Meet Queensland’s 40 Under 40 of 2025

FIRST AMONG EQUALS AWARD
PRESENTED BY INDAILY QUEENSLAND

Christopher Seaton

Director of Brewing Brands and Hrvst, Co-Founder and CEO of Origin Tea

Chris Seaton is the director of Brewing Brands – a multi-million-dollar family-run distribution business that includes some of Australia’s favourite brands, such as SipCo, Waterboy, Hrvst St and Made With Raw Love.

Founded in 2012, Brewing Brands is one of the largest independent cafe distributors on Australia’s east coast, with a network of clients including more than 1000 cafes and third-party distributors. The company made some of its biggest strides in 2023 with the acquisition of competitor Real Friends and Hrvst St cold-pressed juices, boosting the Brewing Brands portfolio to more than 40 food and beverage brands.

Alongside his brother Lawrence, Chris is also the co-founder of Origin Tea, a business that began as a university assignment at QUT. In the nine years since its inception, Origin Tea has grown by 1900 percent, forged high-profile partnerships with Coca-Cola, T2, Remedy, and Campos, and made successful forays into the supermarket retail sector.

“Looking back, it has been a wild ride. Since its inception in 2012, Origin Tea quickly became the fastest growing consumer tea business in Australia and one of the top exporters of Sri Lankan tea into Australia,” says Chris.

“What started as a university project has become my passion, purpose and livelihood and led me on a journey of rapid growth and expansion in the business world.”

Chris remains closely involved with QUT, mentoring students and giving them real-world experience. He also leads social-impact efforts through Brewing Brands and Origin Tea, including partnering with CafeSmart to fight homelessness by raising funds and donating tea to those in need, while also supporting Sri Lankan communities through ongoing initiatives and trainee programs, giving back through meaningful cross-cultural support.

“A large part of what drives me in business is being able to give back. Even from a young age, I have been a passionate mentor and always give back where I can.”

INSPIRING FEMALE LEADERS AWARD
PRESENTED BY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Lucy Henry-Hicks

CEO and Creative Director of DISSH

Lucy Henry-Hicks is the CEO and creative director of DISSH – a female-founded Australian fashion brand that has built a following thanks to its commitment to redefining modern style through simplicity, sustainability and purpose.

After stepping into the leadership role in 2020, Lucy enacted a swift in-house shift, morphing the label into a vertically integrated business that has pivoted away from trend-driven decision making in favour of refined and timeless collections that cater to the growing demand for more conscious and minimalist design.

Under Lucy’s tenure as CEO and creative director, DISSH has evolved into a globally recognised brand, expanding from its Queensland origins and planting its flag in a number of international markets.

Lucy has shaped DISSH into a business that also uplifts communities through meaningful initiatives, which actively works to support and amplify underrepresented voices.

The brand continues to empower women through fashion that prioritises both style and substance, evolving into an impactful platform that champions confidence, independence and values-led living.

Guided by the belief in using business as a force for good, Lucy leads with intention, ensuring DISSH continues to inspire and make space for others to thrive.

CREATIVE THINKER AWARD
PRESENTED BY ARUGA

Rachel Burke

Designer, Artist, Author, Stylist

Rachel Burke is a Brisbane-based artist, designer and author known for her vibrant, multidisciplinary creative practice spanning fashion, art, theatre and public installations.

Her journey began with a year-long challenge to make a dress a day, which soon evolved into a thriving fashion career with roles at Princess Polly and Universal Store, where she created the successful in-house label Perfect Stranger.

Since going independent in 2018, Rachel has written six books, collaborated with global brands like Disney and LEGO, dressed stars including Cate Blanchett and Harry Styles, and worked internationally as a stylist for Airbnb.

As a fierce champion of creativity, individuality and joy, Rachel works to foster an inclusive community of makers, uses her platform to uplift and encourage creative expression on both a local and global scale, and inspires others to embrace the power of handmade craft.

INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS AWARD
PRESENTED BY PIPER ALDERMAN

Deejay Egan

Director and Group CEO of DCC Industry Group

In 2021, Deejay Egan founded DCC Industry Group with a vision to deliver compassionate and community-first support services – empowering individuals and communities, particularly Indigenous Australians.

