In late March, a group of students from Vincentia High School took an exciting step forward in their leadership journey, travelling to Sydney as part of Firefly’s Youth Voice Project. The overnight experience marked a significant milestone for the group, celebrating the completion of the program’s Aware Phase and setting the foundation for the changemaking work still to come.
More than a simple excursion, the Sydney trip was a carefully designed learning experience that blended education, travel training, team building and exposure to future pathways. For many students, it was an opportunity to build confidence, independence and a stronger sense of their role within the wider community.
Learning What Real Accountability Looks Like
Throughout the visit, students connected with professionals working at the forefront of youth advocacy. Sessions with the Uniting Advocacy Team gave students insight into the organisation’s current Fair Treatment campaign and a behind‑the‑scenes look at how advocacy drives real-world change.
The group also worked alongside the Accountable Futures Collective, diving deep into the concept of accountability to young people. Together, they explored what it truly means for adults, organisations and systems to listen to youth voices, share power and act with transparency and integrity.
Key themes emerged across the workshops, including:
- Trusting young people as capable and valuable contributors
- Ensuring youth voices are present in decision‑making spaces
- Creating safe and inclusive opportunities for young people to speak up
- Adults taking responsibility for their impact and following through with meaningful action
These powerful ideas will continue to shape the students’ work as they move into the next phase of the Youth Voice Project.
Connection, Confidence and Community
Learning was balanced with moments of fun and connection. After dinner at Circular Quay, students took part in an energetic scavenger hunt spanning from Cadman’s Cottage to the Sydney Opera House. Laughter, teamwork and a bit of friendly competition brought the group together, strengthening friendships and reinforcing a sense of belonging.
The final day of the trip focused on giving back. Students participated in a hands‑on sorting workshop with Banish, a sustainable social enterprise near Central Station. By helping to process hard‑to‑recycle materials that would otherwise end up in landfill, students saw first‑hand how small actions contribute to larger community and environmental outcomes.
Returning Home with Purpose
Back in the Bay and Basin, students returned with new skills, stronger connections and a growing sense of purpose. The Sydney experience marked a turning point, helping them see themselves not just as participants, but as emerging community changemakers with ideas, influence and responsibility.
Next, the group will begin developing their own project ideas. Through research and collaboration, they’ll build strong proposals before pitching their changemaking projects at a community event later in the year.
This journey is just beginning, and the impact they’re ready to create is already taking shape.
Go to our YouTube Channel to watch our photo montage from the trip – click here