2025 Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum

Together with Tristan Smith, Chief Executive Officer, it was a privilege to host another 160 student leaders from across 18 schools at the 24th Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum. The 2025 Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum held on 16-18 October at The Y, Yarramundi was an incredible success. The Forum is a 2 ½ day live-in program for Year 11 students, based on the values of integrity, service and courage.

The students who attended brought an immeasurable amount of energy, enthusiasm, and passion to the Forum. It was incredible to watch their growth throughout the forum and I can’t wait to follow their success back at their schools and within our wider community.

Students participated in team building activities, small group discussions, and a community service project at Aminya Village, McCall Gardens and Riding for the Disabled (NSW) Association-Tall Timbers Centre. Throughout the Forum, they also listened to inspiring talks from Lucinda Harvey, Sally Hurst, Chris Lee, Matt Kershaw and Rob Kennaugh.

I would like to thank our devoted volunteer team consisting of over 70 leaders and committee members who work tirelessly throughout the year and over the 2.5 days to support these students. Their passion and dedication in developing the next generation of leaders is nothing short of admirable and the Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum would not be possible without them. These leaders are exceptional examples for the students and display the forum’s values of service, integrity and courage throughout their daily lives.

The Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum Committee are an amazing group of young people who have an incredible passion and commitment in developing the next generation of leaders. I commend and thank; Tristan Smith, Ronie Quinn, Steve Edwards, Jan Cox, Ged Lewis, Thomas Kelly, Jessie Peake, Ken Shaw, Daniel Ridley, Marcus Cannon, Veneta Webster, Jane Porto, Lauren Nowacka and Simon Teh.

We would also like to thank our valued sponsors; our major sponsors, Nature’s Sunshine Australia, Castle Towers, and sponsors; Redeemer Baptist School and The Hills Lodge for their continuing commitment to the future of our student leaders.

For further information on the Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum visit www.mitchellylf.org.au