WESTERN AUSTRALIA

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards WA

2026 Finalists 

 

Department of CommunitiesYoung Women Leader Award

• Clare Martis is an advocate for the better protection of women and children. Clare is the WA General Manager of What Were You Wearing Australia, where she leads initiatives supporting survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence. A Master’s-qualified educator, she combines her expertise with trauma-informed practice when she developed the national VIOLET framework, a six-month recovery curriculum and evidence-based program and workbook that transformed survivor healing groups into a structured, scalable program delivered across Australia. The program has supported around 100 women annually in Perth alone, and continues to expand. Clare has helped secure almost $55, 000 in grant funding for WWYW Australia.

• Faye Foai of South Hedland is committed to improving outcomes for young women and girls in regional Western Australia. A respected youth mentor and emerging leader, the 23-year-old is involved in the Youth Involvement Council’s Deadly Hearts, Mungka Maya, and Mingle Mob programs, directly supporting 522 young women and girls experiencing challenges such as mental health concerns, housing insecurity, family instability, and social disengagement. Using trauma-informed and culturally safe approaches, Faye helps young people access education, counselling, case management, and essential support services. Her advocacy through the national End Child Poverty campaign ensures the voices of regional and remote youth are represented in policy discussions and decision-making.

• Isabella Chalker of Dalyellup hopes to improve opportunities for women, girls, and regional communities. Isabella is the founder of the Manea Senior College Z Club and former President of the Kingia Z Club. She has led projects supporting vulnerable women and girls’ education, while also coordinating the assembly of 100 birthing kits to support safer childbirth in developing countries. As one of only two Western Australian representatives in the Country to Canberra Leadership Program, Isabella has contributed to discussions on gender equality, education, and healthcare access. She also successfully led the Regional Ambulance Service Bill as WA Youth Minister for Health and Mental Health.

• Jarrah Smith-Taylor is a passionate advocate for women and girls in football. As a former Board Director and current facilitator with Gaining Ground WA, Jarrah has supported over 100 young women through mentorship and wellbeing initiatives. She also serves as Treasurer and Committee Member for the Girls Festival of Community Soccer, welcoming nearly 1,000 players in 2026 and increasing access to competitive football for diverse communities, including First Nations participants. Through coaching, advocacy, and inclusion initiatives such as Fremantle City FC’s Pride Round, Jarrah has helped create welcoming environments where women and girls can thrive, develop leadership skills, and pursue new opportunities.

• Paris McNeil of Swan View is creating safer digital environments for young women. Paris delivers online safety training to thousands of students, parents, youth workers, and local governments each year. Drawing on her legal background, Paris’ programs equip young women with the skills to navigate the rapidly changing online world, including the social media ban, AI companions, and addictive platforms. Paris empowers young women to think critically about what they see online, which is increasingly important in a world of AI influencers and chronic misinformation. Paris is empowering a generation of digital natives to take back control of their devices.

 

Insurance Commission of Western Australia Road Safety Advocate Award

• Chandini Thirumalai is helping international students and newcomers navigate Western Australia with greater confidence and safety. Inspired by her experience as a new arrival, Chandini won the 2023 RAC Ignite Leadership Program with her concept designed to improve understanding of local road rules and regional driving conditions. Working alongside RAC, Chandini helped transform the idea into the “New to WA” digital content series, now featured across RAC platforms. The initiative provides practical advice on driving, cycling, public transport, and road safety, while addressing challenges faced by newcomers. To date, the campaign has generated more than one million views and reached almost 900,000 people.

• Jade Rustandi of Mount Richon is dedicated to reducing road trauma through innovation and education. Motivated by the loss of two close friends and her father in separate road incidents, Jade co-created Set4aDrive, the winning concept of the RAC Ignite Leadership Program, designed to strengthen young driver decision-making through immersive simulation-based learning. A talented graphic designer, Jade played a key role in shaping the project’s visual identity, communication strategy, and community engagement approach, helping make complex road safety concepts accessible to young audiences. She later returned to RAC Ignite as a peer mentor, supporting 30 participants and helping develop the next generation of changemakers.

