Your Ideas. Real Change.
In 2027, Youth Voice will celebrate its fifth year of empowering students at Vincentia High School to turn ideas into action.
What began as a partnership between Firefly Bay and Basin and Vincentia High School has grown into a thriving student leadership and co-design program where young people identify issues, develop solutions, and create projects that make a real difference in their school and community.
Over the past five years, students have co-designed and delivered 10 youth-led projects, each shaped by the interests, passions and priorities of young people themselves. From wellbeing initiatives and community events to creative programs, student-led campaigns and school improvement projects, Youth Voice has demonstrated what can happen when young people are given genuine opportunities to lead.
A Partnership for Change
The success of Youth Voice is built on a strong partnership between Firefly Bay and Basin and Vincentia High School.
Together, Firefly, staff, teachers and students have created an environment where young people are encouraged to share ideas, develop leadership skills and work collaboratively to achieve meaningful outcomes. The program provides students with hands-on experience in project planning, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and community engagement while ensuring that student voices are heard and valued.
Importantly, Youth Voice does not simply ask students for feedback. It supports them to become active contributors and decision-makers who help shape their school and local community.
Student Ideas Becoming Reality
Throughout the program’s history, students have identified opportunities for change and transformed them into practical projects that address real needs.
Each project begins with a simple question:
“What could you create?”
That question has inspired students to develop initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, build connections, create opportunities for participation and celebrate the talents and strengths of young people.
The result is a growing legacy of student-led action and positive community impact.
National Recognition for Student Leadership
One of the most significant milestones for the program came in 2026 when Youth Voice students helped co-design and deliver Burton St. Beats, a youth-led music festival created through the Squids on Show Project.
Held in Vincentia as part of NSW Youth Week, the event brought together young performers, young organisers and community partners to celebrate creativity, leadership and youth participation while providing a platform for young people to showcase their talents.
The impact of Burton St. Beats extended beyond the local community. On 28 May 2026, Liza Butler MP, Member for South Coast, delivered a Community Recognition Statement in the NSW Legislative Assembly, which was recorded in Hansard. In her statement, Ms Butler acknowledged the outstanding success of Burton St. Beats, describing it as a vibrant youth-led music festival and recognising the contribution of the young people who made it possible.
The statement also highlighted the leadership of Vincentia High School Student and Youth Voice Alumni, Ace Bale, whose passion, creativity and commitment helped bring the event to life through the Firefly Youth Voice program. The recognition served as a powerful reminder of the impact young people can have when they are supported to lead, create and contribute to their community.
The success of Burton St. Beats has now received further recognition, with Firefly Bay and Basin and Vincentia High School named finalists in the Australian Council for Student Voice Awards in the Partnership for Change Award category.
This national recognition highlights the strength of the partnership between students, school staff and community organisations, as well as the impact that can be achieved when young people are supported to lead meaningful projects from concept through to delivery. It is a testament to five years of Youth Voice and the belief that young people’s ideas, experiences and leadership can create lasting positive change.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As Youth Voice enters its fifth year, the focus remains the same: supporting young people to build skills, develop confidence and create positive change.
The next chapter of Youth Voice will be written by a new group of students ready to bring fresh ideas, energy and creativity to the program.
Whether their passion lies in wellbeing, community, events, sustainability, creativity, inclusion or something entirely new, Youth Voice provides a space where ideas can become reality.
After five years, ten projects and countless student contributions, one thing remains clear:
Young people have powerful ideas.
And when they’re given the opportunity to lead, great things happen.
Interested in joining Youth Voice 2027?
Applications are now open for students who want to make a difference, develop leadership skills and help shape the future of Vincentia High School.
Submit your application here: https://bit.ly/YV2027
YOUR IDEAS. REAL CHANGE.