A huge thank you and congratulations to every school that participated in this year's LeaderUP challenge! Over 10 weeks in T2, students all over Australia have identified real challenges and barriers within their school communities and worked collaboratively to design meaningful, student-led solutions. It was inspiring to see the creativity, leadership and dedication shown by every team, with each project driven by a genuine desire to make their school a more connected, supportive and positive place.

A special congratulations to our 3 finalists whose innovative ideas impressed the Youth Advisory Board and the extended YLAA team.

To Xavier Catholic College and Silkwood School our runners up

Silkwood school - recognised that students within their school were feeling disconnected from both their peers and teachers and there was a lack of motivation. To strengthen these relationships, they created a project where year levels were mixed up and competed against each other in different activities. After running a successful pre launch, students saw first hand how the event encouraged people from different year levels and friendship groups to connect, build friendships and simply enjoy spending time together. Their initiative highlighted the power of shared expereinces in creating a strong school community.

This project is a great example of leadership through connection. By recognising a need and creating opportunities for others to feel included, the team showed how leaders bring people together and strengthen their community.

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Xavier Catholic College - their project involved designing vibrant, student-created posters to be displayed in school bathrooms, locker rooms and in hallways, using uplifting colours and positive messages to promote and encourage respect for peers and staff, and inspire positive behaviour. By showcasing student artwork, the initiative not only brightens shared spaces but also celebrates student creativity while reinforcing a culture of pride, kindness and unity across the school.

Their initiative reminds us that leadership isn't always about large-scale change, it can also be about influencing everyday behaviours and creating environments where people feel valued, respected and proud of their school.

DRUM ROLL..LeaderUP 2026 Winner

A huge congratulations to our LeaderUP 2026 Winners – Iramoo Primary School!

After recognising that some students were feeling left out during break times, the year 6 leadership team developed an initiative called Unleash the Fun, a lunchtime program designed to help students build confidence, form new friendships and strengthen connections across year levels. Through engaging games, activities and opportunities to play together, the initiative creates a welcoming environment where every student has the chance to belong.

One of the highlights of their submission was seeing students come together to dance the Macarena in a flash mob type style, a joyful moment that perfectly captured the spirit of inclusion, fun and community that the program is all about.

Iramoo's project embodies the heart of leadership; having the eyes to see those who may feel left out and taking action to ensure everyone has a place to belong. Their initiative is a powerful reminder that the greatest leaders create opportunities for others to connect, grow and thrive. The future vision is now to create a mural, which will be a brilliant visual reminder of the positive impact this project created and the legacy the year 6 leadership team is leaving behind.

Congratulations once again to Iramoo Primary School on an outstanding achievement! We can't wait to see how Unleash the Fun continues to grow and bring your school community together.

Well done to every LeaderUP school for your passion, creativity and commitment to creating positive change. You have all shown that leadership begins with recognising a need, taking action and making a difference for others. We hope to see you take part again next year!

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