• Swan Districts Football Club - Swans Build & Ride of Perth is an innovative youth-led road safety initiative developed by Andrew Westbrook and Andrew Story-McDonald in response to local interest in cycling and bike repairs. Delivered in Roebourne and the Pilbara, the 12-week project combined practical bicycle restoration, mechanical skills training, and road safety education, resulting in more than 40 donated bicycles being refurbished and returned to the community. The program engaged over 40 young participants, while bringing together local police, government agencies, Aboriginal organisations, volunteers, and community groups to promote safer road behaviours. The initiative successfully strengthened road safety awareness, built positive community relationships, and introduced young people to potential career pathways.

• The Y Belmont - Local Young People Group of Cloverdale is advocating for safer pedestrian lanes and roads. The Group introduced the Wright Street Makeover, a community-led road safety project involving 30 young people aged 15 to 24. Identifying unsafe pedestrian crossing behaviours along Wright Street, the Group collaborated with the City of Belmont, Belmont Forum, RAC Ignite, local artists, and community partners to develop practical and creative safety solutions. Their work included designing and delivering a footpath mural, decorative bollard covers, landscaping improvements, and activation of a new zebra crossing to encourage safer road use. The project achieved measurable results, reducing unsafe pedestrian crossings and lowering vehicle speeds in the area.

• Zoey Portilla of Karawara is an emerging leader in road safety communication. Motivated by her personal experiences with road trauma, Zoey is a graphic designer dedicated to creating engaging campaigns that resonate with young people and encourage safer behaviours. She co-developed the ‘Same Safety’ campaign through the Re Road Safety Behaviour Change Program, helping reach approximately 400,000 people while challenging misconceptions about vehicle safety. She has facilitated youth engagement workshops, contributed to major road safety campaigns, and represented Australia as a youth delegate at the 3rd World Youth Assembly on Road Safety in Morocco. Through her work, Zoey is helping shape more effective road safety messaging.

 

Aroha Services Health & Wellbeing Award

• Brooke McIntosh of Darlington is passionate about improving mental wellbeing through connection, education, and peer support. Brooke is the Founder and Director of JUST ONE MORE, a community-led mental fitness movement. Combining lived experience with community leadership, she has raised more than $335,000 for mental health organisations, delivered mental fitness education to over 15,000 students, and facilitated more than 500 impactful conversations across Western Australia. Brooke also hosts a podcast, extending her message to thousands of listeners each episode. She has run 14,200 kilometres around Australia to spark conversations about mental health and was named a Top 4 WA Australian of the Year finalist.

• Dr Ethan Stirrat of Muntadgin is bridging the gap between clinical care and practical support. Ethan is a doctor at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and an ultra-endurance athlete. He founded Hurt to Help, a Western Australian charity dedicated to supporting families experiencing hardship. Inspired by his experiences in healthcare and his regional upbringing, Ethan established a transparent, community-driven model that has delivered more than $300,000 in direct assistance, to change the lives, of people affected by medical challenges, trauma and other crises. His athletic pursuits and initiatives have united volunteers, healthcare professionals, athletes, and community members around a shared purpose.

• Jaimii Jan of Broome is helping improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes across the Kimberley. As a proud Aboriginal Mental Health Clinician, she combines professional expertise with cultural knowledge to deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed support across a region spanning more than 220 communities and 34 language groups. A high-achieving graduate with the highest GPA in her cohort, Jaimii brings experience across youth mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and justice settings. Her work includes facilitating recovery group programs at the Broome Community Recovery Centre and supporting Aboriginal individuals, families, and communities to achieve stronger wellbeing outcomes.

• Madison Heady is a disability advocate, speaker, athlete, and founder of her own business. Drawing on her lived experience with Cerebral Palsy, she delivers engaging presentation, workshops that promote inclusion, strengthen understanding of inclusive practices and challenge misconceptions about disability. With seven years of public speaking experience, Madison works with schools, workplaces, and community groups across WA. She has collaborated with organisations including Inclusion Solutions, GenU, Careers WA, and The Periscope Crew, contributing to initiatives that centre lived experience in service design. Madison has also supported major fundraising campaigns, including City to Surf and helping raise over $500,000 for Telethon.

• Rachael Wu of of Nollamara is a dentist committed to breaking barriers and improving oral healthcare access for vulnerable communities. As Clinic Coordinator with Tzu Chi International Medical Association, she leads pro bono clinics, providing over $239,000 in dental treatment to vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence. Rachael played a key role in establishing and expanding the Kalgoorlie outreach clinic, helping deliver a culturally safe dental service for Indigenous and remote communities. She promotes oral health education for long-term prevention and also works as an emergency night dentist and committee member of the Australian Dental Association WA. 

