The Youth Summit is an annual event to amplify the voices of young people. Each speaker presents their advocacy piece on stage to an audience of decision- and policy- makers. These presentations include ideas for positive change were presented with the aim of improving the lives of children, young people, their families and communities.
Speech topic sessions are based on the ARACY Nest Wellbeing Framework.
Speakers from our last two summits have created opportunities to advocate for systems change across a range of sectors including health, education, disability, domestic and family violence, child protection, and more, following their summit presentations. They’re continuing to have an impact and shape the way sector professionals think about youth participation, advocacy and accountability.
2026 Youth Summit
Our third annual Youth Summit will take place on Friday 10 April 2026!
The Youth Summit amplifies the lived experiences of young Queenslanders. It’s an opportunity for young people aged 25 years 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.
Our first two Youth Summits each attracted over 300 audience members and this year is expected to be just as big.
Event Details
Date: Friday 10 April, 9.00am-3.30pm
Location: Emporium Hotel, South Brisbane
Register to attend the 2026 Youth Summit now.
Ahmarni, 17, Gladstone
Involving survivors of domestic violence in rebuilding the system
Korrinne, 20, Hervey Bay
A system that listens, acts, and empowers
Lilly, 21, Gold Coast
Best interests on paper, not in practice
Angus, 17, Kingaroy
The ups and downs of living in care
Charli, 19, Thursday Island
Strengthening identity through education
Kane, 16, Ipswich
The disconnection of Indigenous Youth and their Cultural Identity
Takeisha, 23, Brisbane
To speak in many tongues
Maria, 16, Brisbane
Lifting the mask
Izabella, 16, Emerald
Healthcare shouldn’t depend on your postcode
Elise, 19, Logan
Navigating final exams without material basics
Gracie, 21, Ayr
Regional families, invisible costs
Madison, 22, Brisbane
Medical poverty
Diba, 13, Logan
The social media ban hasn’t changed much for young people
Harmony, 11, Logan
Greater support, access and cost relief in shaping sporting dreams
Lily, 16, Scenic Rim
Life on Mars
Jessica, 16, Cairns
Youth as partners in decision making
Poppy, 21, Brisbane
Improving the Child Safe Organisations Act for young people with a disability
Ryan, 21, Brisbane
Adolescent and young adult cancer
Clovelly, 16, Toowoomba
When you “don’t look sick”: Living with invisible illness
Caleb, 11, Logan
Mental health matters
Esther, 15, Umagico
Restricted futures: Inequity in education
Makere, 16, Townsville
Educating the younger generation
Nagina, 18, Logan
A migrant youth perspective on belonging
Sheyteika, 21, Brisbane
Trauma-informed education
Lily, 17, Brisbane
Strong systems, positive outcomes
Alex, 17, Brisbane
Feeling like a number
Caleb, 15, Ipswich
Proactive systems for young people in out-of-home care
Tee, 24
Improving outcomes through safe and healthy relationships
Ruby
Emcee
2025 Youth Summit speaker and founder of Kids of Purple
Jahin
Emcee
CEO of Australian School of Entrepreneurship
Amelia, 19
Keynote speaker
2025 Youth Summit speaker and child safety advocate
Valued, loved and safe
Reflection speaker
Damien Walker, Director-General, Department of Premier and Cabinet
Valued, loved and safe
Reflection speaker
Kate Connors, Victims' Commissioner
Healthy
Reflection Speaker
Peta Bryant, Deputy Director-General, Queensland Health
Material basics
Reflection speaker
Aimee McVeigh, CEO, QCOSS
2025 Youth Summit
The 2025 Youth Summit was a powerful moment of truth, courage and connection. Over 300 sector leaders, practitioners, advocates and young people came together to listen and learn from young Queenslanders to shape a better future. The event showcased the voices and achievements of 35 incredible young Queenslanders who shared their lived experiences and ideas for change.
2024 Youth Summit
The inaugural Youth Summit was held in Brisbane during Queensland Youth Week. The event amplified the experiences of young people from across Queensland, aged under 25 years, providing a platform to voice ideas for positive change. 38 young Queenslanders delivered compelling speeches on topics that are important to them to more than 200 attendees.
Last updated
17 March 2026