Revealed: Central Queensland’s most influential 30 under 30
Central Queensland’s most influential people are also some of the youngest leaders who have become the pioneers in business, sport and culture. See the full list of CQ’s 30 under 30.
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From musicians and athletes to young business owners and lawyers, Central Queensland’s youngest and brightest are leaving their mark across Rockhampton, Gladstone, the Capricorn Coast, and the Central Highlands with unparalleled passion and determination in their respective fields.
Across the board, it’s becoming more apparent age is just a number and anyone can achieve their dreams if they work hard enough for it – despite the pandemic causing issues across many industries.
Find out who is having the biggest influence on the region despite, or perhaps because of, their young age.
Zhanae Conway Dodd
A proud Ghungalu, Birri, Widi and Kaanju woman from Rockhampton, Zhanae, 24, is passionate about Indigenous advocacy, protecting sacred sites and protecting country.
With a background in journalism and communication, Zhanae is now a case manager and court support officer with Darumbal Community Youth Services. She was the 2021 Youth Member for Rockhampton, Queensland Youth Premier and Youth Minister Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.
She is also a youth representative for Local Thriving Communities and youth advocate for the QFFC Youth Advisory Council. In early 2022, Zhanae rebranded her business Groove Co. – a business delivering services around advocacy, professional development, consultancy and program delivery with a focus on empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to self-determination while creating safe spaces for them to learn and work.
She has also started a degree in agriculture at CQU which she hopes to complete in the next few years while balancing her other community work.
Zhanae says she felt a strong obligation to give back to the community, and use her skills and interests to repay the investment others made in her.
“As someone who grew up here, I feel a strong connection to country and mob and having seen the issues that affect people, specifically young Indigenous kids, I have a responsibility and it has shaped the work I do now,” Ms Conway-Dodd said.
“In the future I will continue to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids working towards better outcomes, opportunities, and safety, making sure they feel confident to take up spaces they deserve,” she said.
Will Hearn
Yeppoon local Will is a self-produced artist who believes strongly in the impact of heartfelt storytelling. After chatting with Will we found out he produces all of his music from home, but listening to his music you’d never know it.
Earlier this year, Will featured in the Seaside Festival at Yeppoon alongside names such as What So Not, Allday, Running Touch, and Set Mo. Will is also skilled with sound technology, helping half a dozen other independent artists in Yeppoon with editing music and podcasts.
Further, Will also works as a counsellor and runs a men’s meet-up group providing a space for people to debrief and connect. He believes his work in supporting others is intrinsically linked with his music.
He believes strongly in the importance of independent artists but does not hide the fact it is certainly more difficult to do up here compared to places such as Brisbane.
Having said that, he believes it is precisely because of the smaller communities in Central Queensland that other artists, family and friends, and local businesses can play an integral part in giving a platform to emerging artists.
“I believe I am forging my own path and I absolutely encourage artists, including the ones I help, to be courageous and find your unique voice,” Mr Hearn said.
“With social media playing an essential role to artists getting their work out there and making connection, I make sure to connect with ads many people I can in the industry, in Queensland and interstate to support each other and collaborate where possible.”
Will’s soothing new single with Mona Wonderlick, Honey Bee was released in January along with several other singles and has assured us that an EP will be released soon in what promises to be a big 2022.
Gracie Wellspring
Gracie Wellspring is a co-director of Swim4Life, which leases from the Livingstone Shire Council both the Yeppoon and Emu Park aquatic centres, which employ about 26 staff.
The 21-year-old is involved in all aspects of the operation of both centres, from administration to coaching. Gracie has competed in a number of triathlon events in previous years.
An accredited triathlon and swim coach, Gracie also works with Evolution Multisport Coaching, which also comes under the Swim4Life umbrella.
There she provides triathlon coaching for novices through to experienced athletes from Central Queensland and across the country. Every week, Swim4Life deals with between 800 to 1000 customers.
