Meet South Australia’s 40 Under 40 of 2026

FIRST AMONG EQUALS AWARD
PRESENTED BY CREDIT UNION SA

Danny (Hyungsup) Yoon

Managing Director, Withus Global

If a Korean meal out has become one of your weekly rituals, you’re not alone – and there’s a good chance Danny (Hyungsup) Yoon has something to do with it.

Arriving in Australia in 2011 as an international student with no financial backing, Yoon’s own path was anything but straightforward. But through persistence, and more than a few setbacks, Yoon helped build Withus Global into a business that has helped unlock a wave of new opportunities.

Long before Korean fried chicken and kimchi became staples on local menus, Yoon saw a problem most people didn’t: behind the scenes, restaurants were struggling with inconsistent supply, high costs and limited access to essential ingredients.

“Before I started food distribution in South Australia, there were only around 15 to 18 Korean restaurants in the region,” Yoon says. “Today, there are more than 40.”

Yoon’s work underpins a growing network of restaurants, retailers and communities quietly shaping the way South Australians experience Korean food – but, for Yoon, success has never been just about scale.

Through Withus Global, Yoon has opened doors for people who are often left out of the workforce, including individuals living with disability.

“I have always believed that building an environment where people can stay matters,” Yoon says.

INSPIRING FEMALE LEADERS AWARD
PRESENTED BY ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL

Amy Rust

Managing Director & Founder, Jindawayni Consulting

In 2025 Amy Rust founded Jindawayni Consulting, a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned company, after more than a decade spent in senior political roles.

“Those experiences showed me that decisions affecting Aboriginal communities are often made without culturally informed engagement or genuine participation,” Rust says.

“Jindawayni was built to bridge the gap and ensure engagement is meaningful, culturally informed and leads to better outcomes for my people.”

Jindawayni Consulting operates with staff in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

CREATIVE THINKER AWARD
PRESENTED BY KWP+PARTNERS

Ashleigh Greaves

Founder & CEO, simplefy.ai

Ashleigh Greaves is founder and CEO of Adelaide-based AI consulting firm simplefy.ai. Launched in June 2025 to help businesses adopt AI safely, strategically and with measurable commercial outcomes.

The business quickly built a diverse client base across sectors including real estate, manufacturing, legal, healthcare and not-for-profits, working with everyone from small family operators to large enterprises.

“I started simplefy.ai because I wanted to be part of a solution,” Greaves says.

Within months, simplefy.ai was appointed sole delivery partner for South Australia’s AI Capability Pilot Program, supporting more than 350 businesses statewide.

EMERGING INDUSTRIES AWARD
PRESENTED BY PIPER ALDERMAN

Dilsee Dutta

Co-founder, Keen Care Australia

Australian software platform Keen Care was purpose-built for NDIS and aged care providers to manage client funding, rostering, invoicing and compliance in oneintegrated system.

The motivation behind Keen Care came from seeing how much time care organisations lose to disconnected systems and paperwork, rather than delivering care.

Within its first year, Keen Care has rapidly scaled across the sector, driven by what Dilsee Dutta describes as a mix of commercial focus and empathy for frontline care workers.

“It’s not just commercial results but empathy, an understanding of what it feels like to carry the weight of caring for others,” Dutta says.

GAME CHANGER AWARD
PRESENTED BY ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

Gabrielle Smart

Owner & Principal, Hills and Country Paediatric Dentistry

Gabrielle Smart established Hills and Country Paediatric Dentistry in 2023 following a “huge leap of faith” during a period shaped by burnout, pregnancy loss and Covid-era pressure on clinicians.

Despite this, Smart built a values-led practice which focuses on accessible, non-judgemental care.

“We bulk bill the Medicare Child Dental Benefit Schedule for dental treatment where we can, allowing us to treat many children essentially for free or at no cost to the parents,” Smart says. “To date, we have treated more than 600 children with close to 300 having treatment with the aid of happy gas. To our knowledge we are the only specialist paediatric practice that bulk bills this scheme.”

INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS AWARD
PRESENTED BY SA BUSINESS CHAMBER

Jess Tresidder

Lead, GTM, Sales & AI educator, ReubenAI

Jess Tresidder helps young people and small businesses in regional communities get ahead of the tech curve and makes investing more accessible. “It’s taking something usually reserved for people with the right postcode or network and making it more available to everyone else,” Tresidder says.

Tresidder calls it “democratising access,” making opportunities, knowledge and tools available to people regardless of their background or location.

