 57,000 followers on Facebook and is currently touring the country.
Selwyn Cobbo, 20
Rugby league legend Selwyn Cobbo starred in the 2022 State of Origin for Queensland and took a glorious win.
Mr Cobbo was a Cherbourg Hornet before he joined the Gympie Devils.
He now plays for the Brisbane Broncos as a winger.
Mr Cobbo is now a great inspiration for other young sports stars in the region.
Jazmyn Smith, 27
Jazmyn Smith launched her own business at just 21, with a second-hand camera and no professional training in film, photography or business.
Now she successfully works locally, interstate and overseas as the business owner of Jazmyn Produces and a passionate committee member of Creative Arts Gympie.
Ms Smith was also a co-producer of the local Gympie music festival Space Girls.
“My local community is really supportive and enthusiastic in following my career, I feel seen and heard and well loved around here,” she said.
“And I love them back.”
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 22
Rugby star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 22, also played in this year’s State of Origin.
He began his rugby league career in the Gympie region, having been raised in Widgee.
Mr Fa’asuamaleaui played for the Gympie Devils juniors while attending James Nash State High School until he was signed by the Brisbane Broncos as a teen.
Today, he is the captain of the Gold Coast Titans and signed to play for the team until 2026.
Payton Jennings, 24
Payton Jennings is a Nolan Meats’ livestock buyer who has been paving the way for women in the male-dominated industry.
With a keen interest in livestock and agriculture, Ms Jennings started work at the Nolan Meats Stock team after high school graduation.
“I worked in a few different places, but in January 2018 I went back to Nolan Meats, partly in the Stock Team, but mostly in the Admin Team as a Livestock Clerk,” Ms Jennings said.
After two and a half years, she jumped at the opportunity to start saleyard buying and has grown to be a successful woman in the industry.
Connor Innis, 18
Gympie hockey star Connor Innis has a bright future ahead of him, after he was selected to compete in the Australian Under 18 national championships.
This put the 18-year-old in the running to compete at a national tournament in Cairns.
In February, Connor was selected as a shadow player for the men’s team after many successful years as a player at the Gympie District Hockey Association.
Alice Benfer, 29
Gympie Country music star Alice Benfer came from humble beginnings when she started playing guitar and writing music while attending James Nash and Gympie State High School.
Ms Benfer has had three songs reach number one on the Country Music Charts.
Her most recent chart-topper, Never Tasted Dirt, from her July album What Can I Say was her third original to reach number one.
Ms Benfer has performed at numerous events including the Gympie Music Muster, one of the region’s biggest stages.
Kiana Sprott, 21
Kiana Sprott is part of one of Australia’s most prominent motherhood sites, Stay at Home Mum.
While studying marketing and social media at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Ms Sprott has worked as a marketing assistant for the popular site.
As part of her job, she has had the chance to work on video content, books and attend events.
Stay at Home Mum has more than 537,000 followers on Facebook.
Troy Carlson, 19
Gympie teen swimming champion Troy Carlson has made his mark in the sport at a national stage.
In 2021, he won the chance to compete in the Tokyo Olympics when he won gold and was named as the sixth fastest Australian swimmer in the 2021 Australian Multi-Class, Australian Age and Australian Swimming Championships.
The former Sunshine Coast Grammar student was also named national champion at the 2019 Australian Age Championships in South Australia.
Hannah Johnston, 18
Hannah Johnston was awarded Young Citizen of the Year in 2022 at the annual Gympie Australia Day awards for her outstanding academic achievements and contribution to the community.
The former St Patrick’s College student completed two university subjects on top of her final year at school.
Ms Johnston also received an early offer at the University of the Sunshine Coast to study an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
This was all while she was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes, on top of pre-existing lifelong heart and medical conditions.
Jorina Maureschat, 19
As a passionate court reporter, Jorina Maureschat is fresh-faced to the world of journalism but already making her mark.
After graduating from high school on the Sunshine Coast, she applied for a coveted cadetship with The Gympie Times.
A talented photographer and videographer, Ms Maureschat uses her skills to keep Gympie informed.
“I like making people aware of their own environment,” she said.
“I think people have the right to know what’s going on around them – and if it may influence their lives or even threaten them.”
Clancy Adams, 28
Clancy Adams opened his own real estate agency in 2017 at just 22. He is now the sole business owner and principal of Ray White Gympie’s Property Sales Office and Ray White Property Management Office.
“We were initially branded as LJ Hooker and at that time I was the youngest ever sole business owner of a LJ Hooker Franchise,” Mr Adams said.
“I‘m now one of the youngest Ray White principals in the network.”
Mr Adams said his biggest achievement was purchasing and merging with Welcome Home Rentals and opening their own dedicated office in September this year.
His business is also very prominent in the local community, having sponsored and supported many sports clubs.
Shea Dawson, 20
A keen storyteller, Shea Dawson joined The Gympie Times after finishing his journalism studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Before moving to Gympie, Shea worked as a weather bulletin writer for Seven News and as a marketing manager at a Sunshine Coast law firm.
Since coming to the region, Shea has worked tirelessly to tell the stories of people who wouldn’t usually have the chance to have their voices heard.
“I’m so honoured to be able to tell the stories of this vibrant community,” he said.
“While I may be new to the area, I’ve been welcomed with open arms and I’m loving every minute.”
Sofia Abbey, 22
As co-chair of the Perseverance Street Theatre Company, Sofia Abbey is an influential member of Gympie’s creative scene.
Ms Abbey is completing her Bachelor of Creative Industries (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where she has been a key part of many productions.
She was the recipient of the 2016 National Young Playwright’s Award and selected as a writer for the La Boite Assembly program in 2020.
Ms Abbey will be a judge at the upcoming Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival.
Perseverance Street Theatre Company aims to help Gympie’s young creatines break into the industry, according to Ms Abbey.
Tristan Sik, 19
Rainbow Beach teen Tristan Sik is the founder of clothing company Sik Ladz.
In 2017, Mr Sik, then 14, was in a serious car crash where he sustained critical brain injuries. After a long road to recovery, he was able to graduate high school in 2021.
“I have always been passionate about looking good and having fun so I came up with the idea of a clothing brand about all the things fun people do,” Mr Sik said.
The blossoming brand has now sold more than 3000 shirts in its first year.
“I am hoping to continue to grow Sik Ladz, support myself financially and send my products globally,” he said.
His tagline “make your dayz count” is an inspiring message to the community.
Chevy Corbet, 20
Chevy Corbet started her own business Chevents in 2020 after completing a Diploma in Event Management
Through her events business, Ms Corbet fell in love with weddings and giving couples an unforgettable and special day. Before long, she started her training to become a celebrant.
As a young marriage celebrant, she appeals to young couples who might want to plan their special day with someone closer to their own age.
“I feel like I can be someone’s friend and support them through their day,” Ms Corbet said.
“I do it more for the happiness and trying to get everyone to have their happy day.”
Jayden Evans, 24
Having appeared on Season 2 of ABC’s Emmy-nominated program Love on the Spectrum, Jayden Evans has garnered attention internationally, including from superstar Kim Kardashian.
He is also a passionate community volunteer and regularly dedicates his time to causes close to his heart.
Mr Evans recently went viral again with a heartfelt video by the ABC, highlighting his work with the Community Visitor Scheme and friendship with participant Neville Lorensen.
He also works as a support worker for people on the Autism Spectrum and a mentor for a Gympie State High School student.
Dillyn Blackburn, 19
Dillyn Blackburn began studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood at the University of Sunshine Coast to become a primary school teacher.
She currently works as a teacher aide at Gympie South State School.
Ms Blackburn started competing in rugby union at the Sunshine Coast and has been selected for the Queensland Country Women’s team twice and will compete later this year.
“I have loved the opportunity Noosa Dolphins have provided me,” Ms Blackburn said.
“My first year of rugby was through the school rugby union competition and without this opportunity James Nash State School provided, I wouldn’t have found a passion for this sport.”
Fletcher Colfs, 19
A born creative, Fletcher Colfs has recently graduated from James Nash State High School and found himself on the core creative team of Perseverance Street Theatre Company.
He has performed in a number of the company’s productions, including the recent fan favourite GRIT: The Stories. The Town. The Music.
Mr Colfs is set to tour Queensland with the company’s production of Lizard next year.
“To be able to make a living from the thing that I love is really exciting for me,” he said.
Theodore Pierce, 25
At just 25, Theodore Pierce is in charge of more than 50 officers with the Gympie State Emergency Service.
