Three Bundaberg Region future leaders are through to the finals of the Seven News Young Achiever Awards for Queensland.
Mayor Jack Dempsey has commended Emily Smith, Robert McLellan and Aiden Meldrum on the recognition of their success.
“I'm very proud the Bundaberg Region has so many outstanding young people and it's terrific to see three of them recognised at this level,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“There are many others deserving of accolades, but these three young people were nominated for the awards and judges have selected them for final consideration.”
Emily Smith
Emily Smith, 18 of Millbank is passionate about the education and empowerment of marginalised social groups on sustainable development.
She represented Queensland and CQUniversity in Vietnam before the United Nations where she and her teammates developed several prototypes of a prospective drain and rubbish system.
This environmentally sustainable project is concerned with responsible production and consumption, life on land and life below water.
Emily is an academic achiever and was elected as student representative of the Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce.
She was also actively involved in discussions surrounding the #loveBundy campaign which reaffirms the message that the community needs to support local businesses.
Robert McLellan
Robert McLellan, 21 of Bundaberg East utilises performing arts to share Indigenous arts and culture.
He has produced shows that engage audiences in the Bundaberg region and gave local performers and students an opportunity to develop their skills.
He is a proud Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang man who has taken an active and lead role in reclaiming the Taribelang language.
Robert also initiated the Yuwarr Dance Project, establishing the Yuwarr Dancers. He created their own Welcome song and dance for the traditional sustodians to perform, and an Acknowledgment song and dance for everyone in the community.
Aiden Meldrum
Aiden Meldrum, 22 of North Isis dedicates his life to inspiring people with disabilities, like himself.
Aiden has a brain tumour, which impacts the use of one of his hands. He is also walking-impaired and clinically blind.
Despite these challenges, he actively volunteers five days a week in a soup kitchen, serving for and engaging with homeless people.
He also helps bring sports to the disadvantaged in the community and contributed directly to the success of Reclink Street Games in Bundaberg.
Aiden has a YouTube channel where he teaches kids how to play games with one hand. His incredible will, empowers the disabled community.
Gala presentation dinner
The gala presentation dinner for the 2019 Seven News Young Achiever Awards will be held on Friday, 3 May at Royal on the Park Brisbane.
Bundaberg CQUniversity student Christi Chapman made it through to the semi-finals of the prestigious competition.
