This year’s finalists are leading change in their communities. Their courage, creativity and compassion are helping to build safer, stronger and more inclusive communities where every child is heard, valued and supported.
Teanna Kariyawasam is the creator of eSmart Kids, a child-led initiative building practical digital literacy, online safety and privacy skills for children, parents, carers and educators.
Through age-appropriate resources, workshops, national campaigns and a Queensland Parliament petition attracting 891 signatures, Teanna has brought children’s perspectives into conversations about technology. Her advocacy champions every child’s right to navigate the digital world safely and confidently, with the knowledge to make informed choices.
Teanna champions children’s rights by ensuring young people are informed, empowered and heard in conversations about the digital world. Her work helps children build the knowledge and confidence to participate online safely.
Aryan Jain is a Cairns-based youth advocate who works through the Queensland Youth Council and Life Ed Advisory Committee to ensure young people’s views shape decisions about wellbeing, education and their communities.
Through water-efficiency initiatives and his Recycle Right campaign, Aryan turns youth participation into practical environmental action. His work helps young people build sustainable habits and demonstrates the contribution children can make to healthier communities.
At the heart of Aryan’s work is the belief that young people have the right to have a voice, participate and help shape their future. He demonstrates how children can be active partners in decisions that affect their lives.
We sincerely thank Play Matters Australia for their generous support and their commitment to every child’s right to play. Their work strengthens children, families and communities through the power of connection, inclusion and play.