Celebrating South Australia’s Young Achievers
Truly inspiring young South Australians have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community at the 2024 7NEWS SA Young Achiever Awards on Friday 17 May.
Almost 400 guests from across the state gathered at the Stamford Grand Adelaide for the gala event, hosted by weather presenter Amelia Mulcahy.
The Department of Human Services proudly supports two of the award categories: Pride and Aboriginal Achievement.
Recipient of the Department of Human Services Pride Award
Congratulations to Kaidan Dibbins, who received the Department of Human Services Pride Award.
Kaidan has devoted eight years to uplifting the SA transgender community, serving as a senior peer worker at SHINE SA and a volunteer co-facilitator of TransMascSA. Through grassroots efforts and professional roles, Kaidan champions inclusion, advocates for policy change, and provides vital support and education. Their tireless work extends beyond formal roles, actively educating colleagues and community members, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment. Their leadership is marked by resilience, empathy, and dedication, creating an undeniable impact in the lives of transgender and gender diverse individuals in South Australia.
Recipient of the Department of Human Services Aboriginal Achievement Award
Congratulations to Tiahni Adamson, who received the Department of Human Services Aboriginal Achievement Award.
Tiahni is a wildlife conservation biologist, advocating for First Nations people and women in STEM. She is currently working to mitigate agricultural methane through sustainable aquaculture production of a native seaweed at CH4Global, finding ways to walk alongside Traditional Owners while Healing Country. As a public speaker, Tiahni has spoken to over one million people about the intersection of First Nations and Climate Justice. Honoured as the 2024 South Australian ‘Young Australian of the Year', she is on the board of Green Adelaide, collaborates with CSIRO on Indigenous education and was a youth dialogue member for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Additional category winners
Congratulations to the additional category winners:
- The South Australian Youth Forum - Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award
- Presten Warren - Carclew Creative Achievement Award
- Thomas Ford - Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Health Award
- Dylan Cowley - Scouts SA Leadership Award
- Sophie Orrock - Skills SA Outstanding Apprentice Award
- Amelie Parker and Fiona Goodsite - Sweat Female Tech Entrepreneur Award
- Dhani Dharmaprani - The University of Adelaide STEM Award
- Jamie Bucirde - University Senior College Create Change Award
- Isabella Candeloro - Websters Lawyers Achievement in Law Award
We’re pleased to extend a special mention to DHS staff member Lazaras Panayiotou, who was named as a finalist in the University Senior College Create Change category.
The 2024 7NEWS SA Young Achiever of the Year
Jamie Bucirde, an activist and qualified sexologist helping to prevent sexual harassment, was announced as the 2024 7NEWS SA Young Achiever of the Year. Congratulations, Jamie!