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 2025 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 2025 speakers announced are:
Emma McKeon: With 11 Olympic Games Medals and 20 Commonwealth Games Medals to her name, Emma McKeon is not only the greatest Australian swimmer of all time, but the most decorated Olympian, and one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. (Speaking at Melbourne event, plus Sydney primary and secondary events.)
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 and Perth events)
Caitlin Bassett: Former Australian Diamonds Netball Captain. Awards include include Gold medals, Australian Diamond of the Year, World Championships and Super Netball Championships (Speaking at Perth event)
Kasey Rainbow: Artist and author, passionate about colour and kindness. Known for creating unique collections with brands like Peter Alexander, Boost Juice, LEGO and many more. (Speaking at Brisbane event)
Dayne Zorko: Current Brisbane Lions superstar, having won the club best and fairest award 5 times, and is the second longest serving Captain. (Speaking at Brisbane event)
Jessica Trengove: Marathon runner who has represented Australia at 3 Olympic Games, and the gold medal winner at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. (Speaking at Adelaide event)
Nikhil Autar: 2024 NSW Young Australian of the Year. Diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 17, he has invented numerous solutions to everyday challenges of people living with disabilities and medical needs. (Speaking at Sydney secondary event)
Majak Daw: Born in Sudan, Majak and his family moved to Australia as refugees. When Majak debuted for North Melbourne, he became the first Sudanese-Australian to ever play in the AFL. (Speaking at Melbourne event)
Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll: One of the most recognisable lifeguards in the world thanks to the TV series ʻBondi Rescueʼ, he has spent more than three decades protecting beachgoers on the Australian coastline. (Speaking at Sydney primary event)
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC: Governor of South Australia. Previously served as Australia’s Ambassador to China and also in the Australian High Commission in London. (Speaking at Adelaide event)
Kate Kirwin: 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year. Founder of ‘She Codes Australia’ with the aim of teaching women coding skills, and closing the gender gap in tech. (Speaking at Perth event)
Tom Jonas: Former Captain of the Port Adelaide Power Football Club, leading the team for 5 years until his retirement in 2023. (Speaking at Adelaide event)
Thomas Duncan-Watt: Young screenwriter and author, awarded for shows ranging from cartoon series ‘Space Nova’ to ‘Home & Away’, and multiple shows across Netflix, ABC and BBC (Speaking at Melbourne event and Sydney primary event)
Todd Hazelwood: Supercars driver and 2024 winner of Australia’s most iconic motorsport event, the Bathurst 1000. (Speaking at Brisbane event)
For the full speakers list as it’s updated, event details, and registration go to: www.halogen.org.au
