Keet, a student from Collie Senior High School, didn’t know quite what to expect from the Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA) Secondary Leader Conference. He felt curious, but also a bit uncertain. “I was thinking it’d probably just be another school excursion,” Keet says.

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When the day arrived, Keet’s experience quickly surpassed his expectations. The event was more engaging and interactive than he had anticipated, which kept him involved from start to finish. A particularly inspiring moment came when Keet learned that Wil Massara, the founder of YLAA, was also from Collie. This connection helped make the event feel closer to home and more relevant to his life.
Reflecting on the experience, Keet mentions, “I loved how different it was compared to other conferences and how interactive and fun it was.” Unlike other events he’d attended, this one felt hands-on and personal, and it left a strong impression on him.
Since attending, Keet has tried to apply what he learned at the conference to his everyday life. He’s been setting goals for himself, being more proactive with his time, and balancing responsibilities like school, work, and hobbies. Inspired by the event’s focus on taking initiative, he also started a project, Runner’s High, to encourage health and activity among kids in his community. He’s found that small, consistent actions can add up to meaningful change.

Keet’s story is one of many examples of young Australians taking what they learn from YLAA and making a positive impact in their lives and communities.

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