The Canberra Times continues its celebration of the city's most dynamic young talent, unveiling the second group of ten individuals from its highly anticipated 30 Under 30 list for 2026. This diverse cohort, all aged under 30, is already leaving an indelible mark on the nation's capital through innovation, creativity, and dedicated community service.
From Parliament to Publishing: Diverse Paths to Success
This instalment highlights the remarkable breadth of talent within Canberra's younger generation. At just 25, Laura Nuttall has made political history as the youngest Greens representative ever elected to an Australian parliament and the first Gen Z member of the ACT Legislative Assembly. Her journey to office was unique, initially entering via a countback before winning her seat outright in the 2025 election.
In the literary world, Liam Adams is challenging perceptions through his publishing venture, Everyone Needs A Liam. As a cartoonist and author, he creates science fiction, fantasy, and comedy works that draw from his experiences with autism and intellectual disability. His eight self-published books and advocacy have made him a finalist for the 2026 Young Australian of the Year and a role model for neurodivergent artists.
Innovators in Business and Conservation
The entrepreneurial spirit is strong among this group. Maddi Easterbrook, a law graduate from ANU, bypassed traditional career paths to found Future Swirl, a sustainable oat-milk ice cream company. Her products are now stocked in Canberra supermarkets and are in high demand at events, with growing interest from Sydney and Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Anthony Giorgi has translated his early success as a teen soccer star in Italy's Serie C into a thriving luxury car dealership, Leadr. Described as "an absolute weapon," the young CEO is already planning international expansion to Dubai.
In the realm of environmental science, Jarrod Sopniewski is leading a groundbreaking project to save the green and golden bell frog. The University of Canberra researcher is installing 180 specialised brick saunas and salt bath ponds across 15 local wetlands, aiming to coax the frogs, silent in the region since the 1980s, back from the brink of extinction.
Cultural Contributors and Community Builders
The arts and culture scene is richly represented. Lucy Sugerman, who first captured national attention on The Voice at age 15, remains a fixture in Canberra's music landscape at 25, recording albums and advocating for the arts. Jakida Smith, 23, performs alongside her father in Wiradjuri Echoes, sharing Indigenous culture with audiences that have included royalty and prime ministers, though she finds her greatest joy in teaching children.
Proving that success can come from humble beginnings, tech entrepreneur Zak Farag has channelled his experiences with ADHD into creating the app Psyquility. The 25-year-old, who was once homeless and misunderstood in school, now develops tools to help other neurodivergent individuals manage their goals while awaiting formal diagnosis and support.
Completing this list are professionals excelling in their fields. Tom Wiggans, 26, has rapidly ascended in Canberra's real estate market, now selling seven-figure properties and mentoring newcomers. And Alex Royds, 29, has elevated the humble toastie to gourmet status with his Melted Toasted Sandwich Emporium in Fyshwick, alongside running The Cheeserie in Belconnen Markets—all after starting his career as Australia's youngest piano tuner at 19.
These ten individuals exemplify the drive, talent, and vision present in Canberra's youth. Their stories, spanning politics, business, science, and the arts, demonstrate that the future of the capital is in capable and inspiring hands. The Canberra Times will reveal the final ten names in its 30 Under 30 list in the coming days.
