Four exceptional young locals have done Mackay proud as finalists in the prestigious Seven News Young Achiever Awards Queensland, with one of them, Dominic de Moura McCarthy, taking home top honours.
Dominic, currently overseas in Brazil, won the Connecting Communities Award for his outstanding work as Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA). The announcement, relayed to him by family via WhatsApp, was a surreal and humbling moment.
“It was a great honour and exciting feeling to receive this recognition,” Dominic said.
“To me, connecting communities means making sure people – especially young people from regional and underrepresented areas – have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the future.”
Dominic’s work with PAYA includes organising Youth Leadership Summits across the Pacific, empowering over 100 youth leaders from 10 countries. The next summit is set for November in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
His message to aspiring changemakers from the regions is to “Just do it.”
“Make one small step today towards making it a reality. Small steps over time will add up to something bigger.”
Among the other finalists was Krystal Demaid, whose courage and determination have made her a pillar of inspiration in the face of adversity. Since becoming wheelchair-bound in 2019, Krystal has pursued para-sport with passion, competing in wheelchair basketball and conquering gruelling events like the 21km Mackay Marina Run.
Krystal reflected on the night with gratitude.
“The awards night went really well and it was amazing getting to meet so many inspiring people,” she said.
“To be a finalist was a huge achievement. I didn’t expect it – I just do these things as personal challenges, to help others and push myself.”
From fun runs to hand-cycling in the River to Reef Ride and competing in national wheelchair basketball leagues, Krystal’s resilience continues to inspire. She’s also a devoted advocate for disability awareness and mental health, mentoring others while training towards potential selection in the 2025 Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team.
Also flying the Mackay flag high were Alice Ruddell and Tristan Turnbull.
Alice, a physiotherapist and founder of Empower Health and Physiotherapy and A Rehab Diary, blends cutting-edge rehabilitation with powerful storytelling through her podcast series. Her approach integrates mental wellness into physical recovery, attracting global interest and elite awards.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Tristan Turnbull is making waves as one of the youngest qualified Chemical Coordinators in mining, with clients like BHP and Anglo American. Through his consultancy, he champions chemical safety and compliance in high-risk industries, delivering training and mentorship across Queensland.
These four finalists represent the very best of Mackay’s emerging leaders - innovative, compassionate, and community-minded. Their stories are proof that regional Queensland is home to world-class talent. And while only one may have taken home the trophy for the region, all four are winners in the eyes of their community.
Four inspiring locals were named finalists at the 2025 Seven News Young Achiever Awards Queensland, with Dominic de Moura McCarthy winning the Connecting Communities Award for empowering Pacific youth.
Krystal Demaid
Alice Ruddell
Tristan Turnbull
Dominic de Moura McCarthy. Photo source: 7News Young Achiever Awards Queensland
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