From the Classroom to Council: Students Advocate for Change in Geelong

Settle Well students stepped into the spotlight to advocate for change

As part of Refugee Week, students from North Geelong Secondary College and Northern Bay College stepped into the spotlight through CatholicCare Victoria’s Settle Well program, participating in a two-hour advocacy session with local leaders. Hosted in partnership with Youth Affairs Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council, the event welcomed MP Ella George, Youth Development Council Mayor Ayush Singh, and Council member Mohammad Hussain.

Students delivered elevator pitches on issues close to their hearts and engaged in a Q&A session with the leaders. The event was a powerful demonstration of youth leadership, civic engagement, and the importance of creating space for young voices—especially those from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Students from Northern Bay College raised critical issues including the rising cost of living and its impact on mental health and financial stability, a proposed social media ban for children under 12, and youth drug abuse. Meanwhile, North Geelong Secondary College students passionately advocated for action on racism and cultural respect, climate change and its psychological toll on young people, and the need for greater support for students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

MP Ella George congratulated each student who participated in the innovative advocacy program.