As we get ready to celebrate Youth Weeks across the nation, we thought it was a perfect time to share inspirational stories of some of Australia’s most impactful people within the youth space.

Five young Australians who are making a positive impact with their talents and diversity will inspire you. They have been recognised for their efforts and have accomplished remarkable things in their fields. These are their inspiring tales:

Izzy Raj-Seppings

Izzy Raj-Seppings is a climate activist and leader who has been involved in the School Strike 4 Climate movement since she was 12 years old. She organised and led thousands of protesters in Sydney, demanding action on climate change from the government and corporations. This 14 years old girl has become a face of Australia’s youth climate movement when she stared down riot police outside of Kirribilli House, the official residence of the Prime Minister, in 2019. She has also spoken at various events and platforms, such as TEDxYouth@Sydney, UNICEF Australia and ABC News, to raise awareness and inspire others to join the cause. She is determined to fight for a safe and sustainable future for her generation and the generations to come. She says, “We have to fight for our future because no one else will.”

Sizolwenkosi Fuyana

Young entrepreneur Sizolwenkosi Fuyana has overcome personal obstacles and mental health issues to become a successful businesswoman, podcaster, and advocate for youth. She established Fuyana Support, a business that gives mentoring, coaching and preparing to youngsters, particularly those from hindered foundations. She also hosts The Sizo Show, a podcast where she talks about personal growth, entrepreneurship, and social issues with inspiring guests. She has a burning desire to inspire young people to realise their full potential and make a difference in the world. In 2022, she was a finalist for the Northern Territory Young Australian of the Year award.

Awer Mabil

Awer Mabil is a Dane who plays professional soccer for the Socceroos and FC Midtjylland. He was born in a Kenyan refugee camp after his family fled South Sudan’s civil war. When he was 11 years old, he came to Australia as a refugee and began playing soccer in Adelaide. Barefoot to Boots, a non-profit organisation that gives soccer equipment, education, and medical care to refugees in Kenya and South Sudan, was co-founded by him. Through his work as a brand ambassador for Headspace and Football United, he also works to promote social inclusion and awareness of mental health issues. His outstanding accomplishments and humanitarian efforts earned him the title of Young Australian of the Year in 2023.

Dr. Daniel Nour

In August 2020, Dr. Daniel Nour founded Street Side Medics, a volunteer-run organisation that provides free medical care to homeless Sydney residents. He was inspired by his own experience of fleeing domestic violence and becoming homeless as a teenager. He overcame his difficulties to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, and in 2019 he received his degree from the University of Sydney. After that, he made the decision to put his knowledge and abilities to use in order to assist other people who are going through similar difficulties. Every week, he directs a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other volunteers who visit various locations throughout Sydney to provide street dwellers with health checks, treatments, referrals, and support. He was named the 2022 Young Australian of the Year.

These are just a few of the many examples of how talented and committed young people in Australia are to making the world a better place. Whether they are fighting for gender equality, protecting society, entertaining audiences, or breaking barriers, they are telling us that the sky is the limit with difficult work and commitment.