Meet our Finalists for the Young Achiever Awards

May 4, 2023

Home » Meet our Finalists for the Young Achiever Awards

The South Australian Young Achiever Awards are a celebration of the remarkable young people who are making a positive difference in their communities. The awards recognise the achievements and contributions that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication to their chosen fields.

We are thrilled to introduce you to the finalists for the Scouts SA Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Scouts SA Leadership Awards. From environmental activists to social entrepreneurs, these finalists represent the very best of South Australia’s youth.

Join us as we take a closer look at each of the finalists and learn more about their inspiring stories and achievements. Get ready to be inspired and motivated by the incredible young people who are changing the world, one step at a time.

Leadership Award – 2023 Finalists

Amber Brock-Fabel is the founder and facilitator of the South Australian Youth Forum, a platform created by young people for young people aged 15 to 18 to engage, discuss and debate issues of relevance that directly affect them. Amber is currently the Youth Representative on the South Australian Power Networks Community Advisory Board and a Board Member of the Youth Affairs Council of SA.

Courtney Lawrie, Founded ASD Support & Education with the mission to spread awareness around Autism, advocate for children’s rights, educate, and empower children with disabilities through social and emotional teaching, and offering training programs for Teachers/Professionals to become more educated to offer more holistic approaches. Courtney also volunteers her time to assist others in starting their own businesses as NDIS providers, so more families have access to more therapeutic services.

Jesse Isaac leads by example to actively encourage people to be the best they can be. Beginning as a Grey-Wolf-decorated cub scout, he has subsequently progressed through the Australian Air Force Cadets to be the highest-ranking member, where he mentors and guides junior cadets. At just 17, Jesse holds a pilot licence, is a national field-hockey umpire, and College-Captain. He recently travelled to Fiji to challenge his leadership skills amid diversity.

Shahna Smith founded Amplified Beauty Australia, one of the first Indigenous-owned cosmetic lines in the world. Shahna also led a First Nations Collective tourism and retail showcase, housing eight other indigenous businesses within her store. Shahna has recently returned from New York Fashion Week and London, placing Australia at the forefront. Shahna also provides female empowerment speeches at SA schools to teach young females resilience from a young age.

Environmental Social Governance (ESG) – 2023 Finalists

Amber Brock-Fabel was a double panellist for the SA Council of Social Service’s Liveable Futures Conference, where she discussed climate and energy justice and South Australia in 2030. Amber founded the South Australian Youth Forum in 2021 while completing her Year 12 studies. She was a speaker at the Youth Climate Summit and the Adelaide Festival’s Climate Crisis and the Arts Event.

Anna Woodley participated in the Engineers Without Borders’ Cambodia Summit in 2020, where she learned how ESG solutions were developed in countries with economic and resource constraints. She was also involved in implementing sustainable practices in the mining industry with OZ Minerals. Anna has been selected to attend UNITE 2030’s Camp 2030 Summit in New York during the United Nations’ Global Goals Week.

Jack Gill advocates for sustainability and climate action. Jack is the Chair of the Gawler Environment Centre and Community Representative on the Gawler Youth Advisory Committee, advocating on youth matters. He has completed his involvement as Youth Representative on the Gawler Climate Emergency Action Plan Working Group. Jack has undergone the Climate Leader Training ran by former United States Vice President Al Gore.

Rhys Abbott is a conservation scientist and campaigner. His most successful campaign, “Save Our Outback”, encouraged thousands of people to engage with their local representatives to protect SA’s incredible rangelands. Rhys has produced a short climate justice documentary, founded multiple environmental community groups, and has amassed 250,000 followers on his environmental education page, Earthly Education. Rhys has just completed a 1400-kilometer hike across New Zealand to raise money for conservation.