SYDNEY, 6 May 2013: Qantas today announced Josh McGrath as winner of the Interactive Content & Gaming Category in the 2013 Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA 365), which recognises outstanding Australian artists in the early stages of their career.

The Sydney-based game developer becomes one of only two recipients of the award, with SOYA 365 providing Josh with the chance to grow his brand awareness and reputation.

Working under his own company “Doppler Interactive”, Josh creates original game designs which are commercially available and hugely successful.

Many talented Australian game designers submitted their work this year, vying for a chance to win the prestigious title as well as $5000 in cash, $5,000 in Qantas flights and a rare 12-month mentorship opportunity with leading digital creative agency duo Ashley Ringrose & Bradley Eldridge.

With a background in computer science and musical acoustics, Josh co-founded “Doppler Interactive” three years ago. Josh’s game creations are now available for purchase online including his current release game titled “Ball of Woe” – available for iOS and Android http://www.ballofwoe.com

“I’m very honoured to be given this award – it is such an amazing opportunity and aspirational program,” Josh said.

Mentors Ashley Ringrose & Bradley Eldridge, the team behind one of Australia’s most cutting edge digital creative agencies Soap Creative, selected the winner and have offered Josh a role in their Los Angeles office.

“It’s inspiring to see so many talented people creating games that are being played around the word.”

“Josh not only showed a keen eye for what makes a game fun but he was also thinking beyond ‘games’ and building tools for others to create with.”

The Soap Creative mentors will help steer the winner through a career in the digital industry, on a path successfully traversed by previous winner Harry Lee.

The runners up were Andrew Sum, Andrew Brophy, Julian Wilton and Shane Brouwer.

Now in its ninth year, SOYA 365 recognises the work of a new generation of creative talent and gives young Australians the financial and professional support they need to share their work with the world.

The new SOYA 365 hub is open for submissions with new creative categories closing every month.

For more information on SOYA 365 and Josh McGrath visit: http://www.soya.com.au/competition/interactive-gaming-2013/