2026 Youth Advisory Council
In 2026, Telstra Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (the Council) brings together a diverse group of young people aged 12 to 18 from across Australia.
2026 overview
Our 2026 Youth Advisory Council reflects the rich diversity of young Australians – spanning regional and remote communities, First Nations young people, culturally diverse backgrounds, neurodivergence, disability, lived experiences of mental health challenges, caregiving roles, and identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
Meet the 2026 Youth Advisory Council
Ameeran (17)
(she/her)
I am a young leader who has experience in public speaking, advocacy, and youth engagement. I love organising and facilitating events, love public speaking and understand the importance of digital technology in modern advocacy. I aspire to attend Harvard Law School.
Arabelle (17)
(she/her)
Arabelle is currently in her final year of high school. She has a passion for making jewellery using wire wrapping, enamelling and resin techniques. She loves public speaking and using her voice to make a difference in her community through her involvement in the Townsville Youth Council. She hopes to help ensure that digital platforms are positive and safe spaces for all that use them.
Aryamaan (13)
(he/him)
I love cricket and gaming. I enjoy creating videos, reading history, performing in theatre, and exploring new tech and gadgets. I also enjoy being a stand-up comedian and making people laugh. I am really curious about the past and like learning how it connects to the world today.
My superpower is my determination. I can do 180 bodyweight squats at a time.
Brock (14)
(he/him)
Hey, my name is Brock. I am very interested in the digital world and the possibilities that come with it. I love talking and I am not afraid to use my voice when it matters. I love to game and chat with my mates online. I play golf regularly with my mates, and have been doing taekwondo for a few years.
Chloe (17)
(she/her)
Hi! My name is Chloe, I’m an eldest sister who loves to learn. I’m passionate about women in STEM and love reading whenever I can. I have a chronic illness (POTS) and would love to advocate for young people whose symptoms are dismissed and live with or without formal diagnosis. I’m a Medics Sargent in Cadets, mainly because I love looking after people and dealing with all things organizing and scheduling”
Cohan (17)
(he/him)
Cohan is an advocate in the disability space, firmly believing that everyone should have access to the digital world, regardless of ability. He loves technology and is always looking for the latest innovations and creations in the digital world.
Daniel (16)
(he/him)
Daniel is a dedicated member of the digital world, organising events such as Campfire Brisbane and gaming whenever his studies allow. He is passionate about online privacy, protecting the young in gaming and is always ready to infodump whatever is taking his mind over at the current moment. Bubbly, joyful and easy-going, he loves music, gaming, reading, studying, maths, history, fantasy, and role playing games.
Emma (17)
(she/her)
Biography coming soon
Evee (14)
(they/he)
Eevee is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ and Jewish communities who recently
moved from Sydney to Ballina, NSW. A deeply creative digital artist that enjoys
gaming, they are driven by a desire to act as an advocate for young people from
minority and marginalised groups within the digital world.
Eshan (14)
(he/him)
Eshan is a young and passionate person who loves everything about the digital world. He is someone who is super enthusiastic about cars and loves playing on his playstation. Eshan is also very passionate about nature, he would drive for hours and hours just to find the most beautiful view of the sunrise/sunset.
Jasmine (16)
(she/her)
I’m Jasmine, proud Cabrogal Dharug woman and School Vice Captain with a need for speed—I’m obsessed with F1 and F2! When I’m not cheering on my favourite drivers, you’ll find me at the beach, hanging out with my friends, or dreaming about my next travel adventure (ideally somewhere I can live one day!)
Lilly (15)
I am a passionate reader, enjoy public speaking and love building Lego! I played on a field hocky team for 9 years and have been participating in CrossFit for as long as I can remember.
Micah (15)
(he/she/they/any)
Micah is a game designer collaborating with both local and international partners to deliver compelling competitive experiences to millions of players worldwide. As a community builder, Micah connects people across distances while empowering youth with entrepreneurial skills through virtual marketplace opportunities. Additionally, Micah works as a full-stack developer, creating and sharing innovative personal projects with a global audience.
