National Conference 2025

Thirty-three young leaders from across Australia gathered in Melbourne from 28–30 November for the National Conference of the Young Christian Workers (YCW) and Young Christian Students (YCS) movements. The conference provided a national forum for young people to articulate the realities of their lives, analyse these experiences in relation to broader national trends, and collectively identify priorities for future national action and campaigning.

The conference was structured using the YCW/YCS methodology of SEE–JUDGE–ACT, enabling participants to move from analysis of lived experience to discernment and collective action.

What Young People Are Facing

A national youth survey (108 respondents) and city-by-city reports revealed common struggles:

• Cost of living pressures – including housing unaffordability and food insecurity

• Social isolation and mental health challenges

• Worker exploitation and wage theft – especially among young and migrant workers

• Disempowerment – youth voices are often tokenized, not genuinely heard in decision-making

 

“We are invited to consultations, but the decisions have already been made.” – Conference delegate

 

Root Causes Identified

Using a SPEC-H analysis (Social, Political, Economic, Cultural, Historical), delegates identified deeper patterns:

• Rigid systems blocking progress

• Profit-driven priorities and capitalism reinforcing exclusion

• Decline of community support and intergenerational dialogue

• Growing individualism over collective responsibility

• Intergenerational privilege and limited inclusive spaces

Shared Values and Vision

Participants grounded their analysis in shared values:

• Respect, human dignity, community

• Faith grounded in love, peace, generosity, belonging

These values shaped a vision for a fairer, more inclusive future.

Three National Action Priorities

Delegates agreed on three interconnected issues affecting young people across all backgrounds:

1. Youth Disempowerment

Challenge: Tokenism, lack of confidence, and institutional barriers.

Action Strategy – Four Pillars of Empowerment:

• Empowering environments

• Effective mentorship (guide, don’t drag)

• Intergenerational collaboration

• Authentic representation

Short-term: Upskilling seminars on networking, public speaking, and finding mentors.

2. Cost of Living & Housing/Food Instability

Challenge: Systemic barriers making housing and food unaffordable; lack of financial guidance.

Assets: Local MP access, community partnerships, YCW network.

Actions:

• Resource hubs for food banks and support services

• Direct MP advocacy

• National youth survey on cost of living impacts

• School outreach and digital engagement for financial education

3. Mental Health & Social Isolation

Challenge: Shallow digital interactions, stigma around mental health.

Strategy – Organic Connection through Hospitality:

• Community meals (soup, BBQs) after church or on weekends

• Safe, low-pressure spaces (not labeled as “mental health clinics”)

• Invite friends/family who may be struggling

Digital Advocacy:

• Personal testimonies on social media

• Campaigns tied to R U OK? Day, International Women’s Day

Long-term goal: A resilient community with strong social circles, healthy self-identity, and open mental health discussions.

What Young People Are Asking For

In a letter to Members of Parliament, delegates called for:

1. Genuine youth participation – real authority, not just advisory roles

2. Action on cost of living and housing – social housing, rent controls, financial education

3. Fair and safe work – enforce wage theft laws, protect young and migrant workers

4. Mental health through community – preventative, belonging-focused initiatives

 

“Young people are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fairness, dignity, and a future they can realistically build.”

What’s Next?

YCW and YCS are already mobilizing:

• Leadership training

• National surveys

• Community education

• Advocacy meetings with MPs

A concrete training and advocacy program for 2026 is underway, focused on upskilling young people to claim their place at decision-making tables.