Nearly half a million Australian students have had an experience of the National Young Leaders Day which they will remember for a lifetime. This is a rare occasion for students to be in the same room as their heros and role models, to see them as real people, and to step forward into their own amazing journey as a young leader.
Halogen Australia has released the ‘first group’ of speakers who will inspire students at the 2026 events across Australia (with more to be annouced later). This event is Australia’s largest gathering of young leaders and is an annual event on the calendar of thousands of schools. It provides a unique opportunity for students to gather at world-class event venues to hear some of Australia’s most influential leaders share insights from their own leadership journey.
The first 2026 speakers announced are:
Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC: The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia since July 2024. (Specific event location to be confirmed)
Luke Springer AKA ‘Mr Luke’: Real-life teacher and online sensation with an audience of over 2 million across TikTok and Instagram. Using the internet to spread humour and positivity about daily school life. (Speaking at Adelaide event)
Catherine Laga’aia: Young Australian actress who will soon be one of the world’s most recognised faces. She is starring as Moana in the live-action movie of the Disney favourite, being released in 2026. (Speaking at Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide events)
Jess Yates: TV host and sports journalist featuring on a wide range of sports broadcasts including NRL, Supercars, Formula 1 and MotoGP. And now a children’s author. (Speaking at Sydney primary event)
Daniel Bull: 3 x world record breaking Extreme Adventurer. Daniel became the youngest person in the world to climb the highest mountain AND the highest volcano on every continent (Speaking at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane events)
Adrian Beck: Bestselling and award-winning author and TV producer. His books range from co-authoring hilarious stories with AFL stars, to young adult fiction. (Speaking at Melbourne event)
Ischia Brooking: Junior Matilda and Perth Glory star. At aged 14, Ischia broke the record for being the youngest person to play in the A League competition. (Speaking at Perth event)
Nick Hudson: Founder of global mental fitness event, ‘The Push-Up Challenge’ which has engaged over 700,000 participants and raised over $50 million for mental health in Australia alone. Nick’s many awards include Australian of the Year WA Local Hero 2024 and Mental Health Advocate of the Year 2021. (Speaking at Melbourne and Sydney events)
Maddison O’Gradey-Lee: Mental health researcher who was awarded the 2025 NSW Young Australian of the Year. Maddison is also the first Australian to win the ‘Diana Award’ presented by the Royal Family, the most prestigious accolade a young person under 25 years can receive for social action or humanitarian work. (Speaking at Sydney secondary event)
His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM: The Governor of Western Australia since 2022 and the former Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Force. (Speaking at Perth event)
Thomas Duncan Watt: Screenwriter and author, awarded for shows ranging from cartoon series ‘Space Nova’ to his new adventure book series. With multiple shows across Netflix, ABC and BBC, Thomas was also a feature guest at Oz Comic Con 2025. (Speaking at Brisbane and Perth events)
For the full speakers list as it’s updated, event details, and registration go to: www.halogen.au