A proud Imbil local, Mr Pierce holds a volunteer position as an honorary ambulance first responder.
He has been living in the area since he was young, and moved back to his beloved town after a brief stint in Brisbane for university.
Mr Pierce also works as an aged care and disability service provider.
Harrison Parker, 23
Harrison Parker started his hockey career at eight years old and found his talent in goalkeeping by the time he was 10.
He played in many Gympie rep and Wide Bay school teams while he grew up in Gympie and in 2020, he made the Queensland Country Hockey team before returning to the team again this year.
Mr Parker played in the Senior Australian Country Hockey Championship, taking home a win against Western Australia.
Besides playing for the Cooloola Heat team in Sunshine Coast competitions, Mr Parker also works as a fitness coach at The Real Body Movement.
Jonas White, 18
Jonas White proves there is more to theatre than what audiences see on stage.
In his tireless work behind the scenes, Mr White has been instrumental to the founding of Perseverance Street Theatre Company.
Since graduating from James Nash State High School last year, he has taught himself website design, lighting, sound and other production elements.
Mr White said working with the company as a co-founder and board member has been eye-opening.
“It’s the biggest opportunity a young person my age could get,” he said.
Daniel Green, 25
Daniel Green is well-known around town as a sports advocate for better facilities in Gympie.
As treasurer of Gympie Athletics and a school PE teacher, Mr Green loves giving back to the community he grew up in.
“My goal is to help the community more and offer kids what I was offered,” Mr Green said.
Mr Green spent six months writing The History of Education in the Gympie Region 1867 – 2020 and revised his book again in 2022.
“When I finish with shot put in the next five or 10 years, I’d like to be able to help with growing Gympie a lot more whether that’s through certain positions or volunteer work or some other form of community work,” he said.
Michaela Dodt, 25
As the owner of one of Gympie’s newest hair salons, Michaela Dodt is one to watch in the beauty world.
Before opening her own business, Ms Dodt worked at popular Gympie business Hair Review for nearly a decade.
“I fell into hair dressing never really having a passion for it but it was a good trade to have at the time,” she said.
“I’m proud of me and 17 year old Michaela would be too.”
Libby Parke, 26
Libby Parke is a visual artist specialising in history, mythology and nature inspired printmaking.
She worked for the Gympie Regional Gallery for two years and has been featured in many local exhibitions after she received her Bachelor of Arts majoring in ancient history.
Now working as an administrative assistant at the Gympie University of the Sunshine Coast, Ms Libby currently has her own online store in the works and will soon start her masters in secondary teaching.
“I think that art is such an important part of any town or community,” she said.
“That needs to be appreciated as it’s important for people’s mental health and bringing people together.”
Declan Goggan, 18
Declan Goggan was the youngest volunteer to join the Rattler Railway Company at the age of 16, spending almost every weekend at the Mary Valley Rattler since.
Two years later, he became the youngest qualified crew member at the Rattler after taking his guard assessment in January.
His enthusiasm and commitment has brought more volunteers his age on-board and he is keen to share his extensive knowledge of the heritage railway to its patrons.
“It doesn’t matter what age you are – if you put your mind to it, you can do what you want,” he said.
Jordan Willis, 27
In an unexpected career change, Jordan Willis went from policeman to driving instructor in April 2022.
Since then, he has taught hundreds of Gympie’s young people how to stay safe behind the wheel with his unique insight into road safety.
He also works for Roadcraft as a driver educator, where he teaches about road safety to Gympie‘s young people.
Mr Willis said he likes to tell funny stories to make sure his students are not intimidated by his policing background.
“Coppers are people too!” he joked.
Jackson Lapsley-Scott, 29
Jackson Lapsley-Scott has a wealth of industry experience when it comes to film.
As the festival director for the popular Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival, he has brought his love of the art to the Gympie region.
He has been in the role since 2020. Before that, he worked as the program manager for the festival.
Anneke Harries, 21
Anneke Harries got an early acceptance to the University of the Sunshine Coast Gympie Campus after graduating from Victory College in 2017.
She graduated with her Bachelor of Nursing earlier this year, and started work as a registered nurse at the Cooloola Coast General Practice at Cooloola Cove and Tin Can Bay.
Ms Harries will soon move to work at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital after studying throughout Covid-19 during her internship at SCUH.
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