Finalists

Danny is an inspiring social entrepreneur who has devoted his career to enhancing the lives of families caring for individuals with disabilities.

As his youngest son was born with a rare disease that required support from a team of thirty medical practitioners, Danny observed that many of these exceptional professionals were working in isolation. It was this personal experience with disability that led him and his wife, Jessica, a fellow University of Wollongong graduate, to develop a creative solution.

Danny founded Sameview, a digital platform that streamlines communication and information sharing among disability care teams and simplified the coordination of collaborative care. Since its 2019 launch, Sameview has grown to over 8,000 users across 27 countries and facilitated over 1.1 million engagements in 2023 alone.

Danny is a Westpac Social Change Fellow and an Optus Future Maker. He serves as a non-executive director at Children and Young People with Disability Australia.

Shantelle is a mother of six, world champion athlete, educator, storyteller, social entrepreneur, mentor, role model and social justice advocate. A survivor of racism, violence and sexual abuse, she is a trailblazer in Indigenous trauma recovery and community activism.  

Shantelle founded the Kiilalaana Foundation to deliver innovative programs empowering First Nations young women through capacity-building, self-leadership, financial literacy and life skills. She was awarded an OAM in 2021 for service to Victoria’s Indigenous communities.

A three-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion – known as the Barkindji Warrior – and 2019 National NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year, Shantelle mentors indigenous youth inspiring them to strive to become the best they can be and lift those around them as they rise.

Professor Ranjith Gamage has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions for the resource sector. Professor Gamage’s research is known for enhancing rock fracturing efficiency and advancing in situ mineral recovery (IMR). He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, as well as the Indian and Chinese National Academies of Engineering. 

His influential career spans significant roles at Nanyang Technological University and Monash University, where he has pioneered advancements in reducing CO2 emissions and sustainable mining. Dr Gamage developed the US-patented Slow-Releasing Energy Material Agent (SREMA), which set new standards in environmental sustainability. He also developed an eco-friendly cement, cutting CO2 emissions by over 90%. 

Ranked in the top 1% of researchers globally, Professor Gamage has over 580 publications and has mentored over 80 PhD students. His dedication to mentoring future leaders further underscores his commitment to advancing both his field and the broader community.

Distinguished Professor Bert Roberts has made exceptional contributions to the Quaternary and Archaeological Sciences, significantly influencing public discourse on Aboriginal cultural heritage. Distinguished Professor Roberts’ research, using luminescence dating, established the first arrival of Aboriginal people in Australia over 50,000 to 60,000 years ago and quantified megafaunal extinction ages. He also provided a timeline for what is known as the real-life Hobbit, an extinct species of small archaic human inhabiting Indonesia. 

Distinguished Professor Roberts has been an incredible leader of the Centre for Archaeological Science and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. His astounding accolades include the 2023 Eureka Prize and a listing in the 2024 Top 100 Australian Scientists.

Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo is a world-leading researcher in cybersecurity, cryptology and information security and the Director of UOW’s Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology (iC2). Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most prominent cryptographers, he has spent almost 30 years at the forefront of breakthroughs in the field, sought out by academia and the media alike for his expert insights. 

Willy has been awarded over $200 million in government and industry research funding, including a remarkable 23 Australian Research Council (ARC) grants. His work has solved long-term challenges previously thought impossible and been cited in 65 international patents lodged by high-profile entities including Microsoft, IBM, Samsung, Nokia and Panasonic.  Willy is an ARC Laureate Fellow, a member of the ARC College of Experts, and an elected Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. 

Hannah Diviney is a writer, disability advocate,  actress, screenwriter,  author and media personality. At just 24, her disability advocacy has garnered global attention thanks to both a viral petition encouraging Disney to create a disabled Disney Princess and a successful campaign encouraging both Lizzo and Beyonce to change ableist lyrics. In 2021, Hannah co-founded and became Editor-in-Chief of social impact newsroom Missing Perspectives, with mission to challenge the underrepresentation of young women in news and media worldwide. Her debut book, I'll Let Myself In, a collection of personal essays chronicling what it means to come of age in a world not built for you was released in 2023.