Nicola (16)
(she/her)
My hobbies include field hockey and online gaming. I’m a passionate flautist and love organising social activities bringing friends from different areas of my life together. It’s my aspiration to use my voice to advocate online safety for all young people.
Olivia (15)
(she/her)
Olivia Omotosho is a passionate public speaker, learner and published author. She enjoys reading, writing, and singing and uses her love for public speaking to advocate for things she believes in. She published her first book ’21 Girls who Made the World a Better Place’ at the age of 10.
Olivia was able to partake in several public speaking opportunities, including being the youngest speaker at the biggest Agile conference in Australia, ‘Agile Australia’. As an immigrant, a person of colour, and a young person living with a disability, she aims to share her personal experiences and act as a voice for young people all over the world!
Paige (14)
(she/her)
Paige is passionate about supporting young people’s mental health and creating a space where everyone feels heard and understood. As a leadership executive at her school, she uses her voice to advocate for others and make a positive impact in her community.
Patrick (13)
(he/him)
I have ADHD and I like playing the drums. I’m also a chatterbox and I like sharing ideas, telling jokes and making people laugh. And I love soccer, Lego and playing on my iPad.
Patrick (14)
(he/him)
2023 Australian Tween Entrepreneur, Youth Council Member, Young Change Agenda since 2023, Mentor to emerging Young Entrepreneurs through First Pivot Education Program. I’m passionate about creating new flavours in the kitchen for my business, which I started when I was 10 years old, love playing tennis and cricket, catching up with friends and meeting new people at markets. I have a strong passion for flying and I’m committed to growing opportunities for youth in Regional Australia. I’m committed to helping young people develop their entrepreneurship skills and turn their business ideas into reality.
Raghu (17)
(he/him)
Hey! I’m Raghu. What matters to me most is making sure that young people have a say in matters that directly affect us! I am passionate in driving positive change in areas like digital safety, mental health and youth representation. In my off time, you’ll find me curled up with a good book or trying new places around the Adelaide food scene!
Seán (18)
(he/him)
From creating international community films to photography and performing, Seán is an innovative artist and supportive friend, always searching to connect with his community and the creative industry. A graduate of John Curtin College of The Arts his motto is to never leaves an opportunity untouched, leading him to participate in the most committed clubs – designing Yr 12 Yearbook, creating advertisements for a petition and engaging in ballets, orchestras and plays – winning him the 2026 College Board Award for displaying all values of the college.
Shruthi (16)
(she/her)
Shruthi is a young leader who spends a lot of her time in the digital world and is passionate about making sure it is a safe place for all young people to thrive. She believes that all young people have important voices and opinions and wants to advocate for those who aren’t heard. She has been a part of her school’s sports council for the past few years, has worked with her local MP to address issues affecting youth in her area and attended the Olympic Change-maker National Summit in 2025. Shruthi’s skills and interests include public speaking, drama, dance, Minecraft, sport, leadership, and art!
Sienna (12)
(she/her)
I am the default theatre kid. I like drama, singing, dancing and writing music. I also enjoy debating. When I’m old enough, I would like to get a degree in performing arts at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, or study to be a lawyer (or both), and go to Broadway
Sienna (18)
(she/her)
Sienna is a year 12 student with a passion for youth advocacy and civic engagement. She is an executive member of the SA Youth forum, and spends her free time reading and listening to music!
Tasfiha (15)
(she/her)
I’m a Cadet Corporal in the Australian Army Cadets. I enjoy public speaking, being able to be a leader, and engaging with digital media. I’m always excited to take part in programs and opportunities that help me grow, learn new skills, and step outside my comfort zone. One of my goals is to study in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University.
Yasir (16)
(he/him)
Hello, my name is Yasir and I’m 16 years old. I love basketball, tennis and soccer. I love learning new things, like languages and games, and I am passionate about technology and new gen gadgets and innovations. I’m a determined and goal-oriented student who enjoys a healthy balance between academics, personal development and community engagement. I have a keen interest in leadership and helping others, and I’m always seeking to become the best version of myself. Through my involvement in youth initiatives, I aim to represent young voices and contribute to meaningful change in my community.