Miiesha
Miiesha is an Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter from the Woorabinda community. She was the recipient of New Talent of the Year at the 2020 National indigenous Music Awards and won the ARIA Award for Best Soul/R & B Release at the 2020 ARIA Music Awards.
In September last year, she announced a double-EP project titled Smoke & Mirrors, with the first part scheduled for release in November 2021.
Earlier this month, her single “Still Dream” was released preceding the upcoming EP “Mirrors”.
Miiesha was also crowned Triple J’s Unearthed Feature Artist following the release of Black Privilege which explores the ongoing impact of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
Cameron Munster
Cameron Munster is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Melbourne Storm. After graduating for Rockhampton’s Emmaus College, Cameron played one season with the CQ Capras before being snapped up by Melbourne.
He has since represented Queensland and Australia in representative football and won two NRL premierships with the Storm. Cameron has also dipped his toe into commercial ventures and property.
He has teamed up with Ringers Western to devise his own clothing range, as well as partnering with Terella Brewing having an ownership stake of a ginger infused brew named ‘Mad Dog’.
Riley Neaton
Principal at Ray White Rockhampton, Riley Neaton, 26, has gained a reputation as a residential sales agent who consistently goes the extra distance to deliver results well above his client’s anticipations.
He has been recognised within the industry and Ray White as a high achiever with great results, crowned the Elite Performer and Chairman‘s Elite Business Leader of Ray White Rockhampton for the 21-22 period.
Riley believes his previous 7-year experience in the construction industry has well equipped him to understand the needs and pressures of all stakeholders.
Jessica Jonassen
In an international cricket career that’s already spanned more than a decade, Rockhampton’s Jess Jonassen is a four-time ICC T20 World Cup winner who became just the fourth woman to take 100 ODI wickets for Australia.
A left-arm orthodox bowling all-rounder, Jonassen has been a handy member of the national women’s team since 2012, and would probably bat higher on the order if it weren’t for the current Aussie women’s team’s depth. Jess also captains both the Queensland Fire and the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL.
After completing a law degree at Griffith University in 2015, Jonassen continued her studies by undertaking a graduate certificate in forensic mental health.
Brooke Stone
In her senior year, Toolooa State High School graduate Brooke Stone, 18, represented her region as the Youth Member for Gladstone in parliament. She was also selected to be part of the Committee of Justice, Legal Affairs and Corrections.
During her time in the role, she had the opportunity to present a speech opposing Queensland leaving the Commonwealth and worked with other committee members to write Bills on raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, making the youth justice system more support based and implementing women only police stations to further support victims of sexual assault and family violence in Queensland communities.
In 2021 Brooke also won the Toolooa State High School 2021 Albert Mills Humanitarian of the Year Award, an award for academic excellence and also received a Certificate of Community Service from the Queensland Order of Australia Branch.
She was also the president of the Toolooa Interact Club in 2021 – a group of students from year 7-12 who strive in making a difference in their local, national, and international community. Having graduated from high school, Brooke is now studying a Bachelor of Law (Honours) & Bachelor of Psychological science at QUT (Queensland University of Technology) where she is also the QUT Hype Treasurer for 2022.
Lorinda May Merrypor
Lorinda is a creative and hugely popular performing artist in Australia, who is currently starring as ‘Julie’ in the national tour of The Sapphires which will visit more than 140 locations.
As a talented Indigenous creative in the performing arts, she is passionate about encouraging and advocating for more young Indigenous people to embrace and explore potential careers in the sector.
Born and raised in Rockhampton, Lorinda headed to the big smoke where she obtained a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium.
She has recently finished touring with Michael Cassel Group’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Soon after graduating, she made her professional debut as a member of the ensemble cast in the Australian premier, of Broadway’s award-winning musical, ‘American Idiot’.
Caitlin Boothby
In 2021, Caitlin was the winner of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Exceptional Female Student of the Year.
