Rotary Melbourne proudly congratulates the 2026 Young Achiever Award recipients -Mahsa Nabizada, Jack Benci, Joel Moffet and Mary Nguyen— who were honoured by Nick Pearce, Co-Founder & former CEO of one of Australia’s leading social enterprises, HoMie at a special ceremony held on Wednesday 20 May 2026 at the Sofitel on Collins. These inspiring young leaders are already making a significant impact in their fields and communities, continuing the strong legacy of the Award.
This year's winners add to the remarkable past Young Achiever Award recipients and the lasting impact they continue to make in the community.
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JOEL MOFFET
Joel is an outstanding young researcher at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and the University of Melbourne, where he is undertaking a PhD in brain cancer research. His work combines biomedical science, bioinformatics and advanced spatial technologies to better understand brain cancer development and tumour behaviour.
Joel has demonstrated exceptional academic and research excellence. His record includes multiple peer-reviewed publications, first-author research papers, competitive scholarships including the WEHI Johnson PhD Scholarship and WEHI-CSL Translational Data Science Scholarship, and research grant support through Tour de Cure. He has also received recognition for his communication and presentation skills, including success in the WEHI 3 Minute Thesis Competition and research presentation awards.
Beyond his academic achievements, Joel has contributed to the student and research community through leadership, mentoring and advocacy roles, including service within the WEHI Student Association and WEHI’s inclusion networks.
In recognition of his exceptional research achievement, leadership and contribution to the broader community, Joel is awarded the Rotary Club of Melbourne Young Achiever Award.
MAHSA NABIZADA
Mahsa is an inspiring young leader whose work spans media, youth engagement, community advocacy and public policy. As a Producer with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, including work connected to ABC Heywire, she has helped amplify the voices of regional, multicultural and underrepresented young Australians.
Mahsa has demonstrated outstanding leadership through a wide range of roles, including government and community advisory positions such as the Victorian Youth Congress and the Social Cohesion Youth Reference Group. She has also contributed to organisational leadership as Chief People Officer of the Melbourne Space Program, supporting culture, wellbeing and leadership across a large student-led organisation.
Her community contribution is equally strong. Through roles with Embrace Education, the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Mariam Women’s Incorporation and other community initiatives, Mahsa has supported young people, multicultural communities and women’s empowerment locally and internationally.
JACK BENCI
Jack is a dedicated young educator, researcher and mentor whose achievements span chemistry, education, entrepreneurship and community service. He completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business with distinction, followed by First Class Honours in Applied Chemistry, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Jack’s achievements include repeated recognition on the Vice-Chancellor’s List of Academic Excellence, competitive PhD scholarship support, conference presentations and early research contributions in areas including computational chemistry, drug discovery and environmental monitoring. He has also taken on significant responsibility as Course Coordinator for Chemistry and Mathematics at RMIT University Pathways.
Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Jack has made a meaningful contribution through tutoring, mentoring, STEM outreach and support for Indigenous and international students. His work has helped students build confidence, capability and a stronger connection to learning.
In recognition of his academic excellence, educational leadership and contribution to student development, Jack is awarded the Rotary Club of Melbourne Young Achiever Award.
Emerging Talent and Future Impact Award sponsored by Untapped Talent
MARY NGUYEN
Mary is an emerging young leader who has already demonstrated strong initiative, maturity and promise at an early stage of her journey. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, with a double major in Finance and Economics.
Mary has shown a strong commitment to learning, leadership and personal growth. Her achievements include participation in the I-LEAD Japan Global Innovation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Immersion Program, internship experience with education technology start-up StickyTek, and contribution to learning design research at the University of Melbourne, including work exploring generative AI and student transition into tertiary education.
Mary has also contributed to the community through volunteering and youth engagement, including the NGV Teen Council and other service activities. Her Western Chances scholarship journey further reflects her resilience, drive and commitment to creating future opportunities.
In recognition of her emerging leadership, strong growth trajectory and future potential, Mary is awarded the Untapped Talent Award.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership, community impact and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, Mahsa is awarded the Rotary Club of Melbourne Young Achiever Award, sponsored by Untapped Talent.
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