Braydon Gower is one of three young, trailblazing Aboriginal people to be announced as finalists of the 2025 Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards.

Established in 1989, the awards aim to acknowledge, encourage and promote positive achievements of young people in Tasmanian aged 30 years and under.

Mr Gower, a proud Palawa and Torres Strait Islander chef who has recently completed a four-year apprenticeship at Cataract Gorge Restaurant, is a finalist in the Connecting Communities category.

After overcoming learning challenges, Mr Gower has grown into an Aboriginal leader in the kitchen, creating innovative menus which feature native ingredients such as wallaby and pepperberry.

Following the completion of his apprenticeship, Mr Gower now works full-time at Tasmanian Aboriginal food business Palawa Kipli, where he contributes to cultural preservation through food.

He also educates locals and tourists on Indigenous cuisine while also supporting community wellbeing and biodiversity.

Also a finalist in the Connected Communities category is Huon Valley man, Jonathan Berry, who last year became the first Australian male and first Indigenous person to win the Mr. Universe title.

A survivor of child sexual abuse and homelessness, Mr Berry has transformed his trauma into global advocacy, earning a Human Rights Award in India and working with acid attack survivors.

As director of Huonville's Ballawinne Aboriginal Corporation, Mr Berry drives cultural revitalisation, youth mentorship, and Indigenous enterprise.

Mr Berry empowers communities across continents, championing visibility, equity, and self-determined futures, with the Palawa man's impact spanning healthcare, fashion, and media, leading national initiatives in stroke prevention and secure care reform.

Granton artist Brandi Salmon has been nominated for Bean and Leaf Small Business Achiever Award.

The Wiradjuri woman is the founder of Brandi Salmon Art and Tassie Wedding Painter, with her work receiving millions of views online, while her commissions for Universal Music have reached global audiences.

Her art explores Aboriginal identity, history, and representation, such as The Aunty Collection, which portrays Aboriginal people with strength, humour, and dignity.

Ms Salmon is also developing Future Blak, a mentorship initiative for emerging Aboriginal artists, and her upcoming large-scale mural in Wellington Court will honour Palawa women.

Members of the public can vote for Mr Gower, Mr Berry and Ms Salmon as part of the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards People's Choice Award.

Winners of the 2025 Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards will be announced at the Gala Presentation Dinner at Hobart's Crowne Plaza on Saturday 24 May.