Before the Melbourne Secondary Youth Leadership Conference, Olivia felt limited by her job title and other people's opinions. She hoped the event would show her how to make a real difference in her community.

The conference exceeded her expectations. Olivia discovered her potential and learned to break free from the limitations she’d been taught to impose on herself. The experience left her feeling truly empowered and ready to take on new challenges.

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Olivia particularly enjoyed the teamwork and collaborative activities, which helped her connect with others and feel part of something bigger.

Since the event, Olivia has taken significant strides. She organised two major fundraisers on her own, raising over $1,000 for Minus 18 and Fight MND. She also became the first student at her school to use the school council to support a specific charity.

Beyond her community work, Olivia has made positive changes in her personal life. She now prioritises self-care, spending more time on her hobbies, with friends, and ensuring she gets enough rest.

Returning to the conference for a second time has further fuelled her ambitions. Olivia now has even bigger plans and a deeper commitment to making a positive impact in her community. This year the plans for her fundraisers have doubled in size, recruiting a larger team in hopes of raising even more funds with the support of other young leaders.

Olivia’s story shows the real-world impact of the Melbourne Secondary Youth Leadership Conference. It’s a powerful reminder of how the event can help students unlock their potential and achieve their goals. For teachers considering this opportunity for their students, Olivia’s journey highlights the difference it can make.