 

Garlett Group Create Change Award

• Beth Cusack of Bentley is committed to advancing inclusive education. As Program Lead for Curtin University’s Generative AI Bootcamp, Beth has guided the development and delivery of an initiative that has engaged more than 150 autistic students across metropolitan and regional Western Australia. Using her background in Mechatronic Engineering, Beth has designed accessible AI learning programs that build technical capability, confidence, social connection, and career awareness, while creating meaningful opportunities for neurodiverse young people. Through partnerships with educators, industry leaders, and the WA Data Science Innovation Hub, she is expanding the program’s impact into schools. Her work helps shape a more equitable digital future

• Eva Czislowski is an educator dedicated to creating meaningful environmental change. At 15, she established Operation Carnababy, a student-led conservation initiative that delivered 40 artificial nesting hollows for endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos, helping produce 22 fledged chicks and contributing to a record breeding season. A recipient of the prestigious UWA Fogarty Scholarship, Eva has gone on to become the youngest-ever Director of Friends of Lake Claremont, where she has helped coordinate large-scale restoration projects involving thousands of native seedlings. Eva also founded ImpactEd Youth. Through school workshops, community programs and leadership roles, she has empowered young people to take practical action for conservation.

• Jhameika Bradford is a proud descendant of the Boonwurrung peoples. Across 5 years of experience as an Aboriginal Heritage professional she is helping bridge cultural education, community engagement and institutional change. In her current role at Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre, she has delivered impactful programs that elevate Aboriginal voices and create culturally safe learning environments. Her achievements include contributing to the development and implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan, designing innovative social justice learning programs for justice-impacted young people, supporting Aboriginal workforce pathways, and leading community initiatives alongside Elders and cultural practitioners.

• Kurt Krispyn is a marine scientist, PhD candidate, and science communicator dedicated to making research accessible and engaging for the public. He founded Paramount Importance, a science communication platform that has reached more than 14,000 podcast listeners across 98 countries and approximately 380,000 monthly viewers through science-based digital content. In 2026, Kurt hosted the world’s first live underwater podcast, creating an immersive educational experience for schools and audiences worldwide. Through podcasts, documentaries, social media, and community engagement, he helps researchers share their work, improves public understanding of environmental issues, and inspires greater connection with science and the natural world.

• Rachael Burns draws on lived experience as an expertise to advocate across mental health, disability, LGBTQIA+ and youth spaces. She contributes to advisory groups, committees, research projects, service design, journalism, filmmaking, public speaking, and so much more. Rachael is also the CEO and founder of Integrity Initiative, a grassroots charity determined to cultivate autonomy, dignity and human rights in mental health through customised care packages, interactive workshops and community engagement. Her work is grounded in a belief that collaboration produces better outcomes than competition, and a vision of a world where no person is made to feel broken.

 

Masonic Care WA/Freemasons WA Community Service and Volunteering Award

• Emily Sullivan of West Leederville is committed to creating more inclusive systems for young people with disability and lived experience of mental health challenges. Emily led the development of the impactful Disabled. Deal With it. Campaign with the Youth Disability Advocacy Network, reshaping community attitudes towards disability through powerful, authentic representation - reaching more than 1.8 million people across multiple platforms. Emily has contributed to advisory councils and leadership initiatives with organisations including Women with Disabilities Australia, Children and Young People with Disability Australia, Youth Focus and the Western Australian Association for Mental Health. She has also organised disability policy forums, mentored emerging leaders, and championed improved mental health services.

• Joshua Yates of Margaret River has a longstanding commitment to serving others. Joshua volunteers with the Margaret River State Emergency Service, Wallcliffe Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Brigade, and St John Ambulance. Since becoming involved in emergency services at age 12, he has dedicated thousands of hours to protecting and supporting communities through fire, medical, storm, and rescue responses. Joshua has led teams during major recovery operations, including the 2024 Bunbury cyclone response, and has deployed to northern Queensland on multiple occasions to assist communities affected by severe cyclones. Alongside emergency service work, Joshua contributes to local sporting and community events through coaching and volunteer roles.

• Luca Muir Anderson of Shenton Park is a passionate community serviceman. As Founder and Director of the 44th Australian Battalion Memorial, Luca has raised $45,000, established a charity, coordinated major commemorative events, launched overseas surveying expeditions and led the development of soldiers' biographies. His leadership has revitalised the legacy of the 44th as one of WA’s most significant army battalions. Luca serves in the Australian Army, including experience on deployment, volunteers with Surf Life Saving, Disaster Relief, the State Emergency Service, Riding Disabled and several veterans’ organisations. He has been recognised with the King’s Birthday Award for Outstanding Community Service.

