Student Voice & Leadership
Regional Student Voice Conference
On Tuesday 16th September, 22 Belmont High School students from Years 7–11 attended the Regional Student Voice Conference at Geelong Tech School, alongside myself, Mr Maki and Mr Baker. The event brought together schools from across the region to amplify student voice, connect with others, and engage in meaningful discussion about the big issues facing young people today.
The day began with a keynote address from Kelly Cartwright, Australian Paralympic Gold Medallist, who shared her powerful story of adversity, resilience, and determination. Her message set the tone for the day, inspiring students to reflect on their own strengths and the importance of using their voice to create change.
In the next session, students worked in their school-based groups, unpacking their Attitudes to School Survey data. They identified trends and focus areas for school improvement and began discussing practical ideas to address these issues within our own school community.
After this, students moved into mixed-school groups, each allocated a “big issue” to unpack. Together, they explored the challenges and brainstormed solutions that could be applied at both school and community levels.
The issues included:
• Mental health
• Body image
• Peer pressure
• Managing stress
• Racism
• Healthy relationships
• Cost of living
• The role of social media
• The world beyond schools
• Homophobia/Transphobia
• Toxic masculinity
The day concluded with all groups returning to the auditorium to share their work and pitch their ideas in short presentations, advocating for change and highlighting strategies to make a real impact.
Students delivered thoughtful, articulate pitches to a panel of special guests, including Libby Coker MP (Federal Member for Corangamite), Christine Couzens MP (State Member for Geelong), and Jayde Heywood (Geelong Youth Professionals Committee member). The panel listened closely, offered feedback, and praised the maturity and insight shown by the students.
It was an incredible and inspiring day. Belmont High students spoke beautifully, contributed meaningful ideas, and demonstrated that the future is in safe hands. The conference was a chance to amplify student voice, come together with other schools, consider the big issues, and connect as a regional community of young leaders. Well done to our student leaders who took the opportunity to participate in this event.
Kokoda Youth Program – Mali Martin
Good luck to Mali Martin of 11 Mango. Mali has been part of the Kokoda Youth Program, run by Geelong Youth Engagement (GYE), since Term 1 this year. After months of training and preparation, she is now ready to take on PNG’s legendary Kokoda Track – one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the world.
The 127km trail winds across razor-edged ridges, climbs steep mountain ranges, and descends into lush rainforest filled with towering trees, ferns, and tumbling streams. It is both physically demanding and deeply significant, offering all participants the chance to reflect, grow, and develop resilience.
Mali’s journey reflects our school values of respect, opportunity, and resilience and by committing to the program, she has embraced the challenges, while showing determination throughout the year; qualities that this trek inspires.
We wish Mali every success as she embarks on this unforgettable adventure on Saturday the 20th of September.
Stay tuned for an update of her adventure in Term 4.