She also served on the Queensland Student Advisory Committee. Caitlin entered the Miss Callide Valley Showgirl in 2021, to lift the profile of the local agricultural show, and won the competition.
From Biloela State High School, Caitlin is interested in studying environmental engineering but also exploring a number of careers in the mining industry.
She is a house captain and member of the Ministerial Student Advisory Council. She is also an active member of the Biloela Netball Association – playing, coaching and umpiring.
Sam Doust
Sam is part of the CQ Rural Traders team, which is a locally owned and operated independent small business offering horse food and nutrition business based in Emerald that services the Central Highlands, Isaac region and online customers.
Previously working as a sales representative for Granular Products, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in delivering high quality products along with excellent customer service.
CQ Rural Traders is in the process of setting-up a showroom in Emerald and its open day is only a matter of weeks away.
Tamika Upton
Born in Rockhampton, Upton grew up in Central Queensland and first played rugby league as a child in Blackwater.
Tamika signed with the Brisbane broncos in 2019 where she has played on the wing before transitioning to fullback. She has played representative football for Queensland, and was previously selected to play for Australia in Rugby 9s at the World Cup.
Last year, Upton joined the Burleigh Bears in the QRL Women‘s Premiership and scored two tries in their Grand Final win. In 2022, Upton has joined the CQ Capras women’s squad.
Aaron Yea
Aaron is currently Gladstone Regional Council’s Saiki Sister City Committee representative, and a proud member of the Youth Council.
He was nominated and then named Gladstone’s Young Citizen of the year on Australia Day 2022.
Aaron moved to Gladstone when he was 12. Aaron’s motivation to pursue a position on the Gladstone Region Youth Council comes from his desire to give back to the community through volunteering.
Simon Kinbacher
Simon Kinbacher was announced runner-up in the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Ltd (ALPA) QLD Young Auctioneers Competition last year, after an outstanding performance up against the state finalists at the Roma Saleyards.
Simon represents Elders Rockhampton, and has enjoyed competing over a number of years.
He for some time has sold at Gracemere and Gin Gin, but now also sells at Sarina and Nebo. He thoroughly enjoys the auctioneering part of his work, as well as everything that comes with it.
Madison Hiker
The Cathedral College graduate Madison Hikler was the Youth Member for Rockhampton in 2020 and the Youth Member for Gregory in 2021 and last year worked with other youth members on a Bill to criminalise coercive control, another step in Queensland’s bid to stamp out domestic violence.
The aspiring medical student represented a large electorate covering the Central Highlands and Central West Queensland and had to Zoom into many interactions in her electorate as she was Rockhampton based in her senior year.
In 2021 Madison was named runner up for the Zonta Club of Rockhampton’s Young Women in Public Affairs award.
Denvah Baker-Moller
Denvah Baker-Moller has been a passionate and dedicated musician since a young age. It was her dream to release a single and in 2020 she did exactly that.
The Rockhampton singer, songwriter and musician has been involved in dancing and musical theatre from a young age. Her credits include performing at the Tamworth Country Musical Festival in 2018 as a Fretfest Finalist and being invited to perform on stage with Busby Marou.
In May 2018 she was the support act for Troy Cassar-Daley and Fanny Lumsden for the opening of Beef Australia. She is a regular fixture at Central Queensland events including Village Festival, Keppel Vibes and the Capricorn Food and Wine Festival.
In 2021 she was also named Rockhampton’s Young Citizen of the Year for her musical talent and dedication to helping others after she was a member of the judging panel for CQ Schools Battle of the Bands, volunteered at charity events, performed for retirement village residents, and wrrote songs encouraging kindness towards others.
Jordan Baker-Moller
A Rockhampton local, Jordan has been working in hospitality since 2009, having clocked up time at almost every bar, restaurant and cafe in the city.
He started out at The Goat in December 2019 as a bartender before moving his way up to middle management and then higher. Not long after joining the business, the opportunity arose to become a co-owner, a role he has relished in.