In a few short years, DCC has grown into a national enterprise with over 650 staff across Queensland and Western Australia, providing multidisciplinary care in youth services, disability support, allied health and culturally safe labour hire.

DCC’s holistic and inclusive approach has been shaped by Deejay’s experience across justice, child protection, homelessness and disability services sectors. Under his leadership, DCC has launched specialised divisions, all working together to meet diverse community needs.

Through strategic partnerships and community-driven programs, DCC is creating real, lasting change for countless Australians.

GAME CHANGER AWARD
PRESENTED BY HOTEL X

Saara Jamieson

Founder of Cool Beans Underwear

Saara is the brains behind Cool Beans Underwear, a Queensland-based medical device company shaking up the world of men’s health one pair of undies at a time.

After years of trying to conceive and hitting dead ends that ignored her husband’s role in fertility, Saara put her medical research background to work and co-created the world’s first testicular cooling underwear. Four months of wearing the prototype led to a natural pregnancy and the birth of Cool Beans in 2024.

Now a registered medical device, Cool Beans is prescribed for everything from fertility support to prostate surgery recovery, hernia repair and vasectomies.

Beyond the briefs, Cool Beans is on a mission to boost testosterone, support mental health and spark overdue conversations about men’s wellbeing.

With athletes and patients alike on board, Saara is turning heads – and changing lives – by putting men’s health front and centre, one cool bean at a time.

INDUSTRY INNOVATOR AWARD
PRESENTED BY QUT

Matt Crossan

CEO of Cosmic Group/Zendit

Matt Crossan arrived in Australia on a one-way ticket in 2014 at age 22 with just $3000 and no formal qualifications – only determination and a dream.

Fresh off completing an electrical apprenticeship in Ireland, he began working in remote Western Australia for a civil construction company, learning everything from the ground up.

Soon, Matt set his sights on a personal goal – to build businesses that contributed to the clean energy transition and make power more affordable and reliable for families and small businesses.

After working as a wind turbine technician across Europe and Africa, Matt founded Cosmic Group – a multi-service renewable energy company delivering construction, maintenance and major component exchange services for wind farms across Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

The company has grown into one of Australia’s leading wind turbine service providers, employing over 100 people and delivering complex projects nationwide. Matt has also gone on to launch Zendit, an AI-powered project intelligence platform designed to solve the real-world inefficiencies Matt experienced in the field.

Now, Matt is focused on scaling both Cosmic and Zendit globally, while inspiring other young people – especially those outside traditional paths – to back themselves and believe that if he could do it, so can they.

RURAL AND REGIONAL AWARD
PRESENTED BY INDAILY

Caitlin McConnel

Owner and Manager of Cressbrook Station Pastoral

Caitlin McConnel is a sixth-generation farmer who runs Cressbrook Station in Toogoolawah, which is recognised as the oldest identified family business in Queensland – and one of the oldest in Australia still operated by the original family on the same property.

Using her combined expertise in law and agroecology, Caitlin (the first female custodian of the family business) endeavours to evolve Cressbrook Station’s stock, land and water-management techniques to ensure that all primary production operations remain environmentally sustainable, maintaining the station’s 184-year run of climate-smart farming.

In April 2025, Caitlin was appointed the first female chairperson of the Queensland Rural & Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) – the specialist provider of financial assistance, advisory support, and disaster assistance programs to primary producers, small business, and not-for-profit organisations in rural Queensland on behalf of state, territory and Commonwealth government agencies.

Inspired by those who have cherished her home and the local community before her, Caitlin continues to make a profound impact on society as an influential young leader in relation to agroecology, environment, and sustainable development and food security through her unique experience as a farmer and strategic legal advisor.

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD
PRESENTED BY THE WEEKEND EDITION

Drew Campbell

Managing Director of Reveling Australia/Kiff & Culture

Drew Campbell represents a new generation of Queensland tourism leaders – bold, grounded and impact-driven.

From humble beginnings as a one-man tour operator with a Kombi van in Cape Town, to co-founding Kiff & Culture during the pandemic and launching Reveling on the Gold Coast in 2025, he has built three successful tourism brands rooted in creativity, cultural integrity and local impact.

