Twenty-nine inspiring students from across the country have been selected as Australian Olympic Change-Makers, recognised for their outstanding contributions to creating positive change through the power of sport.
Chosen from almost 1000 nominations by a panel of Olympians, the students from years 10-12 and will come together for a collaborative summit with athletes and AOC leaders in Canberra from 26-27 November.
From tackling mental health and body image challenges in their schools through sport, to making 700-kilometre round trips weekly to referee regional sporting competitions, and harnessing the power of sport to foster inclusivity and belonging, the students are embodying the Olympic spirit around the country.
At the National Summit, the Change-Makers will work with Olympians and each other to deliver advice as a voice of youth to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) on how to maximise the opportunities for the Olympic movement in the leadup to Brisbane 2032.
The group will deliver recommendations to AOC leaders and politicians at Parliament House on Wednesday and receive a commemorative Change-Maker medal from the Royal Australian Mint.
AOC CEO Matt Carroll praised the program and the remarkable achievements of the young leaders.
“Congratulations to each of the young leaders selected for the Australian Olympic Change-Maker National Summit,” Mr Carroll said.
“These students are driving real change in their communities and showcasing the power of sport to bring people together. They represent the future not just of the Olympic movement in Australia, but of our nation as a whole.
“I look forward to meeting each of the Change-Makers in Canberra this week and hearing how they plan to seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the Games in Brisbane.
“Thank you to the teachers and schools around the country who have supported the Australian Olympic Change-Maker program, and provided an environment for their students to create a positive impact.”
At next week’s National Summit, the Change-Makers will hear firsthand from Olympians including Zac Stubblety-Cook, Chloe Dalton, Sam Fricker, Keesja Gofers, Milly Tapper and Elka Whalan.
Elka, a swimming silver medallist who competed at a home Games in Sydney 2000, was part of the judging panel that selected the 29 Change-Makers.
“Seeing the incredible impact of these Change-Makers is inspiring,” she said. “Sport is never just about you, but the chance for impact and influence that sport gives us.
“It’s a great mix of students who have been chosen for the Summit, who are so humble, creative but have a desire to make a difference. The Summit gives the young leaders a chance to connect with people just like them, who are seeking more for their community, to form strong bonds through sharing their stories.
“It’s so humbling to be part of this program, seeing the submissions of the students they have so much talent and character to share.”
Year 12 student Kaylea Canton from Gordonvale in Far North Queensland is running sporting programs in primary schools to foster social inclusion and improve enjoyment and skills for students of all abilities.
“Being selected as a Change-Maker is an incredible opportunity, and very rewarding to see that hard work and dedication pay off,” Kaylea said.
“Sport feels inspiring and creates a sense of belonging. I believe it’s about making a difference and contributing to something that benefits anyone and everyone. Seeing the positive impact my love for sports has had on students of all abilities makes all the difference to me.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the Olympians and learning about their journeys, as well as getting an insight to what the other students are doing to see what more I can do with my program and what other pathways are available.”
This is the sixth year of the Australian Olympic Change-Maker program, with more than 6000 students across the country engaging with the program since 2019.
The 2024 Change-Maker National Summit Attendees
Australian Capital Territory
Ash McLean – Year 10 – Melrose High School
Nate Farrell – Year 10 – Alfred Deakin High School
New South Wales
Ava Masic – Year 10 – The Hills Sports High School
Joshua Caldwell – Year 10 – The Alpine School
Kristen Tannous – Year 12 – Rosebank College
Luke Anderson – Year 12 – Wagga Wagga Christian College
Sophia Ghantous – Year 12 – Domremy Catholic College
Will McKay – Year 12 – Woolooware High School
Willa Herron – Year 11 – Bellingen High School
Zane Zofrea – Year 12 – St Edmund’s College
Zoe Hutchison – Year 11 – Manning Valley Anglican College
Northern Territory
Abbey George – Year 12 – Darwin High School
Kate McTaggart – Year 11 – Katherine High School
Maxwell Groves – Year 12 – The Essington School
Queensland
Abigail Cowley – Year 12 – Longreach State High School
Gianluca Josey – Year 12 – St Laurence’s College
Jessica Lloyd – Year 12 – Pacific Lutheran College
Jett Doyle – Year 10 – Pioneer State High School
Kaylea Canton – Year 12 – Gordonvale State High School
South Australia
Crystal Manning – Year 12 – Endeavour College
Mitchell Haley – Year 11 – Faith Lutheran College
Tasmania
Charlotte Macdonald – Year 10 – Burnie High School
Hannah Sheen – Year 11 – Fahan School
Victoria
Abdul Salam Mohammed – Year 12 – Minaret College
Harrison Hughes – Year 12 – Ballarat Clarendon College
Jamieson Escobar – Year 11 – Flinders Christian Community College
Rhea Werner – Year 12 – St Catherine’s School
Western Australia
Charlotte Ball – Year 12 – Karratha Senior High School
Genevieve Ho – Year 12 – All Saints’ College
