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Youch Achievement Awards 2025 Group Winners

Websters Lawyers is proud of its South Australian roots and strong local focus, so it’s only natural that we support causes with similar values.

The Seven News Young Achiever Awards is such a cause. The Awards acknowledge, encourage and promote the achievements of young people in South Australia. It’s a fantastic platform to showcase the best local talent and achievements in a range of areas.

That’s why we were proud to sponsor the Seven News Young Achiever Awards .

Websters Lawyers Achievement in Law Award

In our modern society, the law and legal process directly reflect our community standards, and any young person moving into this profession is expected to uphold those principles. It has been said that, “The law is never static, [but] is always changing, being interpreted or redefined as regulators and judges strive, with varying degrees of success, to ensure that the law constantly reflects changes in society itself.” Many young lawyers recognize that they also have a role in this process, to strive for justice and equity both for those for whom they act and by extension to the broader community.

The Websters Lawyers Award for “Achievement in Law” seeks to identify those young lawyers and law students who have embraced the unique position they are in to not only help individuals with their legal issues, but also to further the public good. From acknowledging that everyone is equal and all deserve the same chance to get legal justice in a fair way, to championing a legal cause for the greater good of society, they use their talents and skills to contribute to the growth and development of our society.

As a local firm with strong community values, Websters Lawyers is proud to support the Young Achiever Awards and to recognise the accomplishments of our State’s young lawyers and law students and encourage their continued development.

Websters Lawyers Achievement in Law Award Winners and Finalists

2025

Elaine Mariñas

Winner
Elaine Mariñas

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Elaine Mariñas of Gilberton advocates for accessible and improved justice outcomes. Elaine specialises in civil and administrative law at the Legal Services Commission of South Australia. She holds a Master of Laws in Access to Justice and has co-authored significant law reform reports through the South Australian Law Reform Institute. As a migrant raised in Adelaide’s multicultural north, Elaine has overcome personal and systemic barriers to become a respected voice in law, particularly in areas like mental health, migration, and NDIS appeals. She contributes to industry advocacy through the Law Society’s Justice Access Committee and has engaged in community leadership, including aid work and children’s programs.

Ashleigh De Silva (1)

Finalist
Ashleigh De Silva

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Ashleigh De Silva of Adelaide advocates for women in leadership and the legal profession. Ashleigh is a corporate lawyer at Piper Alderman, specialising in M&A, corporate governance, funds management and securities law. She has advised private, public and ASX-listed clients, including a recent IPO for Australian Wealth Advisors Group and a managed investment scheme merger for Lanyon. Ashleigh holds a double degree in law and advanced economics from the University of Adelaide and is a Golden Key Honour Society member. As Oceania Regional Leader for Girl Up, she supports students and education leaders to champion youth leadership and gender equity.

Harriet Knapman

Finalist
Harriet Knapman

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Harriet Knapman advocates for the legal community. Harriet is a Litigation and Dispute Resolution Solicitor at Wallmans Lawyers, admitted to practice in 2022. With prior experience as in-house legal counsel and in private practice, she has developed strong expertise across M&A, regulatory compliance, and civil litigation. Harriet appears regularly in South Australian courts and provides risk management advice for insurers and clients. A first-generation university graduate, she overcame personal and financial challenges to pursue her career. Harriet also volunteers with Aged Care Justice and contributes to legal research with Professor Eileen O’Brien on access to justice issues. She supports and mentors law students.

Finalist
Jasmine Werneburg

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Jasmine Werneburg of Goodwood is dedicated to human rights, First Nations justice and disability advocacy. An Associate Lawyer with experience in Disability and NDIS matters including discrimination law, and now Native Title at Camatta Lempens. Jasmine has secured impactful outcomes for marginalised individuals and communities. She leads policy reform, including Senate submissions, public speaking, and committee appointments. As a survivor and person from a culturally diverse background, Jasmine’s lived experience deeply informs her advocacy. She also leads community initiatives in housing, education, and youth empowerment. Jasmine has held leadership roles such as Head of Policy at Raise Our Voice Australia and President of the Flinders Business Students’ Association.