Hannah is also a talented actress, with recent performances in the SBS digital originals series, Latecomers and feature film Audrey, recently celebrated at the SXSW festival. Her advocacy and determination are powerful catalysts for change, shifting society towards a more inclusive future.

At only 27 years of age, Henry Heritage has made remarkable strides in Pacific affairs and strategic policy. Anemerging leader, Henry has played a pivotal role in advancing Australia's regional engagement, providing insightful advice to parliament and representing the nation in various international forums.

His leadership within the Young Pacific Leaders initiative includes spearheading projects across the Pacific and contributing to diplomatic strategies through reports submitted to the U.S. Department of State. As the Chief Operations Officer at Young Australians in International Affairs, Henry is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. His achievements reflect a deep dedication to both his field and the broader global community.

Dr Stefania Peracchi is a globally recognised expert in space radiation testing and an accelerator scientist at ANSTO. Her pioneering work in radiation protection and microelectronics has significantly advanced Australia’s national space initiatives. Internationally acknowledged, Stefania was named one of the 25 Game Changers for the Global Australian Awards by Advance and was a finalist in the Global Talent Category. 

In 2024 she was recognised for the Italian Bilateral Scientific Cooperation Award, awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. As an international speaker, Stefania has addressed the European Space Agency, German Aerospace Centre, and was a speaker at the event "The long journey of human missions to Mars and back to Earth", exemplifying her leadership in space science and innovation.

As co-founder and Director of Young Henrys, Richard Adamson embodies entrepreneurship, innovation, and community engagement. Starting as Founder and Head Brewer, Richard’s role now is to focus on strategic direction, sustainability, and research and development as a Non-Executive Director. 

Richard has driven initiatives such as the groundbreaking Algae Project, which utilises algae to consume CO2 produced through beer fermentation, enabling the brewing process to become carbon neutral. 

As president of the Inner West Brewery Association and a board member of the Independent Brewers Association, he advocates for independent brewers whilst also showcasing his commitment to a sustainable brewing industry. Richard also helped establish a brewing certificate at Sydney's TAFE and serves as a Visiting Scholar at UTS in Environmental Science.

Growing up in Darwin, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for the land and the knowledge of natural ingredients that the First People have generously passed down through generations. 
 
In 2016, Amanda launched award-winning natural baby and skincare brand Lovekins, which harnesses non-toxic native ingredients in safe, effective and sustainable products to nurture Australian families. The business quickly evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle brand and extended its reach into international markets. Passionate about fostering positive change, Amanda has championed Indigenous literacy, mental health, habitat restoration, period equity through her business pursuits. 
 
Amanda sold Lovekins in 2023 and has since focused her entrepreneurial efforts to launch Kinside, age-specific skincare tailored to – and co-created by – tweens and teens. The brand sets new benchmarks for environmental responsibility in the skincare sector and embeds high-impact partnerships enhancing the wellbeing of teenagers in the innovative business model.

Dr Andrew Minett is a distinguished materials scientist and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience dedicated to advancing renewable energy technologies. Andrew's pioneering research has led to groundbreaking developments in battery technology, including the innovative SiCxTM material at Sicona Battery Technologies, where he serves as Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder.

Under Andrew’s leadership, Sicona has disrupted the global Lithium-ion battery market, securing significant venture capital and establishing a pilot manufacturing facility in Wollongong. Sicona has secured multiple rounds of venture capital funding and acquired cutting-edge intellectual property from UOW’s ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science. Their Silicon-Carbon anode materials offer higher energy density and reduce charging times by over 40%.

Andrew's commitment to innovation, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, has made a lasting impact on both the industry and the Illawarra region.

Kat Roma Greer is a visionary public art curator, activist, and Artistic Director of Micro Galleries, a global arts initiative that empowers marginalized communities through innovative creative solutions. Describing this work as "urban acupuncture," Kat leads projects that address local and global issues through art.

Named one of Australia's 100 Women of Influence in 2015, she also spearheads The Good Lab, ensuring creatives from the Global South can develop solutions to challenges like climate change and displacement. Kat has been invited twice to the prestigious Arctic Circle Residency, in 2018 and 2024, for her research on climate disruption art.

Additionally, Kat founded Urban Nasty, a women-identifying initiative, subverting traditional artistic practices to bring impactful, accessible art directly to those who need it most.

