2023 Young Australian of the Year Finalist - Samuel Thomas

Let’s Get to know our team!  

Samuel Thomas 

Co-Founder / Technician  

At just 17 years old, Sam’s passion for computers and a heart for community led him to want to begin a Not-For-Profit organisation. Eager to find a solution for repairable tech, the environmental impact of E-waste, and to create accessible technology for all Sam’s Spares was born. From a very young age, Sam was surrounded by computers and technology; with his extended family being in the industry, a natural love for all things tech emerged. 

 What is Sam’s motivation?  

With E-Waste being a significant problem worldwide, Sam aimed to create an organisation that could be the step between the user and the recycler, allowing technology that could be repaired or reused another lease on life. Sam’s core values keep his focus on companies moving to sustainable technology practices and allowing a right to repair.  

What is Sam’s role at Sam’s Spares?  

Sam’s passion is repairing technology; Sam hopes over time, many other roles he is doing will be able to be passed on, and he can focus on training and repairs. Sam divides his time between Sam’s Spares and his own private Support Work business, offering one on one motoring/tutoring to other Autistic youth, upskilling and training them to follow their passion.  

What does Sam like to do in his spare time?  

GAMING!!!  Sam’s number one passion is gaming; being a long-time collector and even has a YouTube channel for his let’s play videos, Sam had to include gaming systems into his repairs, sharing his love of gaming with all who may be unable to afford their own system. 

Let’s Get to know our team! Diane Lloyd  

Co-Founder/ President

Entrepreneurship run’s in Diane’s veins,  her ability to identify business opportunities, develop and implement effective business strategies, and manage resources to achieve success has been vital in the growth of Sam’s organisation. 

She prides herself on creativity, innovation, determination, and strong leadership skills.

Combine this with her unwavering passion for community & the environment, and you have one powerhouse, Mama.  

What is Diane’s motivation?

Empowering her children to be entrepreneurial but with purpose over profit has been a driving force behind her support for her son Sam. “I watch him in awe, doing what he loves every day & seeing him thrive; that’s all a mother could want”  

What is Diane’s role at Sam’s Spares?  

Diane is our President and Marketing Manager, Designing and creating Sam’s website & managing his social media.

 Diane is helping Sam to build a strategy for Sam’s Spares that can be replicated across multiple sites and is self-sustainable.  

What does Diane like to do in her spare time?  

Diane is all about community, sustainability, self-reliance and edible gardening. She strongly believes in the free sharing of knowledge and loves teaching others interested in self-sufficiency. 

She is also passionate about musical theatre and singing and collects vintage and antique jewellery. 

 Let’s Get to know our team!  

Jonathan Lloyd  

Treasurer   

Jon is an avid follower of all things emerging technology, having followed the path of Tesla, the advancement of Ai, cybernetics, and renewable energy sources. Jon is also passionate about reducing the impact of E-waste on the environment, making companies and end users take accountability for the proper disposal of their end-of-life technology.  

What is Jon’s motivation?  

Being Sam’s stepfather, watching Sam succeed in his goals and passion, and sharing his love of technology.   

What is Jon’s role at Sam’s Spares?  

Jon currently holds the role of Treasurer, taking care of all things financial and keeping us on track with funding and sponsors.  Jon, a Microsoft Certified & trained technician, also assists with repairs and specialises in software and troubleshooting.   

What does Jon like to do in his spare time?  

Jon is a proficient marksman and enjoys recreational pistol shooting at his local Southern Districts Rifle Club. Jon also has a passion for model airplanes, having built and flown them with his grandfather when he was very young.   

Gosnells Community legal provides free Family Law, Financial Counselling and tenant Advocacy to vulnerable people and those doing it tough in Gosnells and the surrounding suburbs. The team have been supporting this community for over 40 years and are passionate advocates for social justice, access to justice, and generally ensuring people get a fair go.  

Gosnells CLC is excited to be a Peer-Partner for Sam’s Spares and assist people to access technology to help better their situation and get back on their feet. 

Website: www.gosclc.com.au  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GosCLC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gosnellsclc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gosnells-clc/

 Shalom House helps Men, Women & Families with any life controlling issues such as Alcohol, Drugs, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, Gambling etc. There is no wholistic rehabilitation program like Shalom House anywhere in Australia. All residents graduate the Shalom House program with most family relationships restored as well as all their own personal issues such as unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, anger, guilt and shame etc. Everyone also leaves 100% debt free, with a current driver’s license, most off Centrelink within four months and working full time with an employer who is on the same page. Our focus is not just on rehabilitation but also reintegration and resocialisation.

We take in People from all states in Australia such as; Melbourne VIC, Sydney NSW, Adelaide SA, Brisbane QLD, Darwin NT and Perth WA.
We offer a wholistic rehabilitation program that focuses on bringing restoration to all areas of the resident’s life, including finances, relationships, heart issues, employment, education and training for the future. Our program is practical and hands-on, ensuring that residents and all involved in Shalom are valued and contributing members of the community. We offer our services to anyone with a life-controlling issue, whether it be an addiction to substances such as drugs and alcohol or people with anxiety, fear or emotional trauma. We take both Males and Females aged 16 and above.

Website: https://www.shalomhouse.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WASGincShalomHouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomhouseperth/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-lyndon-james

 The Achievers Club WA is a charity that helps to give students from low socio-economic backgrounds in Western Australia the opportunity to reach their potential. We do this by providing educational support in the form of one to one weekly mentoring and tuition for children who are experiencing learning and/or adjustment difficulties. We work with schools and parents to maximise the support we can give to these students. Our goal is to build self-confidence, trust and a sense of achievement in the students' personal and educational lives. We believe all children and young people should have the opportunity to be the best they can be.

Website: https://www.achieversclubwa.org.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/achieversclubwa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achieversclubwa

Twitter: https://twitter.com/achieversclubwa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/achievers-club-wa-inc/

Founded in 2019 as a youth branch of LION’s Baldivis, the Baldivis LEO’s are a highly motivated group of 12 -18 year olds from various backgrounds that come together for a common cause. To serve the community. To date, they have been involved in many projects, including a ‘Blue Tree’ to raise awareness of mental health and ties in with RUOK, clean up Australia Day, starting a book exchange and reading space within a local Stockland shopping centre (which has grown to a nationally awarded program and has been the catalyst for many similar projects Australia wide.) This is in addition to assisting at monthly markets, community events, cutting firewood for the needy and a whole string of other projects. Over the last 3 years, it’s estimated that the club has returned over 1200 hrs of service directly within the Baldivis community. 

The peer partnership with Sam’s Spares takes the club to a whole new level and is a ground floor opportunity to get behind an exciting venture. Recycling is a key focus for all of our futures, and e waste is a massive part of that. Couple this with the structure of neurodiversity, education and resilience, it becomes easily a game changing partnership. We look forward to both collecting tech, and being able to assist those with a genuine need that may otherwise slip through the cracks. 

LEO’s is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18, and provides a safe and interesting space for the kids of today to impact not only their own lives, but those around them too. 

Website: https://baldivis.wa.lions.org.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baldivisleoclub?mibextid=ZbWKwL
 https://www.facebook.com/baldivislionsclub

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baldivis_leo_club

Email: baldivislionsvp@gmail.com