Kane’s Connection to Culture Drives Award-Winning Impact

Published 17 Jul 2026
Student Achievements

Deadly, role model, advocate, mentor and passionate are a few words used to describe Year 12 student and St Peter Claver College Culture Captain Kane Munt.

Kane already has an impressive resume to his name but now he can add winner of the 2026 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards Queensland Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award to the list.

A proud Mabaigal man from Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait, Kane said he was thrilled to be a finalist and was not expecting to win.

“When they announced my name as the winner, I was very excited and proud and also grateful to be recognised amongst such an awesome group of finalists,” he said.

“I looked out at my table and saw everyone there hugging, clapping and screaming and I felt very lucky to have so many people supporting me, not just on that night but through everything and across all the years.

“I thanked them for believing in me and pushing me to do the best I can for myself and my culture."

In what Kane’s mum, Emilea, described as an “almost Miss Universe mix-up moment”, Kane’s name flashed on the screen as the winner before the presenter was ready to make the announcement.

“The music started playing, everyone applauded, Kane walked onto the stage and then the presenter continued reading her speech while we all waited to see if she’d actually say his name out loud and if it would match the screen,” she said.

“It was a very surreal moment watching him walk on stage. He just looked so confident and sure of himself in front of such a big room of people. Listening to him deliver his acceptance speech made me reflect on how far he has come and how his cultural pride has been the guiding force to get here. There were lots of happy tears, immense pride and excitement. Listening to Kane acknowledge the many special people in his life who have helped him on his journey was a real highlight, as he has been so lucky to have such a team effort.”

SPCC teacher Kane Routledge, who has been instrumental in Kane’s Claver experience, and was a supporter on the night of the Gala Presentation Dinner, couldn’t be prouder.

“Kane is a leader – someone who represents not only our Claver way, but also someone who leads his community,” Mr Routledge said.

“Despite his modesty it is his actions and work ethic that has allowed him to earn and succeed in all the opportunities that have come his way. He embodies the idea of what can happen if you have a strong opinion of yourself. He also demonstrates that culture, community and genuine connection is what matters most.”

Kane said the whole experience was an incredible one to have.

“It was really awesome to celebrate so many people for the amazing things they are doing and everyone felt so supportive of each other,” he said.

“To all my fellow nominees and finalists – you are all deadly and I can't wait to see what we all keep doing. The representation for our people matters and so does the real impact that everyone is having on community.”

As for what’s next, Kane lists completing his ATAR and graduating Year 12 as his top priorities.

“There is so much I want to do. I’ve just started working for the NRL in community game development, so next year I will be juggling that with university and building my organisation and partnerships,” he said.

“I want to make it easier for young mob living away from their traditional land to return to country and experience the power of reconnecting with their ancestors and learning who they are when on their own country.”

Kane was announced as a 2026 7NEWS Young Achievers Awards Queensland winner at the Gala Presentation Dinner at Royal on the Park in Brisbane on Friday 19 June 2026.

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