Despite launching in one of the most challenging times for the industry, Kiff & Culture has become one of Southeast Queensland’s leading experience operators, supporting over 100 local suppliers. Driven by a belief that tourism can be a force for good, Drew’s work is redefining what meaningful, sustainable travel looks like on a global scale.

FOOD INNOVATION AWARD
PRESENTED BY BETTY’S BURGERS

Kym Strow

Owner of Good Things Grocer

Kym Strow is the co-founder of Good Things Grocer, an independent retail business transforming the concept of the local corner store in Tarragindi.

Opened in 2023 with partner Sarah, Good Things Grocer offers a thoughtfully curated range of high-quality, predominantly Australian-made produce, pantry goods, flowers and small-batch products.

Born from a love of food and community – and shaped by Kym and Sarah’s experience rebuilding after the Lismore floods – Good Things has transformed a tired fruit shop into a thriving neighbourhood hub that now welcomes over 25,000 customers each month, supports 28 local jobs and fosters an inclusive, diverse team.

Under Kym’s leadership, Good Things Grocer has become a central part of suburban life, contributing to Tarragindi’s liveability and proving that values-led, community-focused retail can create lasting local impact.

Adam Hall

Managing Director of AH Fencing

Adam Hall is the managing director of AH Fencing, a leading commercial fencing contractor founded on the belief that there is a better way to lead in construction. From quoting small residential jobs in one-bedroom apartments, the company has grown into a multi-state commercial contractor with over 50 staff and operations across Queensland and Victoria. Now on track to turn over a record profit for the financial year, AH Fencing continues to prioritise culture and leadership, building a business which people are proud to be part of.

Alex Raineri

Artistic director of Brisbane Music Festival

Alex Raineri, acclaimed pianist and artistic director of the Brisbane Music Festival (BMF), has rapidly established the event as a bold and innovative force in Australia’s arts scene over the past eight years. Under his leadership, BMF has commissioned over 80 world premieres – more than any major funded arts organisation in the country – while offering vital opportunities for emerging artists, international collaborations and experimental cross-genre work.

Amelia St Baker

CEO and co-Founder of Ninja Allied Health

Amelia St Baker is the co-founder of Ninja Allied Health, a fast-growing allied health company delivering ethical, high-quality occupational therapy across the NDIS, private and medico-legal sectors. Known for her commitment to clinical excellence and values-driven leadership, Amelia has built a strong reputation among legal firms, stakeholders and the disability community.

Amy Gomes

Founder and Director of One Little Heart

Amy Gomes is a Queensland-based critical care paramedic, author and social entrepreneur that has served her community since 2008, finding purpose not only in emergency care but in giving back beyond the ambulance. In 2014, Amy founded One Little Heart to help fund more publicly available Automated External Defibrillators in communities through creative, gift-based donations – including self-published and funded What Paramedics Do, a children’s book designed to educate kids about emergency care and reduce medical anxiety.

Brittanie English

Managing director of The Content Division

Brittanie English is the co-founder and now majority owner of The Content Division – a Brisbane-based content marketing agency known for its audience-first, high-quality approach to strategy, design, copy, video and digital. Since launching in 2017, Brittanie has helped grow the business into a 16-person team with a flexible, hybrid culture and national reach by focusing on sustainable growth, team development and purposeful work – supporting clients across sectors including renewable energy, gender equity and community impact.

Fiorenza Provenzano

President of United Nations Association of Australia – Young Professionals QLD

A talented leader on the rise, Fiorenza Provenzano contributes to Queensland’s future through a number of volunteer roles that inspire purpose-driven action and community impact. As president of the United Nations Association of Australia – Young Professionals QLD, she fosters statewide engagement with global issues through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Fiorenza is also the co-founder of Serve the City Australia, a grassroots movement reimagining volunteering as accessible and joyful civic action.

George Samios

Founder & Mortgage Broker of Madd Loans

George Samios founded Brisbane-based mortgage broking and financial planning business Madd Loans in 2011 with a clear vision – to ‘Make A Difference Daily’. What began as a solo venture has grown into a trusted team that has helped thousands of Australians simplify their finance journey and achieve financial freedom – settling over a billion dollars in loans while focusing on honest advice and lasting relationships.