Living regionally herself, Tresidder has seen the gap up close. “The people who most need these skills are usually the furthest from them. I believe education has the power to minimise this gap”.

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD 
PRESENTED BY WILLIAM BUCK

Joshua Mollison

Managing Director, Living Building Solutions

Joshua Mollison’s career path hasn’t been straightforward. After early setbacks and growing frustration with the slow pace of traditional engineering firms, Mollison stepped away to reassess. “Was I actually helping people? Was I having an impact? The honest answer was no,” Mollison says.

That moment of clarity brought him to LBS, where Mollison has helped scale a consultancy that has grown into one of the country’s leading energy efficiency and sustainability advisory firms, completing tens of thousands of projects nationwide. Mollison has also played a key role in expanding services, building international delivery capability and driving major growth across multiple Australian states.

RURAL AND REGIONAL AWARD
PRESENTED BY INDAILY

Manny Katz

Director, Eyrelab

Eyrelab began in 2021 as Coffin Bay Scuba Co, a dive and training operation that quickly uncovered a deeper purpose after documenting the decline of local oyster reef ecosystems.

“We were seeing first-hand how degraded these habitats had bec­ome,” Manny Katz says.

In 2024, the organisation evolved into Eyrelab, shifting its focus to marine restoration, conservation and youth training in ocean science.

Today Eyrelab works with schools, universities and local communities to rebuild oyster reefs, deliver scuba certifications for students, and engage citizen scientists in coastal monitoring and education.

“It’s about turning science into practical action,” Katz says.

DISCOVERY AWARD
PRESENTED BY CMAX

Mara Zeissig

Laboratory Head, South Australian ImmunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), Adelaide University

Cancer researcher Mara Zeissig established her own independent laboratory in 2024 at just 29 years old. The youngest of 20 laboratory heads at SAiGENCI, Zeissig manages a $2.6 million research program focused on developing new immunotherapies for hard-to-treat cancers including triple negative breast and lung cancer.

Born in Argentina and raised in Mount Gambier, Zeissig says her path into science was shaped by migration and opportunity. “Working in Australia made that dream to become a researcher a reality. I am passionate about making a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer.”

FOOD INNOVATION AWARD
PRESENTED BY COMFRESH

Megan Bowditch

Co-Founder, Prove Patisserie

Megan Bowditch is co-founder of Prove Patisserie, an artisan bakery in Stepney known for its croissants, pastries and bread made from top-quality, often South Australian ingredients. What began in 2020 in a shared Port Adelaide warehouse has grown into a thriving bakery supplying more than 55 cafés, restaurants and wine bars within the CBD and city fringe, alongside a busy retail store.

“Made with passion, eaten with joy” is the philosophy behind everything they do, with every product passing through multiple hands before it reaches their customers.

Bowditch says our business goal is simple: “high standards, done with heart, while building a values-led, community-focused business.”

SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
PRESENTED BY COMMUNITY CORPORATE

Seshnie Taylor

Founder & CEO, Vocare

Vocare offers AI-powered voice analysis and applied linguistics, along with practical training, to improve spoken clarity, confidence and care-specific terminology for care workers.

“By improving communication between workers, residents, clients and families, Vocare aims to unlock the full potential of a diverse workforce and improve the quality and safety of care delivery,” Seshnie Taylor says.

Since its founding, Vocare has evolved into a growing CareTech company working with a number of providers to strengthen work-force capability while supporting the sustainability of Australia’s care economy.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS LEADERS AWARD
PRESENTED BY TERRACE FLOORS + FURNISHINGS

Stefanie Mazzone

Director, Waterbox

Stefanie Mazzone’s career has always been driven by impact. “I’ve sought to build a career that goes beyond individual success and focus on meaningful outcomes for communities and the environment,” Mazzone says.

That impact led to Waterbox Australia’s investment in plant-based beverage cartons designed to reduce environmental impact. “I noticed the growing trend of carton packaged water overseas and wanted to bring a more environmentally friendly option to Australia,” Mazzone says.

Mazzone helped launch the brand into Australian markets including retailers, hotels, universities and major distributors.

Alex Savaglia

Owner & Director, Trilogy Consulting

Putting family before career, Alex Savaglia left his role as a mining geologist/geophysicist to transition into contaminated land assessment and remediation. Founded in 2024, Trilogy Consulting is currently delivering on two major contaminated sites in South Australia including Brompton Gasworks and Port Stanvac.

