Australia’s future shines bright with the incredible achievements of this year’s Young Achiever Awards winners! ✨ From technology and business to community advocacy and cultural leadership, the 2025 overall winners from each state and territory embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and dedication. These young Australians are inspiring others to follow in their footsteps, proving that with passion and hard work, anything is possible!
2025 Overall Winners
Victoria: Drew Paten
The 2025 7NEWS Victorian Young Achiever of the Year is Drew Paten, a proud Gunai/Kurnai man and co-owner of Talwali Coffee Roasters. ☕ Drew is a true changemaker, using his business acumen to drive social and environmental good. As Director of Strategy for the Kinaway-certified First Nations business, he’s a champion of sustainability, ethically sourcing premium coffee beans and using biodegradable packaging. Drew’s innovative partnership with RMIT University is transforming coffee waste into sustainable construction materials, pioneering a circular economy approach. Beyond his business, Drew holds influential board roles with Common Ground and Ngarrimili, where he works to amplify Indigenous voices and foster entrepreneurship. He also empowers Aboriginal youth as the Community Development Manager for the Koorie Youth Council, helping them find pathways to leadership and success. 👏
Western Australia: Joshua (Flewnt) Eggington
From Palmyra, the 2025 7NEWS Western Australian Young Achiever of the Year is Joshua (Flewnt) Eggington. A proud Noongar Wongi hip-hop artist, mentor, and cultural leader, Joshua uses music as a powerful tool for empowerment and healing. Through his workshops in schools, remote communities, and detention centers, he helps young people embrace their identity and find their voice. Joshua’s commitment to his community led him to found FN FOCUS, a First Nations-led music label that supports the development of other Indigenous artists. His award-winning songs, like “Flip the Shame” and “Never Forget,” have resonated with audiences worldwide, and he has even performed on international stages, including America’s Got Talent and SXSW. 🌟
Tasmania: Romany Wake
Our 2025 Premier’s Young Achiever of the Year is Romany Wake of Mornington. After surviving long-term abuse and witnessing the murder of her mother, Romany turned her pain into purpose by founding Rachel’s Voice. This platform gives a voice to domestic violence survivors and calls for vital systemic reform. Romany’s tireless advocacy has already led to significant improvements in Tasmania’s policing and emergency response systems. She works directly with government ministers, using the more than 500 survivor statements she has collected to address critical gaps in domestic and family violence support. Romany also volunteers as a mentor for children affected by trauma at Edmund Rice Camps, providing comfort and guidance. Her remarkable courage and dedication were also recognized with a nomination for Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year in 2025. 💪
South Australia: Tyler Joseph Petersen-Dix
The 2025 7NEWS South Australian Young Achiever of the Year, Tyler Joseph Petersen-Dix, is a proud Dieri man and a dynamic entrepreneur from Point Turton. Tyler is a co-founder of Malu Finance and a loan manager at Prime Finance, where he’s a passionate advocate for increasing access to financial options for First Nations-led businesses. He also leads Social Lane, a digital and brand agency that supports businesses across Australia. Tyler’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to the world of sports and entertainment, with his involvement in Packapunch Boxing, Prime Racing, MMA, and Surf Esports. His events have drawn over 100 million views, showcasing his ability to build and grow successful ventures. 📈 Tyler continues to expand his horizons, now exploring the commercial and creative sides of the film and creative industries. 🎬
Northern Territory: Jermaine Ostrofski
From Alice Springs, our Northern Territory winner is Jermaine Ostrofski, a highly respected police officer and community advocate. 👮 A proud Wulli Wulli man and an openly gay leader, Jermaine has worked tirelessly to build stronger relationships between Indigenous communities and law enforcement. His dedication has earned him the NT Aboriginal Community Police Officer of the Year Award and the NT Police Valour Award for bravery. Jermaine is also the State Coordinator for the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation and a volunteer coach at Riding for the Disabled. His leadership in remote community policing, crisis response, and cultural engagement has significantly enhanced trust, safety, and inclusivity across the Northern Territory.
NSW/ACT: Bella Bain
The 2025 7NEWS NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year, Bella Bain, is a trailblazer in tech, art, and sport. 💻 As one of the youngest Directors at Macquarie Group and now Global Head of Product Design, Bella uses her expertise to blend cutting-edge technology with social good. While at IBM, she led award-winning projects like FrogID and the COVID-19 ICU Dashboard. Recognized by The Daily Telegraph as one of their “30 Under 30” and named the 2024 Digital Experience Awards’ Woman of the Year, Bella is a dedicated mentor for future STEM leaders. She’s committed to creating digital experiences that are accessible to everyone, setting new benchmarks for what young Australians can accomplish. 💡
Queensland: Amanda Martin
The 2025 7NEWS Queensland Young Achiever of the Year is Amanda Martin of Ascot. Amanda is a passionate advocate for empowering communities, particularly Indigenous students. 📚 As a board member for the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation, she provides vital encouragement and support for students to complete high school. As a lawyer at MinterEllison, Amanda has dedicated over 400 pro bono hours to her work, helping victims of serious crimes secure compensation, assisting Indigenous corporations with safety compliance, and supporting individuals with workplace issues. ⚖️ Overcoming her own personal and systemic barriers, Amanda has become a powerful role model for aspiring Indigenous lawyers and a strong voice for marginalised communities. She consistently drives positive change through her professional leadership, volunteering, and community initiatives.
These inspiring young Australians remind us that the future is in good hands. They are not just achieving personal greatness but are actively building a more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate society for all. We congratulate all the 2025 Young Achievers of the Year and look forward to seeing their continued impact! 🌟
