Young Achiever Awards 2024 finalists announced
An inspiring and driven group of young people have been announced as finalists for the 2024 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards.
The awards acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of all young people up to and including 30 years of age.
DHS proudly sponsors the Pride and Aboriginal Achievement Award categories and we congratulate the following category finalists.
Department of Human Services Aboriginal Achievement Award finalists
This category recognises contributions to the Aboriginal and broader community, barriers overcome, leadership skills and cultural achievements.
Cooper Plummer
Despite financial and personal challenges including autism and ADHD, Cooper has risen to become the country's top drag racer, breaking stereotypes and inspiring others. His leadership and friendliness have drawn people into the sport, fostering inclusivity and awareness. Through racing, Cooper has gained confidence, breaking out of his shell and becoming a role model in the community.
Nathan May
Nathan is a proud Arabana, Yawuru, and Marridjabin man who inspires hope and resilience through music and mentorship. Overcoming personal challenges, he empowers Aboriginal youth, bridging cultural divides and promoting reconciliation. Nathan's dedication as a musician, mentor and liaison officer embodies resilience, and fosters healing and empowerment in his community.
Shahna Smith
As the Founder of Amplified Beauty Australia, the world's first Indigenous-owned cosmetic line, Shahna is a trailblazer in the beauty industry and donates 10% of sales to the Youth of the Streets charity. She also mentors youth, instilling resilience and guiding them towards career success and leveraging her story of adversity to empower others.
Tiahni Adamson
Tiahni is a proud Torres Strait Islander leader who passionately advocates
for environmental protection and Indigenous rights. As a Fisheries Compliance Support Officer, youth leader, and climate activist, she inspires change and nurtures sustainable practices. Tiahni empowers her community through education and mentorship, aiming to use her connection with the land and ocean for advocacy. Her influence extends beyond her immediate communities, driving positive change for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Department of Human Services Pride Award finalists
This award aims to shine the light on the accomplishments of young LGBTIQA+ South Australians who inspire the people around them and strive to make South Australia a better place.
Kaidan Dibbins
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.
Charlotte England
Charlotte is a passionate advocate for LGBTIQA+ inclusion and has made significant impacts through research, volunteer work, and caregiving. Charlotte’s thesis on the benefits of Drop In spaces for queer youth is acclaimed and has influenced policy discussions. As Executive Officer for Towards Home Alliance, Charlotte brings insight into the unique needs of homeless LGBTIQA+ individuals.
Jace Reh
Jace, a proud queer, chronically ill, trans, Gamilaroi person from SA, is a relentless advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Their activism includes and is not limited to, community engagement, political advocacy, and professional roles, creating safer spaces and amplifying diverse voices. Serving on various boards and initiating community events, Jace fosters intersectional connections and addresses critical issues like conversion practices and disability justice.
Kansas Bird
Kansas is making a lasting impact through their leadership at the University of Adelaide Pride Club, preserving LGBTQIA+ history and advocating for transgender rights. Their role as president fostered intergenerational connections and championed pronoun inclusion, while curating exhibitions and digitising festival programs to preserve Adelaide's LGBTQIA+ history. Their dedication to education, preservation and advocacy positions Kansas as an inspiring role model for many, while advocating for marginalised voices and creating a more inclusive community.
DHS staff member named as a finalist
A special congratulations to DHS staff member Lazaras Panayiotou who was named as a finalist in the Create Change category.
Lazaras Panayiotou
Lazaras brings diverse leadership experiences, including in YMCA SA Youth Parliament and Rotary. As a Councillor for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, Lazaras champions equity and grassroots democracy, prioritises youth representation and advocates for issues including climate, housing, community building and better public transport. He is also spearheading a free period products pilot to enhance living standards, particularly for struggling youth.
Awards Gala Presentation Dinner
The category winners and the 2024 South Australian Young Achiever of the Year will be announced at a Gala Presentation Dinner to be held at the Stamford Grand Adelaide on Friday 17 May 2024.
Tickets to the awards are available via Humanitix.
Congratulations to all the finalists on this well-deserved recognition.
See the complete list of 2024 finalists on the Young Achiever Awards website