The PeakCare Young Change Maker Award celebrates remarkable young people in Queensland who champion children’s rights through advocacy, education, and community action. This award honours those who raise awareness, influence change, and inspire others to stand up for the rights and wellbeing of children.
This year’s finalists remind us that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow — they are leading change today. Their courage, creativity, and commitment are shaping safer, more inclusive communities for all children. Learn more about them below:
Ruby Allen – Founder, Kids of Purple
Ruby Allen, 18, founded Kids of Purple, a youth-led initiative advocating for children impacted by domestic and family violence (Article 19 – Protection from Violence; Article 39 – Rehabilitation and Recovery; Article 28 – Right to Education).
Through public speaking, media engagement, and policy advocacy, Ruby has helped shift recognition of children as victims in their own right. She has collaborated with Brisbane Catholic Education, the Department of Housing, and Queensland’s Victims Commissioner to develop tailored support pathways.
Her advocacy includes presentations in schools, national media appearances on SBS and 7 News, and recognition as a finalist in the Queensland 7 News Young Achievers Awards.
“All children have the right to safety and the right to be educated about what challenges their family may be experiencing in a youth-friendly and accessible way.” – Ruby Allen
Siobhan Wilson – Founder, Our Pixie Friends
At just 6, Siobhan Wilson founded Our Pixie Friends, a social enterprise supporting children living with medical needs, trauma, and neurodivergence (Article 23 – Rights of Children with Disabilities; Article 24 – Right to Health and Wellbeing; Article 12 – Right to be Heard).
Now at 16, she is a four-time published author and international speaker. Siobhan has donated hundreds of Cozipal trauma packs, gifted resources to schools and hospitals, and raised funds for medical research. Her pixie characters, books, and workshops help children feel included, respected, and, as she says, “sprizzletastic.”
She recently presented to 3,000 professionals at the International Childhood Trauma Conference, influencing health and education systems worldwide. She also mentors children with special needs, encouraging them to see themselves as entrepreneurs and leaders.
“From a very young age, I have been passionate about making sure every child knows their rights and, more importantly, feels safe to speak those rights in their everyday life… Every child has the right to feel safe, included, respected, and even a little magical.” – Siobhan Wilson
Amelia Ayris – Bravehearts Ambassador and Youth Advocate
Amelia Ayris, 18, is a survivor-advocate transforming awareness of child sexual assault in Queensland (Article 19 – Protection from Abuse; Article 39 – Recovery and Reintegration; Article 17 – Access to Information).
She has been an ambassador and spokesperson for Bravehearts since age 10, sharing her lived experience to reduce stigma, support victims, and educate communities. She has delivered speeches, media interviews, and campaigns empowering survivors to speak out and reclaim their stories. Amelia has also met with Queensland’s Social Impact Office to push for earlier mental health treatment for survivors and is the youth representative of the Australian Child Rights Taskforce, guiding their work to address the needs of Australia’s young people.
“My work has helped spread awareness, reduced the stigma, assisted victims, and educated and protected future victims — all whilst using my own story.” – Amelia Ayris
Celebrating Community Champions
Siobhan, Ruby, and Amelia exemplify the spirit of the Young Change Maker Award. We also celebrate the many other nominees, whose dedication continues to advance children’s rights across Queensland. Together, these young leaders are shaping a safer, stronger, and more inclusive future for all children.
This award is proudly sponsored by PeakCare. The award winner will be announced on 21 October 2025 during Children's Week.
Learn more about the Children's Week Awards here.