- Alexandra Whitwam - Youth and Community Engagement Senior Manager, Telstra Foundation
In 2025, something shifted for our Youth Advisory Council.
“Being a council member was incredibly rewarding. I was part of a supportive, respectful team where young people’s voices were genuinely valued.” – Sienna, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member
Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) didn’t just tell us what young people think, they showed us what’s possible when young people are trusted as collaborators, creators and decision‑makers.
Today, we’re proud to release the 2025 Youth Advisory Council Report, which captures a year defined by co‑creation, curiosity and courage. It reflects what happens when young people move from being consulted to being genuinely embedded in the work, shaping ideas, building outputs and influencing real‑world change.
Moving beyond “advisory”
The YAC has always played an important role in bringing young people’s perspectives into the Telstra Foundation’s work. But in 2025, the Council evolved.
“I had never joined a Youth Council before and the very first time I joined a meeting, I was met with such warmth and joy.” – Eshan, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member
This year marked a clear shift from an advisory model to a co‑creation model. Council members didn’t just respond to ideas put in front of them. They initiated projects, tested assumptions and produced work that stands on its own.
A standout example is the Digital Skills Report – YAC 2025, a youth‑led research project that explored what digital skills really mean in young people’s lives today, beyond devices and platforms, and into creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.
Learning by doing, leading by building
Across the year, YAC members contributed to advocacy, research, storytelling and strategic thinking. They tested ideas through hands‑on digital projects, reflected on what worked (and what didn’t), and shared insights that shaped how we think about digital wellbeing, creativity and capability.
“The most enjoyable part of my experience on the Telstra Foundation Youth Advisory Council in 2025 was the sleep challenge.” – Sienna, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member
The Do Not Disturb Sleep Challenge, co‑designed with sleep experts, turned complex wellbeing data into practical, youth‑tested strategies, from small habit changes to greater self‑awareness around rest and routine.
“This not only improved our health but also showed us what things affected us the most when we have a good night’s sleep.” – Eshan, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member
Community as the engine
Just as important as the outputs was the sense of connection built along the way. The Council brought together young people from across Australia – spanning different ages, identities and lived experiences – and created a space where peer learning could thrive.
“I really enjoyed the collaboration aspect and making new friends who are from all around Australia that have similar interests.” – Lilly, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member
That sense of belonging strengthened participation, candour and confidence — and helped ideas move faster and further.
“I was looking forward to each meeting and what we were doing next.” – Lilly, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member
Growing confidence, shaping futures
The report also captures where YAC members are now and the diverse paths they’re taking, from education and employment to launching youth‑led initiatives.
“Overall, being part of the TF YAC helped me grow in confidence, develop new skills, and feel connected to a community that is passionate about creating positive change for young people.”
— Sienna, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member
There’s no single definition of success here. What connects these stories is agency, young people backing themselves, supported by a model that treats them as partners, not participants.
What’s next: youth‑led by design
Looking ahead, the Youth Advisory Council will continue to deepen its focus on youth‑led work. In 2026, members will have more opportunities to design and lead projects aligned to what matters most to them, supported by the introduction of a new Young Person‑in‑Residence role.
This next chapter builds on what the 2025 Council showed us: when young people are trusted with real responsibility, the work becomes more relevant, more grounded and more impactful.
Why this matters
At the Telstra Foundation, we believe children and young people should be in the driver’s seat on issues that affect their lives.
The 2025 Youth Advisory Council Report is evidence of what that belief looks like in practice, not just in principle, but in action.
We invite you to read the report, hear directly from the young people behind it, and see what’s possible when we build with young people, not for them.
