- Alexandra Whitwam - Youth and Community Engagement Senior Manager, Telstra Foundation
We’re proud to welcome the Telstra Foundation’s 2026 Youth Advisory Council, a group of thoughtful, creative and driven young people helping shape how we support young Australians to thrive in a fast‑changing digital world.
This year’s Council brings together young people from across the country, each with their own relationship to technology and digital culture. Some are artists, performers and writers. Others are gamers, entrepreneurs, athletes or emerging leaders. What connects them is a shared commitment to using their voices, online and offline, to make things safer, fairer and more inclusive for other young people.
“Young people don’t just bring fresh perspectives, they bring lived experience that challenges how we think and how we act,” said Jackie Coates, CEO of Telstra Foundation.
“The Youth Advisory Council reminds us that the best ideas come when we listen deeply, stay curious, and create space for young people to lead. The 2026 Council is an incredible group, and I’m excited to learn from them and work alongside them over the year ahead.”
Creativity, leadership and digital advocacy
Youth voice, grounded in lived experience
The Youth Advisory Council exists to make sure young people’s lived experience sits at the centre of our work. The 2026 cohort brings perspectives shaped by identity, creativity, community and curiosity.
Among this year’s Council are young advocates for online safety and digital rights, including those passionate about privacy, protecting young people in gaming spaces, and making sure the digital world works better for everyone, especially those from marginalised communities. Creative voices are equally strong, with digital artists, published authors, filmmakers, musicians and performers bringing insight into how young people express themselves, find belonging and build confidence online.
Not one story, many
The strength of the 2026 Youth Advisory Council lies in its diversity. Members come from cities, regional communities and coastal towns; from different cultural and faith backgrounds; and with a wide range of aspirations, from studying medicine or law, to performing on Broadway, to building businesses or working in the creative industries.
Some Council members are deeply immersed in the digital world through gaming, content creation and online communities. Others balance their digital lives with sport, theatre, entrepreneurship or community leadership. Each brings a different lens to conversations about technology, wellbeing, safety and opportunity, reminding us there is no single “young person’s experience”.
From curiosity to influence
Across the year, Council members will contribute to major Telstra Foundation work, including the Australian Youth Digital Index, sharing honest perspectives on what’s working, what feels outdated, and where systems aren’t keeping up with young people’s realities.
This is not about being polished or having all the answers. It’s about curiosity, confidence and contribution. Council members are encouraged to challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions, and learn from one another, whether they’re debating digital privacy, exploring emerging technology, or sharing creative ideas that speak directly to their peers.
Building on strong foundations
The 2026 Council builds on the legacy of previous Youth Advisory Council cohorts who helped shift youth participation from consultation to genuine co‑creation. In recent years, young people have influenced research, shaped advocacy, and contributed directly to programs and partnerships.
That foundation means this year’s Council is stepping into a space where youth voice already matters, and where their ideas can turn into action.
Looking ahead
In 2026, the focus is on deepening participation and growing influence. That means more opportunities for young people to lead conversations, shape ideas, and see how their perspectives translate into real‑world outcomes.
We’re excited to work alongside this remarkable group of young people as they bring their energy, creativity and lived experience to the heart of our work.
Welcome to the 2026 Youth Advisory Council.