Anthony Frith

Writer & Director, Mostly True Media

 Since its establishment in 2024, to produce Anthony Frith’s feature documentary Mockbuster, Mostly True Media has created more than 40 jobs and screened at international film festivals. Alongside co-writer and producer Sandy Cameron, Frith has expanded the company into television and film development projects.

Cassie Hutchinson

Founder, The Rundle Collective

The Rundle Collective was founded in 2022 by artist and creative entrepreneur Cassie Hutchinson through the Renew Adelaide Program. What began as a small 113sqm creative studio supporting just four artists has grown into one of Adelaide’s largest independent creative communities, now spanning over 800sqm across two levels in the heart of the CBD. Today, The Rundle Collective is home to more than 60 creatives, offering private studios, desk spaces, co-working opportunities, workshop rooms, exhibition spaces, and community events. 

Chanel Martin

Managing Director, Resolve Divorce

Female-owned and led, Resolve Divorce is the largest specialist family law firm in South Australia, using a resolution focused model to support families through separation. Since joining as its first employee, Chanel Martin has helped Resolve Divorce grow from a two-person practice into a 35+ team supporting hundreds of families each year.

Cooper Rees-Jones

Founder & CEO, Stepney Studios

Founded in 2021 by Cooper Rees-Jones and Thomas Schaefer, two sole traders driven by their shared passion for video production, Stepney Studios produces commercials, and digital campaigns. In four years, the team has delivered more than 1000 videos with a focus on creative storytelling.

Cybill Getgood

Founder & Chief Operating Officer, People Avenue

Writer and entrepreneur, Cybill Getgood’s career has been defined by building and scaling organisations from the ground up. People Avenue connects Australian and US clients across marketing, recruitment and technology with skilled professionals. Clients include pharmaceutical, manufacturing and not-for-profit organisations.

Cyrus Rafizadeh

Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, C9 Apps

Driven by a genuine passion for identifying challenges and developing thoughtful solutions that create lasting value, Cyrus Rafizadeh founded C9 Apps. Home to TowTap, ChargeAway and the renowned CarSwap, C9 Apps is a practical technology platform which develops designs and operates these innovative applications.

David Chikwuba

CEO, Mentoring, Coaching & Counselling

As a psychology student in 2015, David Chikwuba started mentoring a small group of young people through community and church networks. Today his multidisciplinary business employs more than 20 practitioners, working to strengthen identity, connection and opportunity for disengaged young people.

Eden Hansen

Owner & Founder, Better Together Pre-loved Fashion

Eden Hansen’s pre-loved fashion boutique in Hyde Park began in 2021 with just 10 racks; today it has expanded into a flagship location housing more than 80 rent-a-racks, and has become a hub for circular fashion, combining curated retail with sustainable resale and community connection.

Eli Moulton

Owner, Plus One Dress Hire / EmBody

Eli Moulton started Plus One as a small home-based dress hire concept during maternity leave, growing it into a national inclusive fashion platform helping women hire occasion wear. Alongside this, Moulton founded Em Body, a private personal training studio integrating on-site professional childcare and purpose-built facilities.

Emmah O’Connell

Founder & Director, EOC Group & Gundilya

Emmah O’Connell founded her recruitment and HR organistion in 2024 before co-founding Gundilya in 2025. A proudly Indigenous-owned organisation, Gundilya is dedicated to delivering culturally grounded employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure long-term employment.

Fallon Roocke

Founder, Director & Co-director, Fallon & Co. / Opblue / Ruff Supplied

Fallon Roocke leads marketing and business development agency Fallon & Co. and co-founded sustainable sweatband product venture Ruff Supplied. Roocke also serves as co-director of OpBlue, an international not-for-profit delivering education and daily meals to communities in need.

Fern Lawson

Founder & Director, Local Heart Community

Fern Lawson connects individuals with meaningful work and challenges perceptions around disability and disadvantage. Local Heart Community began as one-on-one mentoring and has grown into a 30+ strong team delivering mentoring, capacity building and supporting inclusive employment pathways.

Filip Krawiec

CEO, REQ Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Starting solo with a rented van, Filip Krawiec has grown REQ Refrigeration & Air Conditioning to a 25-person team and one of the state’s highest-rated installers. Alongside scaling the business, Krawiec is committed to developing apprentices and supporting the next generation of tradespeople.