2024

Isabella Candeloro

Winner
Isabella Candeloro

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Isabella Candeloro of Woodville West, is a recent law graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of South Australia, excels in legal scholarship and community engagement. As a Peer Assisted Study Session Leader, she fosters academic excellence and student retention. Isabella's editorial role at the University of South Australia Law Review reflects her dedication to addressing pressing legal issues. Notably, her research on coercive control legislation, supported by a scholarship and placements, exemplifies her proactive approach to societal challenges. Isabella's involvement, from BBC Essex interviews to pro-bono work, underscores her holistic contribution to law and community welfare.

Harriet Chapman

Finalist
Harriet Knapman

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Harriet Knapman of Norwood, recently joined the team at Wallmans Lawyers as a Solicitor, having previously served as Legal Counsel at Peregrine Corporation, and is a Research Assistant at the University of South Australia, demonstrating exceptional breadth of experience in law. Harriet has worked in teams dealing with M&A transactions, regulatory compliance, and research projects. Recently admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia, she contributes valuable research to Aged Care Justice and collaborates with Dr. Eileen O’Brien on various projects. Despite personal challenges, Harriet's dedication remains unwavering, supported by her academic achievements, volunteer work, and leadership roles within the legal and university communities.

Jasmine Werneburg

Finalist
Jasmine Werneburg

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Jasmine Werneburg of Goodwood, a Lawyer at Equality Lawyers specialising in disability and human rights law, demonstrates unwavering dedication to her clients, drawing from her personal experiences. Her diverse legal background includes roles as a Union Representative, peer mentor, internships at RAA and Flinders Legal Advice Clinic. Jasmine's current focus involves representing individuals and their families in NDIS and disability discrimination matters. She navigates complex legal landscapes with agility and compassion, striving for equitable outcomes. Jasmine is also a member of the Law Society of South Australia’s Human Rights Committee, contributing to discussions on the Human Rights impacts of proposed legislative changes.

Olivia Brownsey

Finalist
Olivia Brownsey

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Olivia Brownsey of Adelaide, is a dedicated legal professional, starting her career in Native Title, aiding Aboriginal Communities with claims and governance. Transitioning to the Legal Services Commission, she provided vital legal assistance, particularly to survivors of domestic violence via the Safe & Well Kids (SAWK) program. Olivia spearheaded the SAWK program, securing funding and aiding numerous families, showcasing her commitment to community. At Wallmans Lawyers, she empowers Aboriginal organisations and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Olivia gracefully tackles challenges, fostering strong client bonds and promoting legal accessibility. As a mentor in the Aboriginal Law Student Mentoring Program, she nurtures future legal talent.

2023

Eamon Sullivan

Winner
Eamon Lawson

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(Winner) Eamon Lawson is Regulatory Lead at Southern Launch where he works with regulators at the State and Federal levels to secure authorisations that enable access to space from the company’s two launch facilities in South Australia. Eamon has served as on-range Compliance Officer during five launch campaigns and is regularly involved in law reform and advocacy efforts which support the development of an effective regulatory framework governing commercial space activities in Australia.

Daniella Cutufia

Finalist
Daniella Cutufia

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(Finalist) Daniella Cutufia was a long-time volunteer at the Women’s Legal Service SA (WLSSA), assisting with their legal advice during her studies, before becoming a lawyer in 2017. She continued to volunteer weekly at WLSSA throughout 2020, even after leaving for private practice. She became the inaugural Deputy Associate of Her Honour Judge Dickson before returning to private practice at David Burrell & Co.

Mihiri Sumanasekara

Finalist
Mihiri Sumanasekara

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(Finalist) Mihiri Sumanasekara is a Sri Lankan first-generation lawyer admitted to practice in 2020 after completing an LLB and International Relations at the University of South Australia. She also a worked as a Peer Mentor Leader at UniSA, and actively works to improve and support her community and the community at large. Mihiri is an associate at Nathan White Lawyers working predominantly in Family Law and Child Protection.

Isabella Candeloro

Finalist
Isabella Candeloro

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(Finalist) Isabella Candeloro is a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student at the University of South Australia. Isabella works as a UniSA Peer Assisted Study Session Leader, facilitating law-based study sessions for students. Isabella recently undertook a UniSA Research Scholarship surrounding emerging coercive control legislation in South Australia. She is a member of the Rights Resource Network SA and Golden Key International Honour Society and was an editor for UniSA Law Review.

