From Matildas star Samantha Kerr to Orange Sky’s Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, there’s no shortage of inspiring young Australians reaching incredible heights in their day-to-day lives. Best of all, these next-level trailblazers are being recognised for their game-changing efforts.

We caught up with the country’s newest Young Australian of the Year recipients for 2018 to chat about their future plans and how they’ve used their newfound recognition to further their causes.

Georgie Stone, Campaigner For Transgender Youth

Georgie Stone isn’t just a pioneer for transgender youth, she’s singlehandedly changing the law in Australia. Her landmark case in the Family Court saw the law shift on access to the first stage of medical treatment and improved medical outcomes for transgender adolescents.

Since being awarded the title of 2018 Victorian Young Australian of the Year, 18-year-old Georgie has been busy finishing Year 12 and continuing her campaign for trans rights.

“I’ve had incredible opportunities, like going to Canberra and fundraising for Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital gender service,” Georgie says. “I’m an ambassador for them and my mum’s organisation, Transcend, is an auxiliary to the hospital, so we’ve been organising events and fundraisers.”

Besides keeping up with her homework, Georgie has also been enjoying her fair share of public speaking for AFL pride and the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. “The award has allowed me to start telling my story on a larger scale,” Georgie says. “It’s been amazing.”

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Zach Bryers, Youth And Outreach Worker

Youth worker and 2018 ACT Young Australian of the Year Zach Bryers has lived a million lives – from homeless teen and soldier in Afghanistan to gridiron player and Churchill Fellow. Now, he’s taking his YAOTY award and focusing on helping disadvantaged youth in Australia and beyond.

Since claiming the 2018 ACT title, Zack has launched a new organisation aimed at helping at-risk children learn English. “I’m part of a start-up founding team called the Altruistic Learning Academy and we’re hoping to give people working in big corporations the opportunity to teach at-risk kids English in Third World countries via Skype,” he explains.

On top of that, Zach has started his own philanthropy brokerage business and continues to engage in regular public speaking. “Winning YAOTY has really opened me up to an amazing network of people,” he says. “I’m very fortunate – it’s opened a lot of doors.”

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Kevin Kadirgamar, Refugee And Migration Lawyer

Northern Territory recipient Kevin Kadirgamar has spent the last few years working as a refugee and migration lawyer, and he’s also encouraged a nation of young people to implement change in their own communities by co-founding Multicultural Youth NT.

Since winning the award, Kevin has continued his work representing  migrants and refugees. “The award has given me a lot of encouragement to press on, and it’s something I see as my duty of citizenship,” he says. “To me, the award was an affirmation of my work from our community.”

But Kevin understands there’s still work to be done and will use his platform to ensure vulnerable community members are adequately supported.

“Refugees and asylum seekers are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We should all do more to educate ourselves and share their stories.”

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Kyran Dixon, Role Model For Indigenous Youth

Having persevered through two battles with cancer, South Australian Kyran Dixon isn’t just a role model for Indigenous youth, he’s a survivor through and through. A member of the Kaurna and Narungga clans, Kyran went on to become a founding member of the Aboriginal Youth Cancer Advisory Group.

This year, Kyran has spent his time speaking to businesses, community groups, non-for-profit organisations and young Australians about his life’s journey and the impact he’s trying to achieve.

“One way I have been able to do this is through the founding SAHMRI’s innovative Aboriginal Youth Cancer Advisory Group” he says. “This promotes healthy lifestyle choices among young Indigenous people.”

Since winning the 2018 SA YAOTY award, Kyran, 25, has also used his personal story to help others. “No matter what your story, you need to make the most of life and embrace every chance,” Kyran says. “Growing up as a young Indigenous man, I was fortunate in my childhood to be exposed to the wisdom of my elders who shared the gift of their knowledge, language, respect and culture,” he explains. “This award has opened up doors and opportunities I never thought I would experience, and it’s shown me what’s truly possible.”

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Dr Jessica Manuela, Dentist Helping Indigenous Communities

She’s the dental surgeon helping indigenous communities improve their oral health and, this year, the Tasmanian Young Australian of The Year winner is taking her work to the next level.

Dr Jessica Manuela has already established two dental practices with more than 4000 active patients. She’s also worked alongside the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Tasmania and the South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation,  to establisha program that helps Indigenous Tasmanians access dental care.

Since taking home the award, Jess has been busy managing her two dental clinics, completing school visits and enjoying time as a guest speaker at a number of events.

“Winning has given me a platform to raise awareness around oral health education and also to be a role model as an Indigenous young woman, business owner and dentist,” she says. “I’d love to get some state government (or another source) funding to create future educational cartoon oral health infomercials for the community.”

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Every year, the Australian of the Year Awards celebrate Australians worthy of recognition. Know somebody who fits the bill? Be great and nominate them for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards here.