Ready to make a difference: State Youth Leadership Conference 2025

Year 9 student leaders from the Elsternwick Campus had the incredible opportunity back in March to attend the State Youth Leadership Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre, an inspiring event that brought together 1,800 student leaders from Years 7 to 12, representing 180 schools across Victoria.

Aiming to equip young leaders with the skills and confidence to become change-makers within their schools and communities, the day-long event was vibrant and engaging, and filled with opportunities for students to connect with peers from other schools while reflecting on their own leadership journeys.

Participants heard from three dynamic keynote speakers who shared their unique leadership experiences:

Fiona Sanford, CEO of The Flourish Journey, a passionate youth advocate and mental health champion committed to empowering young girls and amplifying their voices.

Noah Yang, founder of We Are Mobilise and recognised as one of Australia’s Top 100 Future Leaders by the Australian Financial Review. Noah’s charity supports individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them forge their own paths toward independence.

Wil Masara, the 22-year-old founder of Youth Leadership Academy Australia, the organisation behind the event. Wil is a renowned changemaker, social entrepreneur and Gen Z advocate.

Reflecting on the experience, Year 9 leader Rachel said, ‘My biggest takeaway from the conference was learning about all the different tools and questions you can ask yourself to identify what might be holding you back from being the best person you can be.’

Her colleague Charlotte ‘found it really interesting and inspiring to hear the stories of how people got to where they are today.’

The day left students feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to make a difference in their communities. We are proud and grateful to have been able to provide them with this experience, supporting them as they take the first steps in their own leadership journeys!