Mr Baker-Moller recently told The Morning Bulletin the new role incentivised him to work harder and he now not only enjoyed working for himself but also having the capacity to action new and exciting ideas. Jordan’s wife Grace also works at The Goat as the venue’s functions and marketing manager.
After operating at a reduced capacity throughout the pandemic, the venue has recently undergone a huge renovation offering something new for all visitors and times of day.
Each element of the venue has been rebranded including the Corner Bar, Patio, Speakeasy, Club and the Cafe and Bar. Jordan has always been passionate in his support of the region’s entertainment and hospitality scene and vocal on social media.
He and wife Grace also recently launched a new lifestyle channel on YouTube.
Jazmin Grant
In 2021, Yeppoon local Jazmin Grant was named the Youth Member for Keppel.
The Emmaus College student was just 15 when she took on the role in a bid to raise more awareness of the environmental impacts of rubbish and the shortfalls of the education system. Jazmin was born in Canberra but has lived in Yeppoon for most of her life and is passionate about her local community.
Heading into her final years of schooling, Jazmin hopes to study Law at Griffith University after graduation, and then work to end the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system.
Renee Cremer
In 2021, Renee had the honour of representing Australian youth as Australia’s first ever delegate to the G7 Youth Engagement Forum (Y7).
She was also a Global Voices Scholar part of the delegation to the 2019 OECD Forum in Paris.
She wrote a policy paper on improving engagement and integration outcomes for unskilled and underemployed female migrants living in regional and rural Australia.
Renee is due to commence a Diploma of Arabic this month and has been selected to partake in the U.S.-Australia Alliance Regional workshop.
Renee is also 2022 finalist in the 7 News Young Achievers Awards First National Real Estate Leadership category.
Renee graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in politics and policy studies in 2021.
Currently living in Miles, Renee will look to establish a career in federal policy and IR and hopes to inspire other young Indigenous women, particularly mothers, to pursue their passion and talent.
Morgan Harris
Morgan Harris was also one of the 10 finalists at the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Young Auctioneers Competition last year.
Morgan works with TopX Gracemere as a livestock agent and has thoroughly enjoyed his time with TopX attributing it to its status as an independently owned and personal company that is still supported by a progressive network of professionals.
Alana Murray
Ms Murray has been a legal officer at the Director of Public Prosecutions for more than three years, after receiving her LLB from CQU in 2018.
She was admitted to the bar at Rockhampton’s Supreme Court in 2019. With outstanding achievements to her name already, among them include travelling to Canberra to participate in a Constitutional Convention where she took out first place for her speech, being the Queensland Youth parliament representative for the seat of Keppel, and placing first in a Chinese speaking competition in Central Queensland.
She was also only 100 votes shy of becoming a Livingstone Shire councillor in the March 2018 by-election.
Madison Iles
Graduating high school only last year, Madison was this year recognised as the Central Highlands (Emerald) Young Citizen of the Year and was awarded a TJ Ryan Memorial Medal and Scholarship Program, of which only 20 are granted across Queensland. Madison was the school captain at Emerald State High last year, she also has a passion for photography and recently began selling canvas prints of her work.
Duncan Head
With a dedication and passion to his craft, as well as the willingness to teach others, Duncan was awarded the Central Highlands (Blackwater/Duaringa) Young Citizen of the Year in January.
The fourth-year BMA diesel fitter is currently studying at CQ University’s Emerald Campus, and in time away from his studies he volunteers to teach engineering to students at Blackwater State High School.
Duncan has been interested in mechanics for a long time, since working with his uncle. While his aspirations were beginning to focus on becoming a diesel fitter, he has enjoyed tutoring so much he may consider becoming a teacher instead.
Meg Grogan
Meg was named the Capella & District Show Society Miss Showgirl and Advocate Winner for 2021.
While previously working as a vet nurse, she currently works as a Health, Safety, Training and Environment Officer at the local mine. Meg has studied a Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing and is currently studying a Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety.
