Shining a spotlight on the inspiring contributions of young Australians, the transformative power of community engagement, and the entrepreneurial achievements of veterans and the ADF community, The King’s Trust Australia is delighted to announce the winners of its inaugural 2025 King’s Trust Australia Awards.
Building on the legacy of the 2022 – 2024 Beyond Service Awards, these national awards reflect The Trust’s commitment to support young people through education, employment, and enterprise pathways, while continuing to celebrate the successes of Australian Defence Force veteran and family entrepreneurs.
“It was an honour to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young Australians and our veteran community at Admiralty House. Every finalist and winner is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership and community spirit,” said Michelle Endacott, CEO, The King’s Trust Australia.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 King’s Trust Australia Awards
The Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year Award, is the peak award that recognises the outstanding efforts of veterans, ADF partners and spouses in business across Australia. Won by Jeremy Holder, Founder of TacMed Australia, Jeremy’s journey from Special Operations medic to founder of TacMed Australia is a testament to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Shocked by the lack of battlefield-grade trauma gear in civilian emergency services, Jeremy launched TacMed from his spare bedroom. Today, TacMed equips Australia’s frontline responders – from paramedics to police – with advanced trauma kits and tactical medical training rooted in military expertise.
Their motto, “Depend on us when lives depend on you,” reflects a deep commitment to saving lives and supporting those who serve. TacMed’s impact extends beyond equipment—it offers veterans meaningful careers and fosters a culture of service.
Shannon Lemanski, Founder of Aqua Ubique won both the 2025 Saab Australia Rising Star Award and the 2025 Veolia Sustainability Award.
An Army veteran and mechanical engineer, Shannon is revolutionising access to clean water through his social enterprise, Aqua Ubique. Inspired by a deployment to Papua New Guinea, Shannon developed technology that creates drinking water from air – Atmospheric Water Generation. His mission: 300 million litres of water per day by 2032, ensuring every Australian can trust what flows from their tap. Launched in 2024, Aqua Ubique’s Drop4Drop model funds machines for remote communities with every corporate installation.
Shannon credits The King’s Trust Australia’s Enterprise programme for helping him take action: “The programme reminded us we weren’t alone. It gave us capability, credibility, and connections and continues to shape how we grow.”
Shannon’s story is one of ingenuity, impact, and unwavering dedication to sustainability and social equity.
Tobias Prior, a Yirrganydji man on Gunggandji and Yidinji Country is the winner of the Ministry of the Future Young Achiever Award.
Last year, Tobias joined The King’s Trust Australia’s Get Into Reef Conservation programme to build his skills and expand his career options. Over the seven-week course, he gained valuable training in reef conservation, Traditional Owner Science, and personal development.
At first, Tobias was quiet and reserved, but his confidence grew, as did his committment to caring for his Sea Country and he accepted a job to weld MAARS stars which are used to grow coral to regenerate the reef.
Tobias’ journey is as a powerful example of how targeted programmes, grounded in culture and delivered on Country, can empower First Nations young people to lead, protect, and inspire.
The Paul Cross Educator of the Year Award exemplifies the power of education to transform lives, communities, and futures, and winner Catherine McDougall does just that.
Through food education programmes like Jackson’s Training Café and Bean@bility Café, Catherine has created real-world experiences where students can gain nationally recognised hospitality qualifications while building confidence, community, and a sense of purpose.
She co-founded the not-for-profit Prepare Produce Provide (PPP) and launched the 5,000 Meals Program, turns rescued food into real-world learning and leadership. Students not only learn culinary skills but also leadership and social responsibility.
And the results speak for themselves – improved school attendance, greater engagement, and clear post-school pathways into further education and employment.
Catherine’s story proves that heart, culture, and purpose are critical to success in education and life.
Congratulations to Wugu Nyambil Ltd, winners of the 2025 Employer of the Year Award.
In Yarrabah, Far North Queensland, over half the population is under 25, and youth unemployment hovers around 35%. But one Indigenous-led organisation is changing the narrative. Wugu Nyambil – meaning “Holding onto Work” – creates real employment pathways for young people in Yarrabah aged 17–26.
Focused on local ownership, deep cultural understanding, and tailored support, they walk alongside young people – offering support, education, mental health, relocation, and more. What sets the organisation apart is its approach – all staff are local First Nations people with deep roots in the community that support strong, trusted relationships with participants.
At its core, Wugu Nyambil believes that young people are the future leaders of Yarrabah. Empowering them to achieve their goals is not just about individual success, it’s about building a strong, self-determined future for the whole community.
The 2025 King’s Trust Australia Awards are proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors The Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Veolia Australia and New Zealand; Silver Sponsors Saab Australia and supported by Paul Cross and Barry Janes and the Ministry for the Future.