Ginni Poppelwell

Founder and Creative Director of Allo Creative

Ginni Poppelwell is co-captain of Allo Creative – a Brisbane-based creative agency that offers strategy, creative, design and digital marketing under one roof. Led by senior talent and grounded in clever thinking, Allo Creative works with local legends and global brands alike, always focused on solving problems, telling stories, and helping clients connect meaningfully with their audiences all while staying nimble and collaborative every step of the way.

Hannah Statham

CEO of Media Mortar

Hannah Statham is the visionary head of Media Mortar – a content marketing agency established in 2017 that services clients across Australia and globally. Industry-diverse and results-driven, Media Mortar combines the agility and affordability of a small business with the structure and reliability freelancers can’t offer – free from corporate ties and committed to one clear goal: success.

Jenae Tien Jenkins

Founder and Director of Expand Your Library/Expand Your Mind Consulting

Award-winning multimedia producer Jenae Tien Jenkins helms Expand Your Library, a Brisbane-based consultancy and creative education organisation dedicated to promoting inclusion, allyship and cultural diversity through storytelling, workshops and media. Jenae’s efforts are widely recognised for supporting culturally safe and empowering environments across education and media.

Jonathan Rostron

CEO of Wingman Group

Jonathan Rostron founded Wingman Group in 2022 to fill a gap in tailored offshore and onshore staffing for Australian businesses. The group initially focused on real estate but has quickly expanded to offer skilled remote professionals across various sectors. With more than 700 clients and 1000 contractors, Wingman has become a strategic partner providing cost-effective, specialised remote talent.

Karla Judge

Head of Marketing – Tourism of Ingenia Holiday Parks

Karla Judge is a dynamic marketing leader who, before the age of 35, secured executive roles in ASX-listed tourism companies. Ingenia Holiday Parks is a leading Australian provider of diverse holiday accommodation cross more than 30 parks in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, known for family-friendly, pet-welcoming environments with resort-style amenities.

Kate Mahoney

Founder of Estate to Sale Projects

Kate Mahoney founded Estate to Sale Projects (ETS Projects 2025 after seeing the challenges her family faced managing her grandmother’s home after her passing, highlighting a common struggle in maximising the value of inherited properties. Recognising that many lack the time, resources or expertise to do this effectively, ETS was created to help families focus on grieving and spending time together, while ensuring their property reaches its full market potential.

Lacee Hennessy Overton

Head of Fundraising of Rosies – Friends on the Street

Lacee is a values-led strategist with a thing for big ideas and bold storytelling. Through her work with Rosies – Friends on the Street (an organisation that provides community, connection and friendship to Queenslanders who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or socially isolated), Lacee is proving that fundraising doesn’t have to be boring to be brilliant, and that impact can come with a wink and a killer campaign.

Linda Jorgensen

CEO of St Andrew’s Private Hospital Toowoomba

Linda is a courageous and trailblazing leader that is driving global healthcare innovation and empowering lasting change. As the first appointed female CEO at St Andrew’s Private Hospital Toowoomba, Linda has engineered significant organisational change, all while driving innovation to continuously improve the systems that support patient care.

Lucy George

Owner of Mumbleberry

Through her artisanal foodie paradise Mumbleberry, Lucy has built a community-first providore that champions local producers and celebrates Australian artisans and independents, proving that values-led, locally focused retail can thrive in competitive and challenging markets.

Magdeline Jacovides

Founder and Financial Adviser of Mazi Wealth

Magdeline has built a purpose-driven financial advice business that empowers women, challenges industry norms and proves you can lead with values and still create meaningful impact. The boutique financial advice firm specialises in working with high-income professionals, families with young children and single women – helping them grow, protect and enjoy their wealth through values-based, strategic advice.

Maggie Collins

Executive Director of Association of Artist Managers

Maggie Collins has worn many different hats, including radio presenter at Triple J, artist manager for bands like DZ Deathrays and The John Steel Singers and executive programmer for BIGSOUND. Now, as executive director of Association of Artist Managers, Australia’s peak body for music managers, Maggie endeavours to develop, protect and promote the reputation and interests of music managers and their artists across the national music ecosystem.

Mark Gurd

Owner of Good Bean Buderim Private

Mark’s food and beverage provider Good Bean plays a vital role in the daily rhythm of Buderim Private Hospital, offering a welcoming space that’s more than just a coffee shop, but rather a place of support and growth in what is typically a high-pressure environment.