Jamie Antonuccio

Director, Arc Tile Design / Adelaide Tiling Co. / Ogetto

Jamie Antonuccio is the founder of Arc Tile Design, which specialises in custom-made, innovatively designed surfaces that create personalised spaces. Antonuccio has expanded into product design with a signature tile range and bespoke solutions. He has also launched Ogetto, a complementary stone object brand producing custom furniture and homewares, and employs a diverse workforce.

Jessica Manov

Manager & Director, Metro Fresh Findon / Thirty Five Stirling

Jessica Manov is a second-generation leader of Metro Fresh Findon, the family-owned Adelaide business, which has grown into a fresh food destination employing more than 50 staff. Alongside expanding its retail and wholesale operations, Manov launched Lily West, a standalone florist and gift store, and founded Thirty Five Stirling café in Thebarton.

Jessica Tilbrook

Director & Accredited Practising Dietitian, Glow Group Health and Wellbeing

Jessica Tilbrook founded Glow Group Health and Wellbeing in 2018 to support individuals with food and body image concerns. The solo practice has grown into a team of 11 delivering in-person and telehealth support across multiple states, with a focus on accessible care and wellbeing.

Luca Baioni

Co-Owner & Director, Latteria

Raised in the Milanese countryside, Luca Baioni crafted his hospitality skills through training and experience across Europe. After relocating to Australia, Baioni helped establish Latteria, a Milan-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant that brings a slice of his Italian heritage to the city.

Michael Basso

Founder & CEO, InHealth Medical

Rethinking what a GP clinic could be, Michael Basso moved beyond sterile, functional spaces to create environments that support patient wellbeing and doctors’ working experience. Founded in 2015, InHealth has grown from a single Westwood practice into four sites in major precincts, now supporting 33 GP’s and more than 100,000 patients annually.

Natalie Oliveri

Managing Director, Creative Therapy Adelaide

Adelaide’s only allied health clinic dedicated to evidence-based music therapy and speech pathology. Founded in 2016 as a sole practice, Natalie Oliveri has grown Creative Therapy Adelaide into a team of 12, supporting NDIS community members of all ages and needs.

Nick Rowlands

Plant & Equipment Finance Specialist, Chase Finance

Watching his father build Chase Finance from the ground up instilled in Nick Rowlands a belief in straightforward, relationship-driven financial services. Today, under his leadership, Chase Finance has evolved while maintaining its core focus on integrity, accessibility and community impact.

Olivia Moore

Co-founder & director, Thelma Piccadilly

Drawing on a diverse hospitality background, Olivia Moore co-founded Hills restaurant Thelma Piccadilly to strengthen the region’s hospitality landscape while championing local growers and producers. Today, the venue has gained industry recognition, including placement in Gourmet Traveller’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2026.

Rebekah Shaw

Founder & Program Director, Hopestreet

Rebekah Shaw was driven by her connection to the Playford community to start Hopestreet. Shaw supports at-risk young people through safe, inclusive, relationship-based programs and helped more than 600 young people in 2025.

Sam Elliott

Associate professor, Flinders University College of Education, Psychology and Social Work

Sam Elliott’s research program focuses on how psychological, social and environmental factors shape sporting experiences. Since establishing the CHAYS-R Lab, Elliott has built a 10-strong doctoral research team and contributed to major initiatives and national sport policy frameworks.

Stefan Vignogna

Designer & Director, Bespoke Joinery Design

Stefan Vignogna has grown multiple businesses spanning bespoke residential joinery, design education and online consultancy. His work delivers large-scale custom kitchen and interior projects valued in the millions, alongside national education programs for designers.

Suzannah Toop

Co-Founder, Lululiv

Since launching in 2020, Suzannah Toop has scaled Lululiv into a high-growth platform operating across Australia, a proptech company redefining property management with international expansion planned. The business integrates technology and human expertise to improve transparency, efficiency and service outcomes across the rental ecosystem.

Tom Anderson

Director, Curated By Tom

Tom Anderson started his architectural materials and design agency with samples in the back of his car, growing it through project-by-project collaboration and trust. Today it represents high-end architectural brands. In 2026, Anderson opened a Kent Town showroom for collaboration, education and industry connection.

Zoe Darling

Co-founder, co-owner & CEO, Enable Fitness Centre

Established to address a gap in post-hospital rehabilitation, Enable now has four sites supporting more than 600 South Australians weekly through exercise physiology, physiotherapy and dietetics. From a single gym, Zoe Darling helped to scale it to nearly 1000 sessions weekly, improving independence, mobility and quality of life.