GOING PLACES. THE SG'S LEADING THE WAY.

This year we're celebrating some amazing people making waves right here on our own shores.

No matter what it is they're doing - these Gen SG's are going places.

AKEC

A former AFLW player and passionate advocate for representation, Akec was born in a South Sudanese refugee camp in Kenya and moved to Australia at 12. Akec is dedicated to empowering young women from her community, using her platform to champion diversity and inspire others to see the possibilities available to them.

How are you Going Places?

My aim is to inspire others, particularly those who have been told so many No along the same like I have and turn.those obstacles into triumphs. I want my journey to be a testament to what’s possible when you pursue your dreams unapologetically. By sharing my story and experiences, I hope to empower others to chase their aspirations and breakdown barriers. Every time I mentor someone or connect through my content, I’m not just going places for myself; I’m helping others find their own paths forward.

What does it mean to you to be a role model for young girls from your community? 

Being a role model for young girls from my community means so much to me. It’s about representation and showing them that their dreams are valid and achievable, no matter their background. I want to be someone they can look up to—someone who has faced challenges but has also found ways to overcome them. 

I hope to inspire confidence and resilience in them, encouraging them to pursue their passions and break barriers. It’s not just about my achievements; it’s about creating a sense of possibility and belonging. I want these young girls to see that they can carve their own paths and that their voices matter. Ultimately, being a role model means lifting others up and helping them realize their own potential.


How do you want to use your platform to support others from your community?
 

The way I use my platform to support others is a simple tool of supporting and celebrating people;s dreams and achievements. I always use my platform to amplify causes,stories and voices of people from my community. I also deliberately create a alot of my content with community in mine whilst sharing my journey is just one part of it; I believe in creating spaces for others to share their experiences and insights as well. In the future I am looking at different ways I could feature community members in my content, hosting workshops, or collaborating on initiatives that highlight their talents and perspectives. 


You’ve broken against the grain in so many ways. You were told women can’t play sport, you shouldn’t be a model. What is your advice to someone being told they can’t do something they dream of? 

My advice to anyone facing doubts about their dreams is to believe in yourself and your vision. There is a special reason why you have that dream. When others say you can’t do something, remember that their limitations don’t define your potential. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and encourage you, and don’t be afraid to seek out mentors who can guide you.


 
GABI

Originally from Brazil, Gabi moved to Australia four years ago. Inspired by her grandmother’s legacy as a nurse, Gabi is passionate about healthcare and helping others, with dreams of travelling the world and making a difference through her own work in the medical field.


How are you Going Places?

I knew for a long time that I was meant to go places and explore the world. It wasn’t a surprise to anyone when I announced my move to Australia. I love my journey so far and love even more that it was just the beginning. 

What is your hope for a better future going into 2025?

I hope that in 2025 we continue to prosper as a community, that going places is accessible for more people and that respect and care are intrinsic to all.

What’s been the most rewarding part of studying nursing so far?

The idea that I can apply this knowledge to so many different fields and actually be helpful no matter what speciality I choose in the future.

What advice would you give to others who have moved to a new country to follow their dreams?

We all have expectations when moving to a new country but of course the reality can be quite different sometimes. Don’t let it discourage you, it takes a little time to adapt and feel like home. Make sure to look back sometimes and see how far you’ve already come, you are literally living and creating your dream everyday.

What has been your favourite part of living in Australia so far?

The possibilities! I love travelling and it still amazes me how diverse Australia is. From charming small towns like Hobart to the big city life of Melbourne and the beautiful beaches like north Stradbroke island. Can’t wait to see more.

How does nursing connect people across borders, no matter where they’re from?

The language of care and compassion is universal. No matter where you are in the world there will always be someone in need and it’s comforting to know that I can offer a helping hand.
FRANKIE

Frankie is a transgender activist and actor, using her voice to shift the narrative around trans rights. She is committed to educating others about gender identity and the importance of being a good ally, while inspiring people to join the fight for inclusion and equality.

How are you Going Places?

That’s a question I often ask myself! The truth is, I’m not always sure but I think that’s ok too. As long as I can be me, I know all the other stuff will follow. I hope that me being me is a place that helps others to be themselves too. That sounds like a pretty nice place to be.
I think it’s really common to not know where you’re going or what what you’re doing or where you’re going, but I think when you’re able to live a confident, authentic, loving life you’re able to path a way for yourself to go somewhere great - and I hope with my positive attitude and love for myself im able to someday make it to a beautiful place.

What is your hope for a better future going into 2025?

