The 2025 Youth Summit was a one-day event that amplified the voices of young people. Each speaker was given a 6-minute time period to present their advocacy piece on stage to an audience of decision- and policy- makers. Ideas for positive change were presented with the aim of improving the lives of children, young people, their families and communities. Key leaders in the sector provided reflection speeches after each of the six speaker sessions.
Speech topic sessions are based on the ARACY Nest Wellbeing Framework:
- Valued, loved and safe
- Healthy
- Participating
- Learning
- Material basics
- Identity and culture
Last year’s event was a great success with 38 incredible young speakers! Check out the speeches of the 2024 Youth Summit here.
The 2025 Youth Summit showcased the voices and achievements of 35 incredible young Queenslanders who shared their lived experiences and ideas for change.
This report outlines the impact of 35 young participants from across Queensland. Their advocacy has sparked new initiatives, influenced national and international conversations, and inspired decision-makers to listen differently. This report celebrates their courage, leadership and the positive impact they continue to create across communities.
The Hon. Sam O’Connor MP, Minister for Housing and Minister for Youth, officially opened the summit, reinforcing the government’s commitment to youth engagement.
The summit brought together a diverse and dynamic group of over 300 attendees, including sector professionals, young advocates and community members from across Queensland. Thank you to all attendees and speakers who participated. We look forward to seeing how the amplification of these young people's voices makes an impact on the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, their families and communities.
Ruby, 17, Gold Coast
The Butterfly Effect: Creating movement for positive change
Jess, 18, Wavell Heights
Community engagement beyond tokenism
Leo, 25, Brassall
Making it easier for young people to be happy and healthy
D'arcy 20, Georgia 21, and Jarrod 22, Maroochydore and Gympie (Headspace Youth Committee)
Camp Connect - supporting growth, connection and awareness
Mo, 19, Logan
Building pathways for a generation already dreaming big
Natalie Lewis
Reflection speaker
Commissioner, Queensland Family and Child Commission
Liam, 22, Mount Cotton
Providing understanding and support: Importance of Lived Experience work
Rachel and Shantelle, 22 and 25, Kippa-Ring and Kallangur
Breaking cycles, building futures: The power of supporting young parents
Elma, 23, Bamaga
Building for better health: the vital role of water infrastructure
Jordyn, 14, Eagleby
Redefining healthy: Social media influence on self-image
Bailey, 19, Runcorn
Men do cry: Ending the stigma in small towns
Dr Robyn Littlewood
Reflection speaker
Chief Executive Officer, Health and Wellbeing Queensland
Caroline, 25, Gold Coast
Understanding siblings who go on to become sibling carers
Ash, 17, Toowoomba
Super Safe Stars: Empowering children to stay safe, speak up and shine bright
Claudia, 16, Robina
What I've learnt and would like to see as a young carer for someone with a disability
Caleb, 14, Ipswich
Valued, loved and safe: A call for change in child protection
Magenta, 23, Palm Beach
Losing yourself in the system in the world of disability
Bob Gee
Reflection speaker
Director-General, Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support
Session B
Emmarose, 22, Maroochydore
Unofficial caretaking in the family home
Nel, 19, Kallangur
Mental health: Another 100 days of fear and stress
Lea, 20, Little Mountain
From Surviving to Thriving: The Lifesaving Nature of Gender-Affirming Healthcare
Lily, 15, Rockhampton
Breaking free from the medical model of disability: An autistic person's perspective
Luke Twyford
Reflection speaker
Principal Commissioner, Queensland Family and Child Commission
Teanna, 9, Rochedale South
Digital literacy and safety for young children in Queensland schools
Stella, 15, Warwick
When school isn't the answer: Finding a new way forward
Olivia, 20, Salisbury
Engaged in education
Grace, 18, Wynnum
School is the real world
Saanvi, 12, Brisbane
Navigating peer pressure
Sara Parrott
Reflection speaker
Chief Executive Officer, Hand Heart Pocket
Estre, 25, Capalaba
Disconnected roots - Why we need our Elders
Masoumeh, 22, Saint Lucia
Roots of resilience: A celebration of identity and culture
Kynesha, 22, Emerald
They told me I wasn’t – but I am
Rhea, 23, Tingalpa
Climate crisis: A perspective from the Torres Strait Islands
Peter, 25, Doolandella
Refugee with commitment to community impact
Mena Waller
Reflection speaker
Chief Operating Officer, Cancer Council Queensland
Jahmaica, 22, Mabuiag Island
Our Islands, Our Home: protecting home and culture from the impacts of climate change
Amelia, 18, Greenbank
The cost of mental health support for childhood trauma survivors
Oli, 17, Kingston
More than my past - A voice for the unheard
Ben Gales
Reflection speaker
Executive Advisor, Office of Social Impact
Last updated
19 September 2025
