Youth Leadership Conference 2026

Our Grade 6 Student Leaders had an exciting and rewarding experience at the Youth Leadership Conference: 'Dream and Lead' at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside hundreds of students from other schools.

The one-day event was full of engaging activities designed to help students discover their leadership potential and build strong foundations for success.

Throughout the day, our leaders tackled meaningful challenges, developed their problem-solving skills, and grew in confidence and independence. 

Guided by internationally-trained young leaders, they explored the positive impact they can make as young people, leaving the conference inspired and motivated to lead within their own school community.

Please read the following reflections from our Student Leaders about the Youth Leadership Conference they attended: 

Katie: The student leaders had a really fun and entertaining experience at the YLAA Dream & Lead Conference in the city. More than 2,000 student leaders from across the state came together at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre to learn about what it means to be a great leader. We learned how important it is to stand up, take action, and help make our school and community a better place. The two hosts, Bonnie and Liam, taught us many strategies like the N.E.X.T. strategy and the Check, Send and Adjust strategy. They made the whole day super enjoyable by playing games, telling jokes, playing music and introducing special guest speakers. They also gave everyone a chance to share their ideas and even win prizes. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget!

Sasha: At the conference, I learned how important it is to be confident and brave, and that you don’t need a badge to be a leader. I was especially inspired by Maddy, an AFLW player, because of the way she spoke about her personal story. She overcame some negative experiences in her life and came out stronger and more determined than ever. I will try to use determination in my own life and fix my mistakes and learn from them. 

Jamie: I felt inspired and learned so much from the different speakers at the conference, not only about leadership, but also about being kind and making a positive impact on others. The speakers also helped boost my confidence and encouraged me to be braver. I am now more determined to make a difference.

Isabel: What inspired me today was hearing from Maddy Prespakis, a professional AFLW player, who used to play for Carlton but now plays for Essendon. I admired her confidence in sharing her life story, even though she's gone through so much. A leader who inspires me personally is my mum... her care, hard work, and dedication in looking after everyone around her is something I really look up to. I also learned an important lesson, that having a badge doesn’t make you a leader. Leadership comes from the respect, confidence, teamwork, and responsibility you show in your everyday life.

William: At the conference, I felt inspired by the hosts Liam and Bonnie, who shared lots of helpful information about being a great leader. I now feel that I can be a better role model for others. I also learned from the guest speakers Maddy Prespakis, Wil Massara, Josh Reid Jones and Charlotte Walker that believing in yourself and working hard are important qualities  to being a great leader. I really enjoyed the conference and came away with lots of ideas on how to lead with confidence and care.

Levi: I was really inspired by AFLW player Maddy Prespakis. Even though she made a few mistakes while speaking, she stood confidently and never gave up. She might not be the most confident person, but she gave it her all and showed true courage. 

Xavier: I found the youth leadership conference both highly informative and inspirational. We listened to different guest speakers who shared how important resilience, respect, and teamwork are in becoming a strong leader. 

Jumana: The person who inspired me the most at the conference was Maddy Prespakis, who faced mental health challenges and immense pressure in her life. She was very insecure about her body, and whenever she looked in the mirror, she was never happy with what she saw, always trying to live up to everyone else's expectations. But she kept pushing herself, knowing she could do better. Last year, she welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, yet she was diagnosed with depression. But no matter what, she kept going, and that is what inspires me. Thank you to Essendon AFLW player Maddy Prespakis for sharing her story and showing us what it means to be a true leader.