2026 Youth Summit

Our third annual Youth Summit was held on Friday 10 April 2026!

The Youth Summit amplifies the lived experiences of young Queenslanders. It’s an opportunity for young people aged 25 and under to speak directly to government and community decision-makers and leaders about issues that are important to them and the young people around them.

Valued, loved and safe

17, Gladstone

Ahmarni

Involving survivors of domestic violence in rebuilding the system

21, Gold Coast

Lilly

Best interests on paper, not in practice

17, Kingaroy

Angus

The ups and downs of living in care

15, Ipswich

Caleb

Proactive systems for young people in out-of-home care

Reflection speaker

Hon Amanda Camm

Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

Valued, loved and safe

Summary video

20, Hervey Bay

Korrinne

A system that listens, acts, and empowers

17, Brisbane

Lily

Strong systems, positive outcomes

17, Brisbane

Alex

Feeling like a number

Tee

Improving outcomes through safe and healthy relationships

Reflection speaker

Kate Connors

Victims Commissioner, Office of the Victims Commissioner

Valued, loved and safe

Summary video

Identity and culture

19, Thursday Island

Charli

Strengthening identity through education

16, Ipswich

Kane

The disconnection of Indigenous Youth and their Cultural Identity

23, Brisbane

Takeisha

To speak in many tongues

16, Brisbane

Maria

Lifting the mask

Reflection speaker

Natalie Lewis

Commissioner, Queensland Family and Child Commission

Identity and culture

Summary video

Material basics

16, Emerald

Izabella

Healthcare shouldn’t depend on your postcode

19, Logan

Elise

Navigating final exams without material basics

21, Ayr

Gracie

Regional families, invisible costs

22, Brisbane

Madison

Medical poverty

Reflection speaker

Aimee McVeigh

Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Council of Social Service

Material basics

Summary video

Participating

13, Logan

Diba

The social media ban hasn’t changed much for young people

11, Logan

Harmony

Greater support, access and cost relief in shaping sporting dreams

16, Scenic Rim

Lily

Life on Mars

16, Cairns

Jessica

Youth as partners in decision making

Reflection speaker

Katherine Hayes

Chief Executive Officer, Youth Advocacy Centre

Participating

Summary video

Healthy

21, Brisbane

Poppy

Improving the Child Safe Organisations Act for young people with a disability

21, Brisbane

Ryan

Adolescent and young adult cancer

16, Toowoomba

Clovelly

When you “don’t look sick”: Living with invisible illness

11, Logan

Caleb

Mental health matters

Reflection speaker

Peta Bryant

Deputy Director General (System Policy and Planning), Queensland Health

Healthy

Summary video

Learning

15, Umagico

Esther

Restricted futures: Inequity in education

16, Townsville

Makere

Educating the younger generation

18, Logan

Nagina

A migrant youth perspective on belonging

21, Brisbane

Sheyteika

Trauma-informed education

Reflection speaker

Luke Twyford

Principal Commissioner, Queensland Family and Child Commission

Learning

Summary video

Keynote speakers

Emcee

Jahin

CEO of Australian School of Entrepreneurship

Emcee and keynote speaker

Ruby

2024 and 2025 Youth Summit speaker and founder of Kids of Purple

Keynote speaker

Amelia

2025 Youth Summit speaker and child safety advocate

2025 Youth Summit

The 2025 Youth Summit was a powerful moment of truth, courage and connection showcasing the voices and achievements of 35 incredible young Queenslanders who shared their lived experiences and ideas…

2024 Youth Summit

Our inaugural Youth Summit amplified the experiences of young people from across Queensland, aged under 25 years, providing a platform to voice ideas for positive change.

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Last reviewed date: 9 Jul 2026

Last updated date: 9 Jul 2026

Children and families

2026 Youth Summit