• Oliver Lim of East Fremantle is working to improve the lives of young people living with disability, chronic illness, and diverse backgrounds. Diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) at just 18 months old, Ollie has transformed his personal experiences into meaningful community impact through advocacy, research, mentoring, and public engagement. Ollie has helped raise close to $100,000 through Telethon and other charitable initiatives, contributed to university-led projects developing pain management and accessibility technologies, and supported the training of healthcare professionals through his long-term involvement with specialist health services. As a board member, youth advisor, public speaker, and Human Library storyteller, he champions inclusion, challenges stigma, and promotes equity.

• Tayla Taseff of Madeley advocates for accessibility, inclusion, and community participation. A long-term volunteer at Perth Children’s Hospital, Tayla has supported countless children and families while becoming a trusted mentor for young people facing health and disability challenges. Through her work with Telethon, Variety WA, community committees & many other charities and fundraising initiatives, Tayla has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and helped raise more than $15,000 for charitable causes. She also founded “Accessibility_With_Tayla,” a platform that reviews businesses, venues, and events to promote inclusive design and improve accessibility. Using her lived experience with cerebral palsy, she is helping create positive change across Western Australia.

 

The Rinehart Young Leader Award

• Antigone Rogers is committed to meaningful leadership. Tiggy works at Hancock Iron Ore, where she has played a significant role the growth of the Roy Hill company 2012. Beginning her career in the graduate engineering program and now managing the Future of Energy workstream, she has led initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce diesel consumption, and support practical energy solutions across large-scale mining operations. Tiggy is also recognised for her inclusive leadership and industry engagement. She founded a Women in Energy network, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional connection. She is also a respected speaker at industry forums, where she promotes evidence-based approaches to energy and operational challenges.

• Christelle Bacani of Perth demonstrates exceptional determination and vision. Christelle transformed her nursing experience into a thriving aged care business supporting older Australians to live independently at home. After working as a Registered Nurse at Royal Perth Hospital, she founded her organisation while balancing night shifts and business development. Today, her business is ranked among the Top 3 performers nationally within the Home Caring network, reflecting her commitment to quality care, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Christelle is recognised for her hands-on leadership style, mentoring staff, strengthening workplace culture, and delivering personalised support. She has contributed to employment creation, innovation, and compassionate service delivery.

• Sammy Kennedy of Crawley is dedicated to sustainable growth. Sammy has played a pivotal role in the success of Wild West Bowling, the world’s only Wild West-themed bowling venue. Entrusted with leading finance, marketing, operations, and staffing, she helped steer the business through an 18-month construction period marked by significant financial pressure. Her strategic pre-launch sales initiatives generated critical cash flow, enabling the venue to achieve more than $2.1 million in revenue within its first year. Sammy also developed the systems, processes, and customer experience frameworks that underpin the business’s growth and profitability. Through coaching and consulting, she has mentored over 400 business owners.

• Taylor Coffin of Millars Well has strong connections to both Port Hedland and Karratha, Taylor Coffin is committed to creating opportunities and delivering practical solutions for regional Western Australia. As the founder and director of Independent Energy Systems (IES), he has grown the business from a start-up in 2022 into a respected provider of electrical, instrumentation and renewable energy services across the Pilbara. Taylor has led the successful delivery of projects for organisations including BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill and Pilbara Ports, earning a reputation for quality, reliability and innovation. He has also spearheaded the development of a solar panel cleaning system designed to improve renewable energy performance in the harsh conditions of remote Australia.

• Wyatt Zacher of East Bunbury is driven to deliver high-impact solutions. Wyatt is the founder of Automate Innovation, a consultancy and software company focused on operational technology, project delivery, and digital innovation in mining. He began his career on the tools before progressing into executive leadership, allowing him to bring a combination of practical operational knowledge and technical expertise. His most significant achievements include helping deliver Australia’s first production autonomous road train. He also developed RF Connect Pro, a purpose-built radio frequency network planning platform designed to improve communications in mining environments. While building his business, Wyatt completed an MBA and secured a WA Innovation Booster Grant.

