A huge congratulations to all the extraordinary nominees and finalists of the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards SA!

The winners were announced on Friday 5 May during a Gala Dinner Awards Presentation, hosted by Amelia Mulcahy of 7NEWS in front of an audience of over 380 people.

The Department of Human Services is proud to support two awards categories.

Department of Human Services Pride Award

Lucy Solonsch was named the winner of the Department of Human Services Pride Award.

Lucy advocates for autonomy and leadership opportunities for LGBTQIA+ community members. Lucy has published her Honours thesis on gender affirming care policy, which she uses to advocate to national and state bodies like the Public Health Association of Australia and SA Health.

She also runs workshops and publishes articles to help clinicians provide better care to LGBTQIA+ people. Lucy works with SHINE SA, Flinders University and Wiley Publishing.

Department of Human Services Aboriginal Achievement Award

Shania Richards was named the winner of the Department of Human Services Aboriginal Achievement Award.

Shania Richards is passionate about helping the community. In 2021, Shania joined the Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation Committee, where she created the Youth Justice Bill (Age of Criminal Capability) and debated it in the Legislative Council.

In 2022, Shania became the first Female Aboriginal Youth Governor of South Australia. She received the Port Lincoln Young Citizen of the Year award for 2022, and the NAIDOC SA Caring for Country Award.

South Australian Young Achiever of the Year

Finally a big congratulations to Felicity Graham, who was announced as the 2023 South Australian Young Achiever of the Year.

48 Finalists were presented during the event, with twelve category winners announced.

Category winners:

• Rebekah Reardon - Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Health Award
• Felicity Graham - University Senior College Create Change Award
• Shahna Smith - Scouts SA Leadership Award
• Anna Woodley - Scouts SA Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Award
• Eamon Lawson - Websters Lawyers Achievement in Law Award
• Lauren Jones - The University of Adelaide STEM Award
• Pearl Dessart - Skills SA Outstanding Apprentice Award
• Shania Richards - Department of Human Services Aboriginal Achievement Award
• Lucy Solonsch - Department of Human Services Pride Award
• City of Marion's Youth Collective Committee - Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award
• Mary Kelly - First National Real Estate Innovation Award
• James Bannah - Carclew Creative Achievement Award

Their outstanding accomplishments are truly inspiring and reflective of their passion and commitment towards their goals.