Culture is the beating heart of and inspiration behind everything Year 12 student Kane Munt sets his mind to. From his role as Culture Captain at St Peter Claver College, to the way he carries himself through life, and the dreams he is setting his sights on.
As a result of his First Nations advocacy and mentorship roles, Kane was nominated in two categories of the 2026 7NEWS Young Achievers Awards Queensland and following judging, became a semi-finalist before being officially announced as one of five finalists in both categories.
- Queensland Family and Child Commission Contribution to Community or Family Safety Award (First Nations).
- Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award.
>> LISTEN TO KANE TALK ABOUT CULTURE, FUTURE ASPIRATIONS AND THIS YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARDS ON NATIONAL TALKBLACK BBM 98.7FM RADIO HERE.
A proud Mabaigal man from Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait, Kane said pride for his culture inspires him every day.
“I feel privileged and honoured to be a Finalist in not one, but two categories,” he said. “I feel an immense amount of gratitude to be able to represent my people and be an inspiration for my brothers and family.”
The Queensland Family and Child Commission Contribution to Community or Family Safety Award (First Nations) recognises young First Nations Queenslanders making significant contributions to the safety and connection to kin, Country and culture. The Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award celebrates outstanding young Indigenous achievers who are making significant contributions and acting as role models for their community.
Kane is most proud of the connections he has made with his peers while working with other First Nations youth in the community.
“Being able to both share and learn about culture with others is very special to me and leaves a lasting impact,” Kane said.
Being voted by his peers to represent the voice of First Nations youth as one of two 2025 NRL Youth Ambassadors has been another highlight, allowing him to share his love for culture both at home and internationally.
Kane’s proud mum Emilea Johnson said watching Kane grow as a person through the work he does and the opportunities he takes has been very rewarding.
“As his cultural pride and responsibility grows, so does his confidence within himself and his desire to make a positive impact,” she said.
Kane’s advocacy mentor Dr Rod Kippax said, “Kane represents the very best of Queensland’s young leaders – his work is not just contributing to community safety, but is actively reshaping the future to be more just, more culturally grounded and more responsive to the voices of the community we serve.”
The 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards Queensland Gala Presentation Dinner will be held on Friday 19 June 2026 in Brisbane.
>> VOTE FOR KANE FOR THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD HERE.
In addition, Kane was also recently selected to be part of the Future Voices Beyond the Broncos Leadership Program for the second year in a row.
During the 2026 Beyond the Broncos Student Leadership Summit, Kane “demonstrated strong leadership qualities including confidence, respect for others and a willingness to step forward and contribute. The way he carried himself across the program stood out and played an important role in his selection,” read Kane’s selection email.
“Future Voices is about using your voice, representing your community and creating opportunities and change for your community and future generations,” Kane said. “I’m so grateful to be able to be involved and have this experience again. Every time an opportunity is presented to you, just do it – what’s the worst that can happen?”
Kane said the title of Culture Captain at St Peter Claver College is one of his proudest.
“I take great pride in my culture and I get that from being surrounded by other First Nations people and students,” he said. “I want to be able to do that for other people and have a positive and direct impact on my community – and not just the First Nations people in my community – but for everyone, and in a way that shows understanding for all.”
St Peter Claver College Principal Mr Charles Brauer said, “The College is immensely proud of Kane’s achievements and his continued dedication to community social justice. Kane’s actions authentically embody our College values of Concern, Love and Justice.”
© Brisbane Catholic Education, St Peter Claver College (2026).