In her capacity as Miss Showgirl, she was expected to travel down to the Ekka, another favourite show of hers. Meg works on her family cattle property but also helps the local high school’s cattle club.
Meg has held a variety of roles including volunteering at a number of shows across the Central Highlands.
She has ambitions to work in agriculture long into the future and continue to be a strong advocate and supporter of local shows, fostering them for the next generation.
Camille Trail
A rising star in the country music scene, Camille Trail last year released her debut album ‘River Of Sins’ which she funded by selling a couple of her bulls.
Camille attended JMC Academy where she honed her craft to weave the different genres which she explores. Trail grew up on a cattle property in Baralaba and her parents had a brahman stud and would breed cattle.
Her first ever gig was at the Baralaba Hotel in 2013, where she also had her album launch and first show of last year’s tour.
In February, she was named as a finalist in the Queensland Music Awards for her single ‘I Know I’m Hard to Love’, the second nomination for an award that song has received.
Meg McCosker
Meg McCosker recently joined the CHRRUP team as the Agriculture Workforce Officer for the Central Highlands and Central West.
Meg was born and raised in Emerald and continues to be involved with her family on a mixed cropping and livestock operation.
Upon graduating high school, Meg went on to complete her Bachelor of Agriculture (majoring in Crop science and Agribusiness) at CQUniversity. Prior to the Agriculture Workforce role, she was an Agronomist working across the Central Highlands region.
Meg looks forward to working closely with industry bodies and producers from around Central Highlands and Central West by providing agribusinesses with advice and guidance on workforce attraction, recruitment and development and is determined to improve agricultural employment opportunities in the region.
Digby Dunbar
The former Emerald high school student won the top prize at the Central Highlands’ first-ever hackathon for his innovative concept to supply fresh produce to regional and rural towns.
Digby Dunbar’s Mad Greens business idea earned $3000 in prizes at HACKCQ. In 2018, he pitched his concept of growing micro-greens, and eventually fruits and vegetables, under controlled conditions inside shipping containers.
The produce could then be sold on to local eateries and food stores. The business venture has had to go on hold because of the pandemic but Dunbar won’t lose that passion and ingenuity.
Brooke Hay
The Taroom teenager has battled chronic illness for many years, but despite her own fight, has been a strong advocate and campaigner to fundraise for other sick kids. After struggling at the age of 10 with feeling dizzy, shortness of breath, swelling, hives, unexplained loss of consciousness, she was bed ridden for days at a time.
Despite her Dysautonomia, Vasovagal Syncope diagnosis which has a sudden drop-in heart rate and blood pressure leading to fainting and severe allergies she has organised and participated in a 42km fundraising journey.
Last year, she was recognised as the winner of the Banana Shire Young Citizen of the Year for raising awareness about children and young people living with chronic illness.
Sanya Arora
Chanel College, Gladstone, senior academic prefect, Sanya Arora is a passionate student with big plans for her future in engineering and a potential career in the minerals and mining sector.
Sanya is a mentee in the GIRLS mentoring program headed by QMEA to encourage and support more women entering the male-dominated industry.
She is the president of the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club, where she organises events such as the Relay for Life for her school. Sanya has previously attended several QMEA events in Gladstone and will be attending the National Youth science Forum this summer.
Sanya’s involvement in such programs has given her access to incredible networking and training opportunities which has inspired her to explore her options in the coming years.
Ella Ceolin
Ella is a proud Aboriginal woman from Rockhampton who is fighting cultural inequities in the health and education sectors.
She has been involved in outreach at the University of Queensland (UQ) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit, encouraging young Indigenous students to finish high school and consider tertiary education.
She has worked as a tutor, offering free government tutoring for Indigenous university students. Currently a medical student, Ella has served as Indigenous Officer for the UQ Medical Society and as UQ representative on the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association.
She was also nominated last year to be recognised in the Queensland Young Achiever awards. Her future ambitions are to work as a doctor in indigenous communities and inspire the next batch of doctors.
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