Websters Lawyers have also previously sponsored the Service to the Community Award

People who contribute to community services and activities are the heartbeat of our society and without them many essential services would not exist. Not only do these people have the skills and commitment to get involved, but they are so often motivated by a desire to make a genuine difference to the lives of others. In young people in particular, we see community supporters who are passionate and energised by the essential work that they do.

Volunteering can take many forms, for example manual labour, fundraising activities, offering pro bono professional services, taking the time to visit someone or to chat to them on the phone, or anything in between. It is all valuable work. Fundamental to this is those individuals who identify a need within the community and who take positive action to address that need and motivate others to get involved.

The Award recognises young people who go the extra mile in their volunteering activities and who promote community spirit, who put the needs of others before their own, and who make important contributions to the communities in which they live.

Websters Lawyers Service to the Community Award Winners and Finalists

2022

Lily-Biggs-and-Nikita-Trewartha

Winners
Lily Biggs and Nikita Trewartha

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(Winners) Lily Biggs and Nikita Trewartha, 24 of Fitzroy are co-founders of Salty Lips, a community initiative. They encourage the people of Adelaide to step out of their comfort zone and connect with others. They organise the event every Wednesday morning, which involves a 30-minute yoga flow, followed by jumping in the ocean and ending with a sip of coffee. Roughly 700 individuals gather at the beach every week.

Lachlan-Plummer

Finalist
Lachlan Plummer

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(Finalist) Lachlan Plummer, 17 of Evanston Park has been part of the Surf Life Saving since 2016. Starting off with a bronze award, he recently received his silver medallion aquatic rescue. In 2020, he was chosen for a position for the first-ever lifesaving development camp. Lachlan has also joined the country fire service. He has been training to be a volunteer firefighter and is qualified in fighting fires.

Wathnak-Vy

Finalist
Wathnak Vy

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(Finalist) Wathnak Vy, 25 of Para Hills has served as a case manager and counsellor with Relationships Australia SA. In 2019, Wathnak completed his counselling degree with high distinction. During the pandemic lockdown, he offered free phone counselling services to over 230 people across three universities. He extends his work as counsellor for ASKPEACE, a virtual mental health service for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

2021

dimity-bullen-nicholas

Winner
Dimity Bullen-Nicholas

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(Winner) Dimity Bullen-Nicholas 28 of Surrey Downs is an Ambassador, Board Member and Community Advocate for Cystic Fibrosis South Australia (CFSA). She has run 9 half-marathon to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. She works with staffing teams to reduce the risk of complications and created a mentorship program for struggling teens to help them understand their illness. She has worked with committees to get life-saving treatment approved in Australia and get CF recognised by the NDIS. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she helped raise over $80,000 for CFSA. Dimity runs an online business, “Delivering Flowers”, allowing her to work from home and hospital due to having CF.

wathnak-vy

Finalist
Wathnak Vy

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(Finalist) Wathnak Vy 24 of Para Hills West is a counsellor, a student taking Master in Counselling, specialising in Advanced Practice, and a volunteer for the Cambodian Association of South Australia, Mental Health Foundation SA and Suicide Prevention Network. He is the youngest registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he offered free phone counselling services, helping around 230 people. Wathnak completed double degrees of Bachelor of International Development and Bachelor of Social Sciences at the University of Adelaide. He received the South Australian 2021 Australian Day Award for Leadership and Cultures and 2021 Young Citizen of the Year Award for the Adelaide City Council.

emily-harman

Finalist
Emily Harman

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(Finalist) Emily Harman 23 of Elizabeth Park is an ambassador and advocate for others with disability. Emily lives with Cerebral Palsy. She is an active member of the Playford Youth Advisory Committee, the Salisbury City Rotaract Club, and the Helping Young People Achieve (HYPA) Youth Leadership Team. She overcame depression in Year 10, finished Year 12 and acquired a Certificate III in Disability Support with support from HYPA. She works at Novita, where she came up with the idea of transport training to allow clients to engage in the community more. Emily has received the 2018 Playford Young Citizen of the Year and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

