Leadership, Wellbeing and Purpose take Centre Stage at Inspiring Australian Student Summit
Olympic champion and Indigenous education advocate Catherine Freeman OAM led the third Inspiring Australians Student Summit at Murray Bridge High School on Thursday 22 May 2025. She was joined by Taryn Brumfitt (2023 Australian of the Year), internationally recognised for her advocacy in the positive body image space, and Kylan Beech (2024 SA Citizen of the Year), who has raised over $100,000 for cancer research.
This flagship initiative, delivered by the Australia Day Council of South Australia in partnership with the Department for Education, brings together Australians of the Year and nominees to inspire young people across the state.
‘We want young people to believe in themselves and make decisions that benefit their futures, families and communities. Education is the most powerful pathway to that change’ Catherine Freeman OAM
Drawing on her own journey and the work of the Catherine Freeman Foundation, she encouraged students to consider what leadership means in practice. “Leadership is about courage to walk your own path even when the road feels uncertain,” she said. “The greatest limits we face are the ones we place on ourselves. It’s mindset. Strength is not loud and boastful it is quiet and graceful.”
With nearly 20% of students at Murray Bridge High identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the summit aligned with the school’s strong focus on cultural identity, wellbeing, and academic achievement. Students from Raukkan Aboriginal School and Meningie Area School attended in person, with others joining via livestream from Mt Barker High, Mannum Community College and more.
Taryn Brumfitt offered a compelling and practical perspective on body image and personal empowerment. As founder of the Body Image Movement and director of Embrace Kids, she encouraged students to shift their thinking from appearance to action.
“Our bodies were never meant to simply be looked at—they help us move, create, and interact with the world,” she said. “Embracing your body is like having a superpower.”
She urged students to build resilience by rejecting comparison and focusing on what their bodies allow them to achieve.
Kylan Beech delivered a powerful reflection on purpose and the ripple effect of everyday actions. Following the death of his mother from brain cancer in 2021, Kylan began a fundraising campaign that now exceeds $100,000 for cancer research and support.
“Grief gave me purpose,” he said. “I wanted to show that even in pain, young people can lead change in their communities.” He encouraged students to reflect on small acts of kindness and their potential to create meaningful impact in the lives of others.
The summit promoted leadership, wellbeing, student voice and civic engagement. Students were also invited to nominate community role models for the 2026 Australian of the Year and Citizen of the Year Awards.
Jan Chorley, CEO of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, highlighted the program’s lasting value: “These events connect students with real stories of resilience and purpose. They offer young people the opportunity to see leadership in action and to understand their capacity to lead with integrity and care.”
The event was proudly supported by: Department for Education South Australia, Thomas Foods, Flinders University, Intract Australia, Sofitel – Adelaide, and Bridgeport Hotel – Murray Bridge.
