Communities around Buderim and the Sunshine Coast are represented in Brisbane Catholic Education’s inaugural First Nations Student Voice Council, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a stronger voice in future education decisions.
The pilot program brings together nine students from Catholic schools across south-east Queensland and the Sunshine Coast, including representatives from Siena Catholic College in Sippy Downs and St Teresa’s Catholic College in Noosaville. Over the course of the initiative, the students will contribute insights and recommendations that may help guide future decision-making across Brisbane Catholic Education’s network of 146 schools.
Student Voices at the Centre
For generations, students have often been asked to adapt to decisions made on their behalf. This council takes a different approach by creating space for young people to share their own experiences and perspectives.
Brisbane Catholic Education established the group to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have a meaningful opportunity to contribute to conversations about their education, wellbeing and school life. The council also aims to strengthen leadership skills while building stronger connections to culture, community and identity.
Bringing together students from different schools allows ideas and experiences to be shared across regions, creating a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing First Nations students.
Learning Beyond School Grounds
The council’s work has already extended beyond regular meetings and discussions.
As part of the program, students visited The University of Queensland, where they participated in sessions focused on critical thinking and media literacy. They also explored services available through the university’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Unit and took part in activities linked to design and exercise science.
The experience offered students a chance to engage with new learning environments while gaining practical leadership development opportunities. It also provided insight into future education pathways and the possibilities available beyond secondary school.
Supporting Future Change
The initiative forms part of Brisbane Catholic Education’s Molum Sabe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy, which focuses on improving educational outcomes, cultural safety and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and communities.
Education leaders believe meaningful student participation can help schools better understand the needs and aspirations of young people. By inviting students into discussions about future priorities, the organisation hopes to strengthen relationships across school communities while creating more informed and responsive support programs.
The council members are expected to develop recommendations that may help shape future initiatives across the Catholic education system, ensuring First Nations perspectives are reflected in ongoing planning and decision-making.
Sunshine Coast Representation
For families across the Sunshine Coast, including communities near Buderim, the council highlights the growing role young people can play in influencing the direction of education.
Students from Siena Catholic College and St Teresa’s Catholic College are helping bring local perspectives into broader discussions, ensuring the experiences of First Nations students from the region contribute to future conversations across Brisbane Catholic Education’s school network.
A recognition event later this year will celebrate the contributions made by participants in the inaugural council.
Published Date 30-September-2026