2020

monu-chamlagai

Winner
Monu Chamlagai

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(Winner) Monu Chamlagai, 19 of Salisbury hopes to gives back to the community that welcomed her. Monu is the Deputy Chair for Salisbury Youth Council 2019, having been a Council member for three years. She is a member of Every Life Matters Salisbury Suicide Prevention Network – Youth Focus Group, which aims to reduce suicide rates among young people. She is part of the SA Youth Junior Parliament and SA Youth Parliament. Monu volunteers in her Bhutanese Community, assisting young people to learn about their culture and language. She is studying Psychology at the University of South Australia and was named Salisbury Young Citizen of the Year 2020.

grace-fuller

Finalist
Grace Fuller

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(Finalist) Grace Fuller, 11 of Kidman Park runs fundraising and awareness activities that impact minority groups. She managed an event to raise money for the purchase of a “Shelter Box” to assist a family displaced by the Syrian War. She helped raise funds to help eradicate polio through a mini education program within her school. She raised $430, which was matched by the Rotary Club of Prospect and doubled by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, resulting in 11,000 vaccines being acquired. Grace volunteers with the Henley Beach Surf Life Saving and Prospect Rotary Clubs and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award in recognition for her volunteering.

stacey-mousley

Finalist
Stacey Mousley

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(Finalist) Stacey Mousley, 26 of Wynn Vale is committed to empowering young people. For over six years, Stacey has been a volunteer at Talk Out Loud, a youth empowerment and suicide prevention group, where she speaks in community meetings and schools and conducts empowerment workshops and programs. She also volunteers at Red Frogs, which aims to look after people who are intoxicated at sporting events, music festivals and uni parties. At Victory Church, she is involved in running youth and children’s programs to guide them on life’s journey. Stacey volunteers at Adelaide Zoo and in bushfire relief operations. She was named 2019 Westfield Local Hero Winner.

2019

Cyanne-Westerman-Winner

Winner
Cyanne Westerman

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(Winner) Cyanne Westerman, of Whyalla is fighting for the rights of people living with disability. As a founding member of the Whyalla Youth Advisory Committee she suggested to holds an event to acknowledge the International Day of People living with Disability. Cyanne is a member of the Whyalla Beach Access Group and been actively pushing for an accessible beach for all people, fundraising for Beach Wheelchairs, and educating locals on the shift to accessible beaches. Cyanne was an advisor on the local Disability Advisory Group formed by the Whyalla Council and Regional Development Australia and helped develop the “Living Well, Whyalla’s Masterplan for Disability & Ageing.”

Kalia-Harris-Finalist

Finalist
Kalia Harris

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(Finalist) Kalia Harris, of Moana aims to inspire young people and lend a hand to the less fortunate. As head junior swim coach at Moana Surf Club, she trains juniors to be better swimmers and provides tips on techniques and endurance. She is also a co-social coordinator at Youth Christian Students. At Cardijn College, she was captain of the Southern Blue Cardijn Collage’s pedal prix team. For nine years, Kalia has volunteered in her school community and helped raise awareness and funds for organisations like RSPCA, Fred’s Van soup kitchen and CanTeen. She received the Mackillop House Spirit Award and the Youth Christian Students Commitment Award.

Shamsiya-Mohammadi-Finalist

Finalist
Shamsiya Mohammadi

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(Finalist) Shamsiya Mohammadi, of Parafield Gardens has a passion for helping others, particularly women and refugees. She arrived in Australia ten years ago as a refugee from Afghanistan. Shamsiya has volunteered for Welcome to Australia, the Australian Refugee Association, the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the City of Salisbury and the Association of Australian Tertiary Students from Afghanistan. As an active member of her high school Student Representative Council, she lobbied for better services. Shamsiya is currently completing a double degree in Law and Journalism. She received the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Award and is the first Afghan-Australian recipient of a Charles Allan Seymour Hawker Scholarship. Shamsiya was also the winner of the 2018 YAA Fresh 92.7, People’s Choice Award.

2018

Kira-Bain-Winner

Winner
Kira Bain

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(Winner) Kira Bain, of Ingle Farm is a young Ngarrindjeri woman working to revitalise the language of the Adelaide Plains. She teaches Kaurna throughout schools and has supported at risk young Aboriginals as a Youth and Community Mentor. Based in Tauondi Aboriginal College, she teaches Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people about the land they stand on. She is in demand as a retention strategist and cultural support person in schools. Kira was also a finalist in the YAA Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, Aboriginal Achievement Award.

