Sydney Secondary Youth Leadership Conference

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Event.

The Secondary Youth Leadership Conference is a full-day leadership experience for Year 7–12 students. Facilitated by young Australians who’ve recently been where your students are, the day combines keynotes, structured workshops and small-group challenges designed to build real leadership capability — not just inspiration. Every student leaves with an action plan and complimentary access to LeaderUp, our 10-week follow-up program.

WHAT YOUR STUDENTS WILL EXPERIENCE

A high-energy opening that sets the tone for the day and breaks down barriers between students from different schools
Keynote sessions from young Australian changemakers with real, relatable stories
Hands-on leadership workshops covering communication, teamwork, self-awareness and taking action
Connection with students from schools across the state who share the same drive to lead
Free access to LeaderUp, YLAA’s 10-week follow-up program, for every attending student

THE AGENDA

The Program.

8:45amDoors Open

Doors open and schools check in with our event team, ready for the day ahead.

9:15amWelcome & Networking

YLAA facilitators welcome the room and open with interactive, for-youth by-youth networking that establishes and builds new peer connections.

Defining Leadership

Facilitators share YLAA's mission and their own leadership journeys, unpacking what leadership looks like in action, service, character and contribution — not a title.

Self-Leadership: Opening Keynote

The opening keynote focuses on leading yourself before you lead others — the foundation of effective leadership: leading with character and integrity — followed by an open Q&A.

10:50amBreak 1

A break with structured opportunities to interact, collaborate and network with young leaders from across the room.

11:30amSkills for Success

Students build practical, transferable skills and apply them in real time through engaging, hands-on experiences that grow confidence and leadership.

Student Speaker Panel

A panel of student leaders shares their real experiences, challenges and wins, with an audience Q&A that puts student voice at the centre of the room.

Leading Forward

We explore what it means to lead in service of your school and community and make a purposeful, positive contribution — then introduce LeaderUp, our post-event program.

Service-Leadership: Keynote 2

An inspiring guest keynote shares a powerful story of service leadership, inspiring participants to create a positive impact in the lives of others.

12:40pmBreak 2

A second guided break to keep networking, grab a bite to eat and chat with the facilitators and keynote speakers.

1:20pmStudent Voice

Selected school leadership teams take the stage to share their ideas, what agency means to them, and how they'll contribute as responsible leaders back at school.

Final Keynote

A closing keynote brings the day's biggest ideas together and sends students back to school inspired and ready to act.

Event Wrap-Up

We recap the day's tools and strategies, connect them to the character and contribution your school already champions, and invite every student to share feedback.

2:30pmEvent Concludes

Students head back to their schools ready to lead, with the learning continuing through LeaderUp and our ongoing school partnerships.

Please note: this agenda is subject to change without prior notice.

Register Your School.

PER STUDENT

$49

Full-day conference (8:45am – 2:30pm)
E materials & student journal
Certificate of attendance
LeaderUp 10-week program (free)

PER ACCOMPANYING TEACHER

$25

Full-day conference access
Conference resources & planning tools
Barista coffee voucher

If you've partnered with us before, you'll notice our combo packages are no longer available.

Here's the honest reason. Running these conferences costs more every year. We had two options: lift the ticket price for everyone, or step back the package discounts. We chose the second. That way the standard ticket price stays exactly where it was, and no school faces a higher per-student cost than before.

Same conference. Same impact. A price we've worked hard to keep where it is.

PAY WITH INVOICE PAY WITH CARD

Dana

Director of Experience

Seda College SA

Scott

Assistant Principal, Learning

Roma Mitchell Secondary College

Emma & Rosie

Head of Student Leadership & School Chaplain

Knox Grammar School

Jen

Head of Tay Creggan

Strathcona Girls Grammar School

Sarah

Leading Teacher, Student Voice & Agency

Saltwater College

“

The conference was very practical and provided many simple skills that our students will be able to implement in the future. The vibes were great and I liked how the presenters made students feel comfortable to speak with them and sought students out during breaks. The day was aimed at the age group very well and the speakers were engaging and inspiring.

Tiffany

Senior Deputy Principal

Benowa State School

“

Having the event run by youth for youth, and also having a speaker with an abundance of life experience who show that age is no barrier was excellent. There were many powerful and engaging speakers, and the activities that get students moving around & meeting each other were great.

Alexandra

Year 11 Advisor

Cobar High School

“

"Creating meaningful change” was one of many inspiring messages embraced by our Student Leaders at the YLAA Conference in 2022. Dynamic yet humble, the speakers this year demonstrated that one person really can make a difference in this world, and that age is no barrier to achieving the extraordinary. This conference enabled our students to ignite their passion for leadership and was an outstanding reminder that opportunities abound, and it is up to them to make the most of what is in front of them. We cannot wait to include our Student Leaders in future conferences and encourage all schools to invest in their leaders by providing them with the opportunity to attend.

Amy

Student Leadership Coordinator

Ashdale Secondary College

“

This was one of the best leadership days I have ever been to with our students. We all learned different things and all can bring them to the table when making our school a better place. It inspired us in different and similar ways that all enjoyed, students loved it and were excited to go to school to see what we can implement.

Annie

Student Leadership and SRC Coordinator

Kogarah High School

“

YLAA's Conference was so well planned and delivered, challenging students to reflect on their own style of leadership and skills along the way such as public speaking and the importance of mindset in setting achievable goals. The Changemaker Panel was incredible - inspiring students through such exceptional examples of achieving and having that chance for students to ask questions to other youth on their leadership journeys was incredibly beneficial. Our students come back to school with not only motivation but the tools to turn a thought into a program benefiting our community.

Catherine

Head of Student Leadership

Haileybury College - Victoria

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$25

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much preparation is required from teachers?

Very little. Once you've booked, we handle the content, speakers and facilitation. Your school simply arranges transport, supervision and getting students there on the day — we take care of the rest.

How far in advance should we book?

As early as you can. Our conferences and programs fill quickly, especially in our busiest months — February, March, November and December. Booking early gives you the best choice of dates and cities.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

All cancellations must be made in writing to info@ylaaus.com, and the date we receive your notice sets the refund tier. For events: 16+ weeks before the event = full refund; 8–16 weeks = 75% refunded; 4–8 weeks = 25% refunded; under 4 weeks = non-refundable and non-transferable. In-school programs follow a separate schedule. Please read the full terms & conditions.

2027

Sydney

Secondary Youth Leadership Conference

SYLC

Sydney

Secondary Youth Leadership Conference

SYLC

The Event.

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The Program.

Speakers & Facilitators

Wil Massara

Bonnie Ryan-Rowe

Liam O'Connell

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Frequently Asked Questions

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From captains to quiet achievers, every school does it differently.
Download the free guide to see what’s working for others.