Students call for more study and sporting opportunities

Published on 12 October 2026

• Fraser Coast school leaders present recommendations to Council to improve education and sporting opportunities
• Students want more university study options and better pathways for young athletes
• Recommendations developed through Council’s School Captains Network involving student leaders from 13 Fraser Coast High Schools

More opportunities for young people to study, play sport and pursue their ambitions without leaving the Fraser Coast are at the heart of recommendations presented to Fraser Coast Regional Council at a special presentation by local school leaders and captains.

Four students representing 13 Fraser Coast High Schools presented their ideas to Councillors last week in the new Council Chambers at the Hervey Bay Community Hub, following a year of discussion through Council’ School Captains Network.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the recommendations highlighted the importance of listening to young people when planning the region’s future.

“Young people should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, whether that’s going to university or Tafe, or competing at the highest level in their chosen sport without having to leave the Fraser Coast,” he said.

“The School Captains Network brings together Council representatives and student leaders from 13 Fraser Coast high schools each term to develop leadership skills, learn about local government and discuss issues affecting young people.

“Throughout the year, students identified nine issues affecting youth including employment pathways, community safety, youth events and drug and alcohol awareness.

“This year’s students have put forward two priorities where Council could potentially help drive change by expanding tertiary education opportunities and improving sporting pathways.”

Tarj from Hervey Bay State High School said limited local study options and the expense of relocating could influence whether students pursued tertiary qualifications or entered the workforce instead.

“Many young people have to leave the Fraser Coast to study because the courses they want aren’t available locally,” Tarj said.

“We want to see more opportunities for young people to gain qualifications here so they can stay connected to their families, their community and their region.”

Cr Seymour said the students recommended Council explore partnerships with education providers to expand local course offerings, investigate the feasibility of upgrading existing facilities and consider establishing a Youth and Industry Reference Group.

“We want young people to see the Fraser Coast as somewhere they can build a successful future and providing opportunities for young people to study locally is an important part of the region’s future,” he said.

“These recommendations are timely, particularly as Council considers future opportunities for the former Hervey Bay Library building.”

Evelyn from Urangan State High School said talented young athletes often needed to travel to larger cities to access specialist training and higher-level development sporting opportunities.

“Having to travel can be expensive and difficult for families, particularly when it involves regular trips,” Evelyn said.

“We want young people on the Fraser Coast to have the same opportunities to develop their talents and reach their full potential as those living in bigger cities.”

Cr Seymour said the students recommended greater promotion of local sporting achievements, more opportunities to bring specialist coaching clinics to the region, increased sporting grants and volunteers, and a stronger connection between young athletes and Council.

“The recommendations are particularly relevant as Queensland prepares to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

“We have talented young athletes across the Fraser Coast, and we want to give them every opportunity to develop their skills and achieve their ambitions.

“With the Brisbane 2032 Games approaching, there are exciting opportunities to showcase our sporting facilities, attract training programs and potentially host visiting teams.”

Cr Seymour thanked the students for their commitment and encouraged future school leaders to continue sharing their ideas.

“Their ideas will help inform ongoing conversations about how we can create more opportunities for the next generation.”

The presentation was an opportunity for students to share recommendations directly with Councillors and no formal decisions or funding commitments were sought as part of the meeting.