THE KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT IS THE LARGEST GATHERING IN VICTORIA CREATED FOR AND BY ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER YOUNG PEOPLE, AGED 18 TO 28, LIVING IN VICTORIA.
Since its inception in 2014, KYC has organised this gathering to provide a safe space for young mob from across the state to come together, connect, and engage in discussions about what matters to us. It’s an opportunity to express pride, learn, share, and celebrate our culture.
Each year, the Summit revolves around a specific theme and showcases inspiring speakers, yarning circles, and workshops. Notable past speakers have included Uncle Archie Roach, Adam Goodes, Nooky, Brooke Blurton, Kobie Dee, Megzy, Adam Briggs, Tunchai Redvers, along with members of our Executive team and other remarkable young people across our communities.
The Summit welcomes over 200 delegates annually, from Mildura to Gippsland and everywhere in between—coming together to build connection, spark change, and inspire the next generation.
The 2025 SUMMIT IS CLOSED
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PAST SUMMITS
2017 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
Our Identity, Our Resilience, Our Story
The 2017 Koorie Youth Summit took place on the lands of the Wurundjeri people on 14 and 15 June at Mantra, Bell City, Preston.
The theme, ‘Our Identity, Our Resilience, Our Story,’ is the expressive and collective power that we, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, posses and display in our communities.
The Summit artwork was created by Rochelle Patten Jnr, a Yorta Yorta and Gunai Kurnai woman.
2018 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
Connect, Create, Celebrate
The 2018 Koorie Youth Summit took place on 13 and 14 June at the Pullman on the Park Hotel located on Wellington Parade, Melbourne, directly across from the
traditional gathering grounds of the Kulin nation. Over 200 deadly young people attended the two day event.
This theme, ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate,’ highlighted the importance and need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to connect, not just with each other, but connect with our culture and land. It is through this connection that we are able to create a future we want to see and to celebrate our successes.
The logo was designed by artist Hayley Millar-Baker, a Gunditjmara woman who uses digital technologies to revive story-telling. Hayley explores themes of culture, connection to country, identity, relationships, cultural practices, and values.
2019 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
Past Present Future
Koorie Youth Council (KYC) hosted the sixth annual Koorie Youth Summit in May for the first time outside Melbourne’s CBD. Over one hundred delegates travelled from across the state for the 3 day and 3 night event on the lands of the Wurundjeri and the Wathaurong/Wadda-Wurrung people in Glenmore. The Summit is one of the largest gatherings created for and by Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 18-28 years. The gathering is an opportunity to connect with each other, discuss what is important to us, be proud, learn, share and celebrate our culture.
The theme, ‘Past, Present, Future’ is the understanding and recognition of our history as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect, acknowledge and build on our stories, our music and our traditions that have been handed from generation to generation as we prepare for the future.
The artwork was created by Nakia Cadd, a Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Bunitj woman, living on Wurundjeri country. Her art is inspired by her journey through motherhood, family and country. Nakia is apart of an art collective called Narrun Yana and released her baby range through the collective.
The Summit featured a Treaty panel, as well as panels with inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their vision for the future. The Summit also included a broad range of yarning circles and wrapped up with a Sunday festival highlighting deadly artists and musicians.
2020 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
Connect, Heal, Grow
Thank you to all the deadly young people, speakers and musicians who joined us for our ONLINE 2020 Koorie Youth Summit! Sadly we postponed this year’s Summit at Camp Jungai due to the public health situation in Victoria. During this uncertain time, connecting with each other is even more important as we draw
strength from each other, and look for new ways to grow.
Our connection, healing and growth as Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people is symbolic of our culture, our people and our history. The 2020 Summit theme, ‘Connect, Heal, Grow: Determining our future’ illustrates the collective wisdom of our past and present, as it supports us in determining our future.
The Summit is a space for us to gather from around the state to connect with each other, discuss what is important to us, be proud, learn, and share.
When we connect and gather as young people, we create space and energy to empower and inspire. When we heal, we understand and recognise the healing and strength within ourselves and our communities. When we grow, we are continuing in the footsteps of our ancestors, inspired by our people’s journeys and creating the footsteps for those that come after us.
The 2020 Koorie Youth Summit logo artist is Rubii Red!
