Classical music journalist Stephanie Eslake has been named a Tasmanian Young Achiever, winning The Coffee Club Arts and Fashion Award. The Young Achiever Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of young Tasmanians across a range of fields. A Limelight contributor and the founder of CutCommon, an online publication for young classical musicians, Eslake, 27, is the recipient of $1000 and a trophy acknowledging her contribution to the arts.

Stephanie Eslake. Photo © Graziano di Martino

In her acceptance speech, Eslake said “I would like to accept on behalf of all young people who are working hard in the Australian arts industry. A life in the arts isn’t always easy. Australian studies have shown that arts workers experience higher rates of depression and anxiety; work for lower incomes; and balance unstable employment opportunities. This is why it’s so important that we recognise the value and contributions of music, literature, screen, and all other arts practices in our society.”

Eslake was similarly recognised for her achievements in the arts last year, when she won the City of Hobart Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award. She is also the inaugural recipient of the Killing Your...