20 Coast youngsters to watch in 2021
From the region’s next business leaders and environmental crusaders to entertainment stars, there’s plenty of talented young Coast leaders under 20. SEE THE LIST
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It is hard to imagine what the future will look like with our next generation at the helm.
The Daily searched for the region's next business leaders, environmental crusaders and philanthropists as well as up-and-coming sport and entertainment stars.
Here are 20 of the Sunshine Coast's most inspiring future leaders under 20.
1. Emma Tomlinson, 20
Singer, musician and actor Emma Tomlinson is destined for a big career in the performing arts industry having already worked alongside the likes of jazz musician James Morrison and singer Kate Miller-Heidke.
Which is good, because she proudly boasts "there is no Plan B".
Read Emma's story here.
2. Jameson Harvey, 17
Royal Robotics founder Jameson Harvey believes there is a cog missing in what our schools are teaching students.
So he did something about it.
Read Rylee's story here.
3. Karl and Justin Holland, 17
Coast twins Karl and Justin Holland are passionate about supporting the honey bee.
Thankfully, the Coast community was passionate about supporting them as well.
Read the full story here.
4. Rylee Burgess, 17
Bli Bli teen Rylee Burgess is turning rubbish into fashion.
His innovative idea to recycle plastic into reusable fabric led him to being recognised as a finalist in the Generation Innovation Challenge.
Read Rylee's story here.
5. Zariah Lamont, 20
Young entrepreneur Zariah Lamont has found a balance between succeeding in business and making a difference to young girls' lives.
The Bli Bli model's business strives to address low self-belief and body-image related issues among young girls.
Read the story here.
6. Bella Henderson, 14
Whoever said having fun doesn't pay never met Bella Henderson.
The 14-year-old has been selling her slimy creations on her website and at various markets on the Coast to regular customers.
Read Bella's story here.
7. Samara Welbourne, 19
She wrote a book at 12 and started her own business at 14.
It seems whatever this former Miss World Australia finalist touches turns to gold.
Read Samara's story here.
8. Paris Ramsay, 17
While some 15-year-olds are playing computer games, Paris Ramsay is playing business entrepreneur.
The Buderim teenager is the founder and owner of online jewellery venture cocolou.life and was the 2018 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, at the Entrepreneurial Business School Annual Forum.
Read Paris' story here.
9. Tighe Morris, 13
At just 13 Tighe Morris has managed to secure a rare and remarkable feat sure to arouse plenty of envy among many a seasoned Sunshine Coast cricketer.
The USC talent belted his way to 223 not out on the weekend during a Division 7 clash against Caboolture.
Read the full story here.
10. Ryley Diamond, 14 and Jarvis Barrett, 14
Two forward-thinking teenagers went door knocking to petition against Noosa Council not to tear down their Peregian Beach treehouse they built at Peregian Beach park.
Ryley Diamond, 14, and his best mate Jarvis Barrett doorknocked their neighbours and received 58 signatures in support.
Fortunately one of the signatures was from a local barrister.
Read the story in full here.
11. Belinda Walton, 17
Coast teen singer-songwriter Belinda Walton is determined to succeed in the high-pressure, cutthroat music industry.
The 17-year-old has launched herself into full-time music and is Coast production and development company Black Rock Productions' first international artist.
Read her story here.
12. Jayda Glazebrook, 17
These days she comes bounding out of her corner, gloves raised to make sure she protects herself - but for Coast boxer Jayda Glazebrook protecting herself wasn't always so important.
Read Jayda's inspiring story here.
13. Kaylee McKeown, 19
She has broken the Australian and Australian All-Comers 100m backstroke records, but Sunshine Coast swimmer Kaylee McKeown says she's trying to remain "level-headed".
McKeown has placed herself well to qualify for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
14. Ruby Orchard, 15
At just 15, Ruby Orchard is bowling herself into the record books.
She snared an epic six wickets for just 21 runs earlier this year in the state's premier Katherine Raymont Shield competition.
Read Ruby's story here.
15. Dakota Brown, 20
It took just two hours for Coast writer Dakota Brown, 20, to complete her award-winning 900-word piece titled Lungs on Fire.
It was an emotional experience for Dakota whose family endured such heartache during the 2018 Peregian fires.
Read Dakota's story here.
16. Josh Van Roon, 19
Noosa surfer Josh Van Roon, 19, became an instant hero when he saved a tourist couple from drowning on a Coast beach.
But the knight in a shining wetsuit shrugged off his heroics, claiming it was just "luck" that he was in the right place at the right time.
Read Josh's story here.
17. Shadeau Brain, 16
Meet Shadeau Brain, the 16-year-old cub of the Noosa Tigers playing years above his age group. Remember the name.
The 11th of 13 children, Brain the tall, strapping teen sensation has been plucked out of the under-16s team and thrust into the Tigers' senior team.
Read Shadeau's story here.
18. Patrick McAneney, 14
Despite four open heart surgeries, rugby-loving teenager Patrick McAneney is only happy when he is on the field.
Doctors have told Patrick they would prefer he took a sidestep from the high-adrenaline sport.
But the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club says the inspirational teenager's role is just as important as any other.
Read Patrick's story here.
19. Savannah Fretwell, 17
Savannah Fretwell is the perfect definition of bravery.
For about two years leading into her double lung transplant, the Mudjimba teen required admission to hospital every six to eight weeks, often for a fortnight or more at a time.
Despite her health woes, Savannah has always had her life planned out: "I want to have kids, I want to travel, I want to live in Canada, I'm going to work with animals".
Read Savannah's story here.
20. Lily Kerley, 19
Youth Verdict member Lily Kerley said she had always been passionate about climate change action, but it wasn't until the devastating bushfires affected her family home in Peregian in 2018 that the fight became personal.
She is among a group of young activists that made history by legally challenging a major coal mine on the grounds it impacts their human rights.
Your ultimate guide to every gun club in Queensland
A new public shooting gallery catering to unlicensed shooters as young as 11 has opened as firearm sports experience a surge in popularity. See our exclusive list of all gun clubs in Queensland.
Transport, health services: Caloundra, Kawana candidates’ top priorities
Transport and health services are among the key priorities for Caloundra and Kawana candidates as they talk to voters ahead of the Queensland state election.
Revealed: Resorts, restaurants in the running for 2024 business awards
More than 100 Sunshine Coast businesses, including restaurants and resorts, have been announced as finalists for a series of prestigious business awards.
‘Never called’: Parents claim school ‘ghosted’ them after son broke arm
A Sunshine Coast couple is outraged after their seven-year-old son had his arm broken in a classroom - saying the school has “ghosted” them since the incident.
Would you like a haymaker with that? Mcthugs force store’s hand
A busy Sunshine Coast McDonald’s has been forced to close its doors earlier due to ongoing reports of “anti-social” and violent behaviour from youths in the area.
Dream team Coast couple named country’s best hosts
A Sunshine Coast couple said they are honoured and absolutely thrilled to be crowned best Airbnb hosts in the country after meticulously taking care of their studio for the past six years.