Rubii is a proud Lama Lama artist, activist and Twitch streamer who uses her work to share her culture and discuss issues affecting her and her community. Her lifelong love of anime and comic books has influenced her graphic style, in a practice that spans portraits, abstract line work, character design and fan art.
Online Program
This year, the Koorie Youth Summit took place online across four powerful weeks of panels, music, and yarns.
Week 1
Kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Belinda Duarte, CEO of Culture is Life, followed by a Treaty Yarning Circle featuring Sissy Austin, Tarsh Bamblett, and Jordan Edwards. Presented by Still Here, the week closed with soulful Medicine Songs by Alice Skye.
Week 2
Featured a moving talk by Tunchai Redvers, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the We Matter Campaign, alongside insights from KYC staff Douglas
Briggs and Banok Rind. We ended the week with Medicine Songs performed by Allara.
Week 3
Brought reflections with actor and writer Steven Oliver, wellness yarns with Allirra Potter, and a powerful Medicine Songs session with Kee’ahn.
Week 4
Began with a session with Rarriwuy Hick, Nova Peris and Laura Thompson, as well as insights from Sportswoman, Autism Advocate and Public Speaker Elise Muller. Finishing the program off we had a final Medicine Songs performance with with Emily Wurramara and The Merindas.
2021 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
Barring Djuwima (Sharing Journeys): Heal, Grow, Thrive
The Summit is a space for us to come together from around the state to connect, discuss what is important to us, be proud, learn, and share.
As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we have been healing and adapting to change over centuries. The 2021 Summit Theme speaks to moving forward from the challenges and sacrifices we made in 2020 and 2021—defining years in our journey—to grow and thrive in our communities and be the best that we can be.
Barring Djuwima means ‘Sharing Journeys’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language. Barring Djuwima (Sharing Journeys) is about reflecting on the year that was, creating space to share our experiences and hold knowledge through each other.
To heal is to acknowledge our strength and resilience, and the ways our communities have connected and looked after each other during these unprecedented times. To grow is to take all that we have learned to make new teachings for the future. And to thrive is to celebrate our connection to our culture and communities, to inspire our ongoing journeys as young people so we can continue to heal, grow and thrive for centuries to come.
The program included over 15 deadly speakers from our communities, including Eddie Betts, Caroline Kell, Belinda Duarte and Sue-Anne Hunter, and the world stage sharing inspiring stories covering topics such as:
- Protecting Country
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Justice
- Personal finances
- Weaving (+ weaving kit included)
- and more!
We acknowledge Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation for giving us permission to use their language for our 2021 Summit theme.
Artwork Story
Alkina edwards is a very proud yorta yorta, wemba wemba, mutthi mutthi and
Wiradjuri woman living on yorta yorta country (echuca). A digital finger artist and Designer, the body of works she creates are about self expression, self determination, Identity, culture, family, community and love.
Alkina has been creating art since she can remember. She always loved sitting
Back and watching her family members draw, paint and talk about cultural stories Through their art. It always kept her strong in her identity, values and beliefs.
“The people represent the stories being told and passed down Through the generations for our history and culture to Continue. The circle campfire signifies the safety and warmth We get from the yarning circles as well as allow our people to Come together to share our stories and history. The paths you See leading into the yarning circle signifies all the different Journeys we have taken as a people and how those journeys Have led as to sharing our history and truth with each other. The colours hold meaning as they bring a sense of calm and Warmth which is an important aspect when sharing our Stories and journeys with each other.”
2023 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
For Us, With Us, By Us
We are proud to be hosting our 2023 Koorie Youth Summit at various locations on the lands of the Gunai Kurnai peoples’ in Lakes Entrance, Victoria. The Koorie
Youth Summit attracts an audience of young people from regional, rural and metro communities throughout the state. It is a space designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to connect, grow and thrive.
Our three day Summit is an opportunity which is extended to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged between 18-28 years who live permanently in Victoria.
Artwork Story
“My name is Siona, and I have strong connections to the Moiradu tribe of the bangerang nation, kerrupmara tribe of The gunditjmara nation and wiradjuri through my mother. My father is a murri from queensland. He belongs to Kukuyalanji and girramay tribes. I love spending time with my Family and I really love doing my first nation art by using Different mediums like using canvas and digital art.
This artwork is about youth and about how everyone comes From different mobs and places and [represents] Everyone Coming together as one to talk [about] What is important to Us young people. The artwork design is possum skin pelts in a Circle and each pelt represents different mob within Victoria. The circle represents a yarning circle and this is Where our voice is being heard. The background represents My cultural connection to the murray river. I chose the Colour purple to pay respect to a special sister girl.”
