The 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland is youth worker and mentor Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw, who now faces eight counts of possessing child exploitation material, according to reporting from the Sydney Morning Herald.
The charges represent a dramatic reversal for a young person who, as a proud Kooma man, had made a huge difference to the town of Cunnamulla by opening a youth neighbourhood centre and case managed 200 young people. Since founding the centre two years ago, almost every young person in town has come through its doors seeking support, food and connection.
Branfield-Bradshaw was announced as the award recipient on 12 November 2025, an honour that recognised his work supporting vulnerable youth in a regional Queensland town where opportunities are limited. He had been recognised for his outstanding contribution to young people in regional Australia.
The maximum penalty for possessing child exploitation material in Queensland is 14 years' imprisonment, depending on the nature and extent of the material involved. Cases involving these charges are treated with the utmost seriousness by courts, given the harm inflicted on victims whose abuse is documented in such material.
At this stage, Branfield-Bradshaw has been charged and presumed innocent. The matter will proceed through Queensland's court system, where the allegations will be tested before a court and the evidence examined according to law.
The charges come four months after his award was announced, and before the national Australian of the Year awards ceremony scheduled for January 2026.