From inspiration to impact

On March 13, Wesley Place was full of Year 10 to 12 students from schools across the Synod with a Uniting Church connection. 

The event, ‘Agency and Empowerment: Leading at and beyond school’, gathered together around 70 students from Billanook College, Kingswood College, Aitken College, The Scots School Albury, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS), Cornish College and The Geelong College.

This was a perfect space for young leaders to engage, learn and be inspired as they embark on their own leadership journeys. 

Setting the stage 

Adrian Pyle, Co-Director of Relationships and Connections within the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, opened the event with a reflection on the UCA Characteristics. He motivated students to embrace their leadership potential and make the most of the day ahead. 

Then, the event featured a blend of inspiring keynotes and workshops organised in three sessions: Session 1 – Building Connections, Session 2 – Leadership beyond action, Session 3 – Application at and beyond school.  

Voices who inspire

The event featured outstanding speakers, who in their unique manner and perspective, highlighted the diverse paths of leadership and encouraged students to embark on their own. 

Dr Jessica Hateley-Browne (Director of Mission at Uniting Vic.Tas) filled the room with wisdom, emphasising the importance of staying true to oneself, focusing on the next right thing and leading from the back, finding their voice as the “fourth speaker”.

The journey continued with a dynamic panel discussion featuring Jacob Miller (2024 Elvie Munday Churchill Fellow) and Rev Brendan Byrne (Interfaith Chaplain Team Coordinator at University of Melbourne). Their conversation stressed the importance of exploring personal values, and leading with audacity and authenticity, without losing sight of the morals that guide true leadership. The message was clear: you don’t need all the answers now; the journey of discovery and leadership will unfold through experience.

 

Noah Yang (Founder and Managing Director at We are Mobilise) shared his inspiring story of founding and leading We Are Mobilise, an Australian charity focused on giving opportunities to solve homelessness in Australia. He shared how he asked himself the question, “Why does anybody have to sleep on the street?” He motivated students to take that first step to be their own difference.

Collaboration and meaningful connections

Beyond the keynotes, Third Culture Australia, facilitated workshops and icebreaker activities to foster collaboration, connection and critical thinking in a fun and impactful way. One of the highlights of the day was the final workshop, where students reflected on the key takeaways and worked together to brainstorm new initiatives for their schools. They transformed learnings in actionable plans. 

A lasting impact 

The event ‘Agency and Empowerment: Leading at and beyond school’ was the first inter-school event hosted this year by the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. The feedback from students has been positive, with a 93 per cent satisfaction rate.

Many students expressed feeling empowered and motivated to shape their leadership roles in their school and communities: 

• “I gained more of an insight on the different form of leadership. It can push you far out of your comfort zone”  – Year 11 student from Cornish College
• “I think the day was perfectly balanced and really enjoyable. I wouldn’t change it.” – Year 11 student from Cornish College
• “I’m really happy to have time to work with my school and we made some great new ideas.” – Year 12 student from PEGS
• “I learnt about myself as a leader and that I should use my personal strengths.” – Year 10 student from Kingswood College

We are committed to continuing fostering safe, engaging and impactful gatherings that empower students and equip them to become leaders of tomorrow. Stay tuned for our upcoming inter-school events.