Damian-Walker-Finalist

Finalist
Damien Walker

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(Finalist) Damien Walker, of Parafield volunteers for many organisations whilst studying teaching full time. He won the Rotary Youth Leadership Award for his work with several Rotary Clubs. He volunteered for the suicide prevention organisation, Talk Out Loud, and the Twelve25 Salisbury Youth Enterprise Centre. In his work with the Salisbury Catholic Parish Children's Program he manages 50 volunteers. Damien is an Australia Day Young South Australian of the Year.

Aidan-Barry-Finalist

Finalist
Aidan Barry

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(Finalist) Aidan Barry, of Marion captains the No Handicap Golf Club and has played golf since he was eight. He advocates the importance of including the disabled in society, regularly speaking at Novita fundraising events. He completed high school and is currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching. Aidan’s disabilities have not prevented him from winning the Gary Hart Memorial Golf Trophy and being invited to the US Open. Aiden was also a finalist in the YAA Worldwide Printing Solutions, Sports Award.

Lauren-Heddle-Finalist

Finalist
Lauren Heddle

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(Finalist) Lauren Heddle, of Upper Sturt runs workshops for children at Urrbrae Wetlands, the Botanic Gardens and on World Environment Day. Lauren has helped run Urrbrae Wetland Open Days for ten years and was supervisor at the Royal Adelaide Show’s Agriculture Centre. She has appeared in the local newspaper and on ABC3 Kids News. She coaches netball and represented SA as an umpire at the Pacific School Games. Lauren was the winner of the YAA Scouts SA, Leadership Award.

2017

Emmah-Evans-Winner

Winner
Emmah Evans

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(Winner) Emmah Evans, of Woodcroft is a Cystic Fibrosis fighter, a Mother, a wife, an author and a motivational speaker. She is an Ambassador for both Cure4CF Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Australia. Emmah has been interviewed on television and press, raising awareness that 1 in 25 people carry the CF gene. In 2016, she spent over 500 hours organising a high tea ‘Fearless’, raising over $14,000 for Cure4CF Foundation. Her Facebook page CF Mummy has over 4,300 followers. This video was created to assist Emmah to promote awareness of Cystic Fibrosis and share her experiences and insights. Websters Lawyers welcomed the opportunity to sponsor the video so as to help Emmah share her story.

Ysabella-Van-Sebille-Finalist

Finalist
Ysabella Van Sebille

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(Finalist) Ysabella Van Sebille, of Beulah Park is researching for her PhD, the toxic effects of anti-cancer therapies on the gastrointestinal tract. She has a passion for promoting education, especially science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine, to both women, and underprivileged groups. Ysabella volunteers weekly at the Australian Refugee Association, tutoring and mentoring students in science subjects. She volunteered in the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Program, helping Indigenous women studying nursing. She co-founded The University of Adelaide’s student-led Teaching Awards. Ysabella was the winner of the YAA University of Adelaide, Science and Technology Award.

Matilda-Hutchinson-Finalist

Finalist
Matilda Hutchinson

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(Finalist) Matilda Hutchinson, of Sellicks Beach suffers from severe endometriosis, causing constant pain. Matilda founded Endometriosis Awareness Adelaide, an online support network for women suffering from endometriosis. She ran the 2017 Endometriosis Awareness Ball to raise awareness and much needed funds for medical research. Matilda also volunteers as an animal rescue fosterer and her long term goal is to complete her vet nursing studies and open her own rescue centre. Matilda also runs her own bridal store, Project Wifey.

Zac-Cannell-Finalist

Finalist
Zac Cannell

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(Finalist) Zac Cannell, of Adelaide is a passionate and proud transgender man promoting the health, well-being and safety of the gender diverse community. Zac is co-founder of the peer support group FTMen-SA, providing support to over 70 transmen and their families. Zac has a degree in Social Work and currently works for SHine SA as a Sexual Health Counsellor. He volunteered as an SES Rescue Volunteer for over three years and also volunteers for numerous online support groups.