 

Awards Australia Outstanding School Student Award

• Alfie Curran-Ragan is a 17-year-old entrepreneur, technology innovator and Year 12 student at John Curtin College of the Arts. He is the founder of Oculum VR, developing immersive virtual reality solutions for vocational training. As Business Manager of his school’s ADF Subs in Schools team, Alfie helped lead the team to a national championship and secured a $50,000 THALES sponsorship, earning him the 2024 ADF Young Innovator of the Year Award. He also leads Curtin University’s BinarX CubeSat project, was the youngest ever participant to complete UWA’s Launchpad program, and now actively mentors young people in entrepreneurship and business.

• Elevare Education of Subiaco was founded by Year 11 students, Diya Sanjay and Sara Rajwani. The innovative social impact initiative aims to help migrant students navigate academic and social challenges in new educational environments. Through mentoring, mindset coaching, and transition support programs, Diya and Sara have directly assisted hundreds of students, built a growing online community, and reached thousands through digital engagement. Their work has been formally recognised in the Western Australian Parliament and selected as a finalist in the 2025 WA Innovator of the Year Awards. Beyond Elevare Education, they are developing Career IRL, a career-focused podcast introducing students to diverse and unconventional career pathways.

• Grace Sharma of Carramar is an outstanding Year 11 student at Perth Modern School. A Curtin Rising Scholar, Grace achieved a university distinction in introductory calculus. She was named National Young Historian and Western Australian winner of the Simpson Prize, alongside earning major honours in STEM competitions, including the ANU STEM Challenge, Science Talent Search, and Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize. Grace also mentors younger students, co-leads the Perth Modern STEM Careers Panel attended by more than 150 students, and develops initiatives focused on youth wellbeing and career accessibility. Her contributions have earned recognition including the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award.

• Kobe Wu of Shenton Park is an accomplished PLC Perth scholarship student combining well-rounded excellence with community spirit. Academically selected for Curtin Rising Scholar Program and WA Maths School, with distinction-level STEM results. A long-standing Australian top female chess player, multiple state and national girls’ titleholder, Conditional Women Candidate Master at 14. Versatile musician: A/A+ AMEB viola results, Eisteddfod wins, award-winning ensemble and pipe band experience. Shaun Tan and national art award-winning artist, state-recognised figure skater, Duke of Edinburgh Silver recipient. She channels her talents into service through chess mentoring, arbiting, event sponsorship, and Subiaco charity busking since 2019.

• Lily Gaulton of Waikiki is a 12-year-old author and disability advocate. Despite managing multiple disabilities and complex health conditions, Lily has become a respected voice for inclusion through public speaking, storytelling, and advocacy initiatives. She has published her debut novel, appeared on podcasts, participated in national advocacy panels, and contributed to films promoting self-advocacy and accessibility. Lily is currently developing a second novel and working on a documentary. Within her school and community, she has led disability inclusion activities, helped develop an “All About Me” resource for students, and mentored other young advocates. Her work is inspiring greater understanding, representation, and opportunity for others.

 

Konica Minolta Career Achievement Award

• Alex Rumens of Narrogin is a passionate agricultural professional and the current Farm Manager at one of the WA Colleges of Agriculture. Beginning as a poultry farm hand, he progressed to overseeing two of Western Australia’s largest egg farms, managing daily production of 450,000 eggs and leading a team of 20 staff. In his early twenties, Alex is a young Farm Manager who is committed to developing future agricultural leaders through practical, industry focused education. He is also working toward more sustainable farming operations across the ag school. A three time Young Achiever finalist, Alex remains active in regional communities through volunteering, coaching, and local initiatives.

• Aneeqa Mahmood from Ferndale is passionate about creating positive change. She was the project lead for Game-On Girls, developing an innovative solution addressing declining sports participation among girls and securing partnerships with major organisations including UWA. Aneeqa also co-chaired the first Model United Nations Security Council Simulation at Rossmoyne Senior High School and volunteers alongside the Office of Senator Payman to increase political engagement among young Australians. Aneeqa is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Curtin University. She has been recognised with the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award and represented WA at the inaugural national BHF girls’ sports academy in Sydney.

• Emilie Lowe of Perth stands as an innovative force, boldly championing Australian voices. The founder of Salt and Honey Productions, an independent production company she established while still at university, Emilie has written and directed six theatrically screened films and won over 50 international awards. Earning recognition at more than 25 international film festivals, Emilie champions women representation in her field. Her acclaimed feature film ‘The Canary’ earned global praise, while her documentaries continue to highlight important social and community issues. Recognised for her leadership and creativity, Emilie was the recipient of the Australian Cinematographers Society’s prestigious John Leake Cinematographer’s Film Award, the first ever winner from Western Australian.

