The Koorie Youth Summit is back! For the first time, Victoria’s largest gathering of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will take place on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton. Scheduled for May 19-21, 2025, this transformative event will bring together young people aged 18-28 from across the state to connect, learn, and be inspired.
This year’s theme, ‘Wisdom to Power: Purpose, Passion, and Action,’ sets the tone for a Summit centred on our Elders’ wisdom, igniting our power as the next generation of young mob. The event aims to honour the knowledge and hard work of Victorian Aboriginal community members who have walked before us, while embracing our own strength to shape and determine our futures. The Summit is committed to empowering young mob to strengthen connections, be grounded in culture, and take steps toward continuing our Elders’ legacies to create impactful change.
Established in 2014, the Koorie Youth Summit is a critical space for strengths-based dialogue, solidarity, and growth. The program promises an inspiring lineup of speakers, interactive yarning circles, and hands-on workshops designed to engage and uplift participants. Jye Charles, Koorie Youth Council’s Community Engagement Facilitator, shares, “We want the 2025 Koorie Youth Summit to focus on connection and grounding. With the exciting opportunity to host on beautiful Yorta Yorta Land, this Summit will be extra special.”
KYC is thrilled to announce Keynote Speaker, Warumungu/Yawuru woman, Megan Waters, whose experiences as a media presenter, podcaster, fitness instructor, host, Indigenous culture ambassador and brand ambassador will inspire young mob to dream big. Megan made her move into the media in 2021, when she became the newest personality on NITV’s popular show, Yokayi Footy. She now co-hosts various formats and content for AFL. She is also a boundary rider for FOX Footy’s AFLW coverage.
Jye Charles continues, “After such a challenging past couple of years for our communities, we want young mob to come together to share space, feel empowered, and leave the Summit strengthened in the knowledge that their voices matter—that they matter. The Summit isn’t just a one-off event; it has ripple effects in the lives of all young mob who attend. In a frightening time in the world, events like the annual Koorie Youth Summit are crucial for our wellbeing and connection to one another.”
The Summit offers a unique chance to listen, heal, share, and celebrate First Peoples culture while collectively mapping pathways for a better future. By amplifying diverse voices, the Summit fosters leadership and empowers young people to create meaningful change in their communities.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Leyla Quartermaine, adds, “Since its inception, the Koorie Youth Summit has been a space where young mob in Victoria can feel comfortable, welcome, and their voices listened to. Often, we see and hear in the media our people always being spoken about in a deficit. Our young mob are much more than that—we are powerful, intelligent, and resilient.”
“Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria are rarely given genuine space to share their voices, aspirations and experiences. In the wake of the failed referendum and ongoing challenges like bail reform, our voices have been pushed aside. The Summit reminds us that our voices matter, we matter, and that there’s strength and hope in coming together as a community. It’s more than just an event—it’s a movement grounded in culture, connection, and self-determination.”
– Leyla Quartermaine, Acting Chief Executive Officer
“We can’t wait to facilitate panels, workshops, and yarning circles with young mob to hear what is happening in their communities; what’s working and what isn’t. To create positive change, we need to hear everyone’s experiences from across the state, so we can best represent their contributions at KYC.”
– Jye Charles, Community Engagement Facilitator
Registrations are now open! Contact Koorie Youth Council for support or questions.
Download our full media release below:
