Meet South Australia’s latest 40 Under 40
Combining an entrepreneurial vision to solve wicked problems has led these four leaders to establish social enterprises with a difference.
Kate Gunn, Kimal Singh, Jessica MacDonald, Kerra-Lee Wescombe. Photo: Samuel Graves.
Kate Gunn
Ifarmwell, Founder
Growing up in remote South Australia, Associate Professor Kate Gunn founded Ifarmwell to help farming families combat mental health challenges. Kate hopes her work will help inspire country kids. “I hope to show young people in rural areas, that if they study and work hard, have good mentors and are prepared to pick themselves up in difficult times, they will surprise themselves with what they can achieve,” she says.
One rule you live your life by? If you focus on the hurt, you continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you continue to grow.
Kimal Singh
NDE Solutions PTY LTD, CEO (Founder)
Singh founded NDE Solutions in 2019, working closely with universities and research initiatives to develop solutions for an incident-free future for multiple industries. Singh has grown his company from a lone workplace in Mansfield Park to currently employing 80 staff in commercial offices throughout Australia. “Mentoring nine individuals throughout my career, I am a strong believer in the power of mentorship, and take great pride in seeing them learn, grow and succeed,” he says.
Favourite activity that isn’t related to your work? Spending quality time with my wife and children.
Jessica MacDonald
Yanun Project Services and Aurecon, Director
Having co-founded Yanun Project Services, MacDonald is driven to make a positive impact on Australia’s indigenous community. “With an Indigenous family, I’m affected by the state of Australia’s First Nations community, one of the reasons for setting up Yanun was to make a difference”, she said. Her company’s recent growth has led to her extended leave from her role as Aurecon Director.
Adelaide’s best kept secret? K1 Winery Cellar Door (where my husband and I were married)
Kerra-Lee Wescombe
Connect.Ed, Director
Wescombe established Connect.Ed in 2019 to promote a non-traditional approach to behaviour management, and help Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services better understand the impacts trauma can have on children. She wholeheartedly believes all children should be included in education. “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their potential. No child should ever be excluded from education and care due to a lack of self-regulation skills,” she says.
Last series you binged? The Wiggles (on repeat with my son!)
