Celebrating Queensland’s Brightest Young Achievers
From social justice to sport, leadership to local community impact, the 2025 winners of the 7NEWS Queensland Young Achiever Awards highlight the strength, innovation, and passion of Queensland’s youth.
On Friday, 16 May 2025, an inspiring group of young Queenslanders were celebrated at the prestigious 2025 7NEWS Queensland Young Achiever Awards, held at Royal on the Park in Brisbane. With around 300 guests in attendance, the evening recognised outstanding individuals who are making a difference in their communities, careers, and causes.
The top honour of the night — Queensland Young Achiever of the Year — was awarded to Amanda Martin of Ascot. Amanda first received the Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award before being selected as the overall winner.
Amanda’s story is one of impact and leadership. As a Board of Advice member for the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation, she works to expand scholarship opportunities for Indigenous students. Through her work at MinterEllison, Amanda completed over 500 pro bono hours in one year, assisting victims of serious crimes and supporting Indigenous corporations. She’s also a mentor, advocate, and speaker, passionate about creating safer and more inclusive communities. Amanda’s dedication makes her a role model for aspiring Indigenous professionals across Queensland.
The Awards, hosted by 7NEWS presenters Samantha Heathwood and Tony Auden, recognised nine category winners:
- Kymberlee Clift – Bubble‘n’Kick Swim School – 360 Degrees Marketing Small Business Achievement Award
- Dominic de Moura McCarthy – Connecting Communities Award
- Amber Coulton – Leadership Award and People’s Choice Award winner
- Jacob Thorstensen – Konica Minolta Career Achievement Award
- Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw – Contribution to Community or Family Safety Award (First Nations)
- Jessica Stone – Contribution to Community or Family Safety Award
- Alexa Leary – Sporting Achievement Whilst Overcoming Adversity Award
- James Gillespie – Cleanbill – The University of Queensland Create Change Award
Each winner received a trophy and prize package, including one-on-one mentoring thanks to Jess Taylor Consulting, plus ongoing exposure through a dedicated 7NEWS TV winners ad campaign airing statewide.
All finalists, nominees, and winners were also gifted a professional development resource, “My Blueprint to Becoming a Top Voice,” valued at $500 from DMT coaching.
Stay informed, daily
From social justice to sport, leadership to local community impact, the 2025 winners highlight the strength, innovation, and passion of Queensland’s youth.
The Queensland Young Achiever Awards began in 2016 with a mission to recognise, encourage and promote the achievements of young people up to the age of 30. From grassroots changemakers to future leaders, the program shines a light on those creating positive impact in their communities and beyond.
To see the full list of winners, click here. Head to the Awards Australia website to find out more about the awards and nominate a young achiever.
Follow Awards Australia on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to meet our latest young achievers, hear their stories and stay across all the latest news.
