Malachi Mateo – Emerging leader inthe Maritime industry

A Worimi man and Finalistfor the Ministry of the Future Young Achiever Award at the King’sTrust Australia Awards 2025, Malachi Mateo’s journey exemplifiesdetermination, adaptability, and leadership.

Looking for a career change, Malachi enrolled in The King’s TrustAustralia’s Get Into Maritime programme. The programme’s focus on identity, skill development and culturalintegration – as well as hands-on training and qualifications - allowed him toflourish and to step confidently into the maritime industry.

Today, Malachi works with Serco Defence Maritime Services,supporting the Royal Australian Navy at Fleet Base East, Sydney Harbour. As adeckhand on fuel barges, he plays a critical role in daily operations;demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

Eager to grow, Malachi has since completed numerous marinequalifications and reflecting his desire to build a long-term career in the maritimeindustry.

Malachi’s personaland professional growth stands as a testament to the power of targeted support,cultural respect, and community-driven opportunity.

Today,he stands as a skilled maritime professional, a resilient learner, and a proudFirst Nations role model. Malachi’s journey is one of hope and inspiration –for his family and wider community.

This Award category is supported by Ministry of the Future.

Ministry of the Future is on a mission to amplify the voices ofyoung Australians who are shaping the future through courage, creativity, andcommunity leadership. As a youth-led climate storytelling initiative, they workwith emerging changemakers to reframe narratives around agency, systems change,and belonging. The Young Achiever Award offers a powerful platform to celebrateyoung people rewriting what’s possible - not just in climate, but acrosseducation, enterprise, and social impact.

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