Matthew Crossley

General Manager – Quality, Risk & Compliance of National Affordable Housing

If you want something done or have a problem to solve, Matthew Crossley is the person many turn to. Matthew has significant experience in highly regulated, highly scrutinised and highly complex sectors – talents prized by an organisation like National Affordable Housing, a not-for-profit social value enterprise that partners with government, financiers and investors to deliver social and affordable community housing.

Nathan Denchman

Co-Founder & Head of Engineering of ProcurePro

As head of engineering of Queensland-founded ProcurePro – a fast-growing digital procurement platform – Nathan is spearheading the creation of innovative procurement technology that’s saving millions of hours and transforming construction workflows around the globe.

Patrick Gough

Co-Founder and Medical Director of MediBetter

Patrick co-founded MediBetter with his sister Kate to address one of the biggest issues facing the Australian healthcare system – a nationwide shortage in GPs and increasing costs in accessing primary healthcare. MediBetter is looking to keep Australians healthier, happier and working for longer, all while putting billions back into the economy.

Sara Taghaode

Executive Producer and Co-founder of Kiosk Film/Colab 4010

Sara Taghaode loves to build things that connect people. She weaves together stories with her multi-pillared creative company Kiosk Film, which has helped assemble award-winning documentaries, hybrid stage-to-screen adaptations and original screen works. With Colab 4010, she provides spaces for everyone – from designers, wood carvers, researchers, filmmakers and digital marketers – to focus, connect and build at their own pace.

Shannon Lemanski

Founder and Managing Director of Aqua Ubique

While making water from air sounds like a magic trick, for Shannon Lemanski it’s all about science. Shannon’s Aqua Ubique is a QSEC-accredited social enterprise that creates clean water using an Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG). These generators are helping to replace bottled water coolers, reduce costs, eliminate plastics and fund water access for remote Indigenous communities.

Taaj Kumar

Co-Owner of Good Morning Roaster

From unknown to industry contender, Taaj Kumar’s Good Morning Roaster is looking to disrupt the coffee game and put Queensland on the global map. Sourced from its own farm in Colombia, Good Morning’s beans are now appearing at many of Brisbane’s best venues – and deals to take the brand global are well underway.

Taryn McQueen

Principal and Architect of Populous

As principal of one of the world’s leading sports venue design firms, Taryn McQueen is at the forefront when it comes to the design of iconic community-friendly facilities. In addition to designing inclusive and sustainable venues that will enrich our city and stand the test of time, Taryn is a passionate champion for the improvement and progression of women’s and paralympic sports.

Tiffani Seaton

Head of Programs and First Nations of Young Change Agents

Tiffani Seaton is a proud Kamilaroi woman living and working on Yugambeh Country. Committed to creating lasting impact for First Nations youth across Queensland, Tiffani’s work is grounded in community, equity and cultural strength. Young Change Agents’ culturally grounded entrepreneurial education programs endeavour to help First Nations youth to use their voice, lead and thrive.

Tionne Young

Co-Founder of The ASE Group

Tionne Young never followed the conventional path. With The ASE Group’s entrepreneurship, leadership and practical skills programs, Tionne is showing youngsters that it’s okay to forge your own way – helping them realise their potential, break barriers and strive for things they once thought were out of their reach.

Tyrone Lowry

Director of Lowry Group

Tyrone’s Brisbane-based fit-out and commercial construction company has become a go-to for any business looking to bring their vision to life. To date, Lowry Group has built everything from cutting-edge medical practices and radiology centres to high-end venues for some of the country’s leading hospitality operators.

Will Fellowes

Co-Founder and Managing Director of Western Queensland Spirit

Will Fellowes and Michael McLaughlin started Western Queensland Spirit with a simple goal – to create exceptional spirits that capture the essence of the Outback. Built from scratch in Roma, Queensland, the distillery celebrates local flavours, community and country, proving that something world class can be built far from the city.

Zaheer Kadwa

Director of My Implant Dentist Brisbane

Zaheer Kadwa’s business is redefining dental care in Australia – making world-class implant treatment more affordable, accessible and patient-focused through innovation and technology, and giving Queenslanders plenty of reasons to smile.