School leaders shaping Fraser Coast's future

Published on 23 July 2026

• School Captains from 13 Fraser Coast high schools to attend regional leadership breakfast
• Students developing recommendations on youth priorities including employment, safety and recreation
• Program strengthens youth voice in Council decision-making

From youth events and employment pathways to community safety and drug and alcohol awareness, the issues that matter most to young people took centre stage today as School Captains and student leaders from across the Fraser Coast gathered for the latest School Captains Network Breakfast.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the School Captains Network Breakfast brings together student leaders from 13 Fraser Coast high schools to continue developing practical recommendations on issues affecting young people and help shape future Council decision-making.

“For around a decade, this program has connected student leaders with local government and given them a genuine opportunity to have their voices heard," he said.

“This program is about much more than consultation. It's about helping students understand how local government works, develop their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to decisions that affect their communities.

“It's equally valuable for Council because it gives us direct insight into the priorities, aspirations and challenges facing young people across our region.

“Held once each school term at Susan River Homestead, the breakfasts have identified five key priority areas and developed nine recommendations spanning local, state and federal government responsibilities.”

Cr Seymour said the ideas shared so far cover everything from improving employment and tertiary education pathways to creating more opportunities for young people through events, recreation and sport.

“Students have also highlighted community safety, including greater awareness around drugs, alcohol and vaping, as well as the importance of ensuring young people have spaces and services that support their wellbeing,” he said.

“This term, students will focus on the recommendations that fall within Council's responsibilities and begin building the evidence behind their ideas ahead of presenting them to Councillors later this year.”

Cr Seymour said the School Captains Network would continue to play an important role in delivering Council's Youth Engagement Framework.

“The framework is about creating more opportunities for young people to influence Council decisions and helping us better understand what matters most to the next generation," he said.

“Whether it's education, jobs, housing, recreation or community life, these conversations help us plan for a Fraser Coast where young people can see a future for themselves.

“We want every young person to know their ideas matter and that they have an important role to play in shaping the future of our region.

“The final School Captains Network Breakfast for 2026 will be held in Term 4, giving students the opportunity to reflect on the year's achievements and celebrate the progress made together.”