One of Indonesia’s most respected emcees and international rappers, consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression, Yacko is a symbol of women’s empowerment. Yacko has represented Indonesia globally, collaborating on campaigns to end violence against women with organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the United Nations. Yacko recently completed a tour of the UK performing at the LOUD Women’s Festival in London. Yacko is Program Director of FLAVS, advocating the history of Indonesian Hip Hop while providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents.

As the Academic Coordinator for the SAE Creative Media Institute, Yacko leads seminars on gender equality and justice, empowering students to become agents of change. Yacko’s ability to seamlessly navigate between different cultures and contexts reflects her deep appreciation for diversity and commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding. 

Kumi Taguchi is one of Australia’s most respected and beloved media figures, known for her compassionate and insightful storytelling. As the host ABC’s Compass and now SBS Insight and the Insightful Podcast, and a guest reporter on SBS Dateline, Kumi explores complex and often polarizing subjects with a distinctive blend of curiosity, emotional vulnerability, and objectivity. Her ability to create a safe space for sharing experiences has significantly influenced national conversations and attitudes.

A classically trained violinist and University of Wollongong scholarship recipient, Kumi's distinguished career spans radio, news, documentary, and hosting major events, including the Sydney Invictus Games.  She also spent six years in Hong Kong as an anchor and reporter. A vocal advocate for diversity in media, Kumi continues to champion broader representation while writing her memoir in Paris.

Dr Rhys Harding has an impressive array of qualifications which has enabled him to build an extraordinary career in rural and remote medicine. As a Rural Generalist and Duty Medical Officer for Top End Health Services in the Northern Territory, Rhys has worked in some of Australia’s most isolated locations, where his multidisciplinary expertise has proven invaluable. Trained in everything from emergency medicine to dentistry and anesthesia, Rhys has demonstrated remarkable clinical acumen and resilience in environments with limited resources.

His dedication has taken him to extremes, including serving as the sole doctor at Davis Research Station in Antarctica, where he navigated complex medical emergencies under extreme conditions. Rhys’s commitment to his profession, particularly in remote Indigenous communities, has earned him widespread respect and recognition. As a mentor for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, he continues to advocate for the advancement of rural healthcare.

Dr Eric Kwa is a distinguished figure in the legal profession and public service, known for his exceptional contributions to legal scholarship and governance in Papua New Guinea. His impressive career spans key roles such as Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Attorney-General of Papua New Guinea, and Chancellor of Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea.

Dr Kwa's dedication to legal excellence is reflected in his authorship of 12 books, including Kwa’s Legal Dictionary, and The Constitution of Papua New Guinea.

His commitment to advancing legal discourse is further demonstrated through his founding of the Attorney-General’s Law Journal, which supports rigorous research and debate on Papua New Guinea’s legal issues. His work not only reflects a deep expertise across various legal domains but also a steadfast dedication to enhancing governance and legal practice in Papua New Guinea.

A Eureka Prize-winning scientist and communicator, Darren has over 20 years of academic and industry expertise in cancer biology and neuroscience. He has led multidisciplinary teams in pioneering cancer biology and neurodegeneration research, making significant strides in areas including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, motor neurone disease and Alzheimer’s and paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions and diagnostic approaches.

Widely regarded as an international thought leader in science communication, Darren is a regular commentator on ABC TV’s The Drum and Channel 7’s Daily Edition. Darren was appointed NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer in 2023 and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney. He is also a vocal champion for gender equity in STEM, driven by an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Dr Norza Zakaria is a prominent Malaysian leader known for his contributions to both the corporate, government and sports sectors. Dr Zakaria is the Executive Chairman & President of Citaglobal Berhad, and the founder, Group President and CEO of TIZA Global, a diversified company in oil and gas, hospitality, transportation, and media technology which he started in 2008. 

Dr Zakaria is the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia. In April 2023, he became the first Malaysian appointed as Honorary President of Badminton Asia. He has chaired the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sports for All Committee since July 2023.

Dr Zakaria has been awarded several esteemed Malaysian federal honours, he was the inaugural recipient of the Sports Leadership Icon Award in 2022 and received the World Chinese Economic Forum’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.