2024 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
Ancestor’s Footsteps, Young Voices, Empowering Futures
We are excited to announce the 2024 Koorie Youth Summit, taking place in Naarm/Melbourne, Victoria. This three-day conference welcomes Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander young people aged between 18-28 years who live permanently in Victoria. The Summit draws participants from regional, rural, and metro communities across the state, offering a dedicated space for connection, growth, and empowerment.
Anticipating over 100 youth delegates, this face-to-face conference marks a significant return to Naarm, focusing on outcomes and advocacy for our community’s future. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and advocates, shaping the path forward for our young mob. Additionally, KYC will provide delegates with enriching cultural and social programs that celebrate the resilience of our people.
Day 1
Began at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Naarm, where we visited JXSH MVIR FOREVER I LIVE, a retrospective of the late Josh Muir’s work, followed by a walking tour of Birrarung Marr. At Richmond Football Club, we enjoyed performances by DJ Kid Benny and hip-hop artist Caution, who also hosted a round of Blak Bingo.
Day 2
Opened with a Welcome to Country by Mandy Nicholson and a keynote from Brooke Blurton. We heard from panels on Blackfulla Voices in the Arts and Caring for Country, and delegates took part in Yarning Circles on activism, youth justice, and the role of young voices in shaping our future.
Day 3
Featured a keynote by Nooky and a panel on Economic Empowerment: Young Mob in Business. We closed the Summit with a collective reflection, sharing our highlights, hopes, and visions for what’s next.
2025 KOORIE YOUTH SUMMIT
Wisdom to Power: Purpose, Passion and Action
The 2025 Koorie Youth Summit, took place in Naarm/Melbourne, Victoria in May. This year’s theme for the summit was Wisdom to Power: Purpose, Passion and Action. The theme was decided amongst the recently formed Summit Working Group. We aligned the Summit’s theme with the corresponding theme of NAIDOC week. 2025 also marks a significant milestone for NAIDOC week, 50 years of NAIDOC.
This year’s NAIDOC theme is Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, which celebrates not only the achievements of our old people in their own youths, but also the continuous evolution of young people today who are spearheading us towards a brighter future. The theme and program was a co-collaboration between the Summit Working Group and KYC Staff.
This year’s Summit featured powerful keynote addresses from Kobie Dee and Megan Waters (Megzy), who shared deeply personal stories about their journeys through music, media, mental health, and healing. Their talks provided young mob with guidance on navigating life’s challenges while carrying the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
Kobie Dee spoke about growing up in a regional community, his music career, and how he transformed past struggles into a commitment to uplift other young
creatives. Megan Waters shared how personal loss shaped her understanding of holistic wellbeing, and her path to becoming a media presenter and the first female Aboriginal AFL boundary rider.
Two compelling panels also highlighted the power of creative expression in activism and healing:
- Contemporary Storytelling Activism Our Way featured Natisha Tabua and Milla Morgan, two artists using fashion and painting to challenge colonial norms, celebrate Blak pride, and create safe spaces for storytelling.
- Strong Spirits – Healing Our Way brought together Kimmie Lovegrove, Gregg Dinah, Iluka Sax-Williams, and Sheeneeya Penrith, who shared their work across media, healing services, art, and community health. Each panellist offered unique insights into reclaiming culture, fostering wellbeing, and empowering future generations.
Working Group
KYC sincerely expresses our gratitude and recognition for the outstanding efforts of our newly established Koorie Youth Summit Working Group.
During the 2025 Summit, the group came together online to explore themes, discuss ideas, select speakers, and guide the overall impact of this year’s Summit. Without the dedication and collaboration of the working group in shaping the direction of this event, we would not have been able to bring this year’s Summit to life.
A special thanks to our first cohort of Working Group members—Destiny Neilson (Gunai & Wotjobaluk), Tyler McCormack (Yorta-Yorta, Ngarrindjeri-Kaurna, Boon- Wurrung), Baden Moore (Ngintait, Ngarrindjeri, Wemba Wemba), Bianca Baldwin (Gunai Kurnai, Gunditijimara) Courtney Guce (Kamilaroi)—who are passionate about fostering connection and creating space for community.
Acknowledgments