• Nancy Zhao of East Perth is dedicated to creating opportunities and advancing inclusion. As Legal Counsel at Gold Corporation (The Perth Mint), Nancy advises on complex commercial, governance, and strategic matters. She serves as a board member of Reach Her, mentors students and emerging professionals through multiple organisations, and has helped establish mentoring and professional development programs for culturally diverse communities. Nancy’s contributions to her profession and community have earned her the 2025 Junior Lawyer of the Year Award, the 2026 Junior Practitioner of the Year Award, and the 2026 Junior Woman Lawyer of the Year Award. Nancy is a University of Sydney MBA scholarship recipient.

• Stewart Jan of Broome is committed to creating lasting impact. Stewart is a Social Emotional Well-Being practitioner, researcher, and community leader. Beginning his career through headspace, he has progressed into a specialist role with Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services, delivering outreach support to remote communities while combining cultural Lore with contemporary mental health frameworks. Stewart is the former chairperson of Empowered Young Leaders, the Kimberley’s peak youth advocacy body, where he has helped guide its establishment and strategic direction. He has developed impactful initiatives including Healthy Hoops and the headspace Greenspace, creating accessible pathways for youth engagement and wellbeing. He has also co-authored research published in leading academic journals.

 

Awards Australia Tertiary Education Achievement Award

• Birnadette Balbacal of Butler has championed professional development, industry engagement, and student success. Birnadette is an outstanding Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Commerce student, majoring in Accounting with a minor in International Business. A recipient of the CPA Australia Award for First Year Accounting Major, she has distinguished herself through academic excellence, competition achievements, and impactful leadership. Her accomplishments include securing first place in the equity research pitch and Q&A segment of the CFA Society Australia Research Challenge, reaching the semi-finals of the Academy Global Business Simulation Championship, and helping her team win the United Nations Association of Australia (WA) Student Doing Good Challenge.

• Brooke Powell of Mindarie is currently completing a Bachelor of Science at Murdoch University. Recognised with the prestigious Westpac Young Technologist Scholarship and Murdoch University’s Ngala Kwop Biddi Scholarship, she has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and community contribution. As President of the Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences Society, Brooke advocates for students, delivers career-focused initiatives, and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement between students, academics, and industry professionals. Her impact extends through roles as a Murdoch University Student Ambassador, STEM advocate, and community leader, supported by international study at the University of Victoria in Canada and participation in leadership programs in Singapore. Brooke aspires to become a clinical embryologist.

• David Stewart-Yates of Halls Head is a passionate science communicator and educator. David is a Murdoch University PhD candidate specialising in forensic toxicology, recognised for his interdisciplinary contributions to forensic science. A first-class honours graduate and recipient of an Academic Excellence Scholarship, he has published research in leading peer-reviewed journals and serves as a reviewer for international scientific publications. His work integrates forensic toxicology, entomology, analytical chemistry, and pharmacokinetic modelling to improve interpretation of complex evidence, including drug-facilitated crime investigations. As a finalist in FameLab Australia 2025, he brought forensic science to wider audiences through public presentations and media engagement.

• Emily Cheng is helping create a more connected, inclusive, and supportive community. Emily is a dedicated University of Western Australia student pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with majors in Genetics and Pathology Laboratory Medicine. Alongside her studies, she is the Marketing and Social Media Manager for UWA Relay for Life, helping raise more than $65,000 and engage over 1,000 participants, and now serves as Chair of the 2026 committee. Emily volunteers at Perth Children’s Hospital and Uni Camp for Kids, supporting families facing challenging circumstances. She is also a Girls in Engineering Ambassador, Residential Advisor, and Production Manager for a major university musical.

• Fatima Merchant of Tapping is committed to creating positive social change. Fatima is completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia as a Winthrop Scholar. She is a High Distinction student and recipient of the Sir Harold Bailey Memorial Prize. Her work spans government, academia, youth advocacy, and international engagement, including authoring policy recommendations for the WA Parliament, serving as a Policy Officer in the WA State Government, and representing UWA at various international competitions. She has held leadership roles with United Nations Youth WA and the WA Debating League.