I hope to see more queer people in the mainstream media being their authentic selves. I hope to see more cis/straight people educating themself on how to be allies. And I hope to see more trans power everywhere I go!

How can people be good allies to the trans community in their everyday lives?

I think people often get scared around the conversation about how to be a good ally, when in reality “ally” is just another word for being a good friend.

Why is speaking up and being an advocate so important?

As a trans person you end up being an advocate whether you want to or not. It’s part of everyday life for us. Trans and gender diverse young people still don’t have access to the same human rights as other cis young people like healthcare.
Speaking up is important to me because when I was younger I never saw people like me. I know that when trans kids see me on tv or advocating for my community, they feel heard and that makes me feel like I’m helping create a better place. Hopefully one day with more education around trans lives and history we will achieve equality.

What message do you want to share with young transgender individuals who might be struggling with their identity?

You don’t need to know everything at once, figuring yourself out can take decades - there is no rush. As long as you’re practising healthy and positive attitudes in your everyday life that’s all that matters. I think it’s also important to focus on one step at a time when you’re ready to start making changes in your life. Having a support system of safe people around you will help and always remember just be you.
Organisations like Transcend are also really good to connect with. They supported my mum so that she could support me. It was through Transcend that we were able to meet other families like ours which is so important especially during a time that can often feel quite isolating.

MALI

A proud Arabana and Kokatha artist, Mali lives and creates on Kaurna land, drawing inspiration from the vibrant landscape around her. Her contemporary dot paintings are a celebration of her heritage, using colour and joy to spark meaningful conversations and connect people to the land and culture she holds dear.


How are you Going Places?

I have recently been travelling non stop for work, from Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and many Aboriginal communities in between. I’ve really enjoyed being in new places and these experiences have made me realise I’m ready to live in a place other than adelaide. I’m happy in this present moment and excited to see what the future holds. 

What is your hope for a better future going into 2025?

My hope is that people treat each other with more kindness, empathy and try listening rather than speaking. I believe if we’re all more open minded and lead with our hearts, the future could be full of clarity, healing and love. 

What role does storytelling play in your art?

As mob, storytelling is one of our key ways of sharing knowledge, passing down tradition and keeping culture alive. Storytelling through art is my way of releasing my trauma, it’s my therapy and my vice for surviving in this lifetime. Art and colour therapy through storytelling and creativity always. 

How does your connection to your heritage and country inspired the themes and colours in your art?

My culture is my literal everything. I live on Aboriginal land so it influences, inspires and impacts all aspects of life. I paint using the colours I see from the natural world around me and the emotions that go along with that are translated through colour. Some of the colours I use are also very contemporary and inspired by today’s world.

What advice would you give to young artists who are trying to find their voice?

Give everything a go. Don’t be afraid to fail. Back yourself, only your opinion of yourself matters - and have fun, it should always be fun! 
MILLA

Currently in her gap year, Mila finds fulfilment in her work supporting elderly clients, where her compassion shines through in her day-to-day interactions. Passionate about spreading kindness and creating a ripple effect in her community, she’s on a journey of self-discovery, exploring where her future will take her.

How are you Going Places?

I’m moving forward by continuously learning, setting clear goals, and staying open to new opportunities. I believe growth comes from persistence and adaptability, so I keep challenging myself to explore new avenues and improve along the way.

What is your hope for a better future going into 2025?

My hope for 2025 is that we  overcome important challenges like climate change, inequality, and access to education. I’d like to see advancements in technology to improve quality of life and create more opportunities, helping to build a fairer and more compassionate world.

How are you embracing the freedom of your gap year to explore, grow, and discover what excites you most?

I'm using my gap year to explore different interests, travel, and try new experiences. This time is helping me grow by stepping out of my comfort zone and gaining real-world insights. I'm focusing on discovering what truly excites me, whether it's through creative projects, learning new skills, or connecting with people from different backgrounds through travel. 

What advice would you give to others who feel unsure about their next steps but are learning to enjoy the adventure of figuring it out?

My advice is to embrace the uncertainty and see it as part of the journey. It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Take time to explore your interests, try new things, and learn from every experience. Trust that each step, even if it feels small, is leading you somewhere meaningful. Enjoy the process and stay open to the opportunities that come your way.

How has building connections with elderly people shaped your perspective on the impact of small, everyday acts of kindness?

Connecting with elderly people has deepened my understanding of how powerful small, everyday acts of kindness can be. I've learned that a kind word, a helping hand, or just spending time with someone can brighten their day and make them feel valued. It’s made me realise that these simple gestures can have a ripple effect, creating positive change in ways we might not immediately see.

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