The nation's capital continues to be a breeding ground for exceptional talent, as highlighted by the final ten individuals named in The Canberra Times' prestigious 30 Under 30 list for 2026. This diverse group, ranging from international advocates and sporting stars to grassroots activists and creative minds, exemplifies the dynamic spirit driving Canberra forward.
Voices for Global and Local Change
Satara Uthayakumaran, an ANU law student, holds the significant role of Australia's Youth Representative to the United Nations for 2025. Her mission has involved travelling across the country to gather stories from young Australians, including those in detention, to present their collective experiences at the UN General Assembly.
In the realm of housing advocacy, Howard Maclean, a 2026 ACT Young Australian of the Year nominee, is a leading voice. As the founder of Greater Canberra, he campaigns tirelessly for more affordable housing, liveable suburbs, and sustainable urban planning, focusing on the crucial 'missing middle' of medium-density development.
Climate action finds a powerful advocate in Anjali Sharma, another ACT Young Australian of the Year finalist. Now a 21-year-old ANU law student, she first made headlines as a teenager by taking the federal government to court over a coal mine. She continues her fight, campaigning for a 'Duty of Care' amendment to the Climate Change Act to protect future generations.
Excellence in Sport, Arts, and Exploration
Canberra's sporting prowess is well represented by dual-code star Grace Kemp. Starting her professional career at 17, she earned selection for the Wallaroos in the 2022 Rugby Union World Cup before switching to rugby league with the Canberra Raiders' inaugural NRLW team, where she has become a fixture.
From the Raiders, Hudson Young earns his spot not only as a representative player for NSW and Australia but also as an entrepreneur. The 27-year-old has launched his own business, Young Supplements, aimed at supporting fellow athletes.
Canberra-born actor Nathalie Morris is making waves on screen in the popular Australian drama Bump. An alumni of Canberra Youth Theatre, her role as Oly showcases the talent nurtured in the capital's creative institutions.
Adding a dose of digital-age adventure, Abbey Best (21) has captivated thousands of social media followers with her urban exploration of abandoned Canberra sites like the Big Splash Water Park and Telstra Tower, offering a unique glimpse into the city's hidden spaces.
Shaping the Future Through Science, Design, and Media
The next generation of scientific minds includes Anton Steinhauser, a Lake Ginninderra College graduate who achieved a near-perfect ATAR of 99.95. Specialising in maths and sciences, he plans to study quantum physics, drawn to the field's many unknowns.
Creative design has transformed a beloved Canberra institution thanks to Tilda Joy. A recent ANU School of Art & Design graduate, she led the redesign of Questacon's Mini-Q gallery for young children, creating characters, 3D models, and expansive murals for the newly reopened space.
In the media landscape, Keeley Gay (24) has rapidly ascended from a sales coordinator role to become a key on-air personality at Hit104.7. She also produces the highest-rating radio show in Canberra, Kristen & Nige, and was nominated for a national radio award in 2024.
This final cohort of ten, alongside the twenty previously announced, completes a list that powerfully demonstrates the breadth of ambition, talent, and civic engagement thriving among Canberra's youth. Their collective efforts in law, sport, advocacy, arts, and innovation are actively shaping a more dynamic, equitable, and exciting future for the Australian capital.
