Brisbane Catholic Education has established its inaugural First Nations Student Voice Council, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a role in shaping future policies, programs and support across its schools.
The council is being piloted in 2026 and brings together nine students from Catholic schools across south-east Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.
It is designed to provide students with a culturally informed platform to contribute to decision making, build leadership skills and strengthen connections with community.
Students have taken part in online gatherings, leadership development sessions and a Term 3 visit to The University of Queensland.
During the university visit, students participated in sessions on critical thinking and media literacy, visited the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Unit and took part in design and exercise science activities.
The group also learned about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and will develop recommendations for future BCE policies, programs and student support.
Yeeralaraay/Gamilaraay woman and BCE Senior Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Dr Mayrah Dreise, said the council was intended to give students a direct role in shaping their educational experiences.
"The First Nations Student Voice Council was established because we know our students are the experts in their own experiences," Dr Dreise said.
"Creating a dedicated space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can come together, share their perspectives, and help shape future priorities ensures their voices are not only heard, but genuinely influence decision-making.
"This council is about empowering young leaders, strengthening connections to culture and community, and creating better outcomes for current and future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across BCE."
The initiative is aligned with BCE's Molum Sabe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy 2026-2027.
The strategy focuses on educational outcomes, cultural safety and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and communities.
BCE Head of School Performance and Reconciliation Action Plan Committee member, Brett Horton, said the council would give students greater involvement in decisions across BCE's 146 schools.
"Student voice and agency are essential to shaping and advancing meaningful change across our system of 146 schools," Mr Horton said.
"More importantly, the Council will empower young people to contribute to decisions that affect their learning, their communities, and their futures.
"When students are genuinely heard and valued, we create opportunities for deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and shared responsibility."
A thank you event will be held on October 21 to recognise the students who participated in the inaugural council during 2026.
The Molum Sabe strategy is guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as knowledge holders, leaders and decision-makers.
It also recognises continuing connections to Country, culture and community.
2026 Brisbane Catholic Education First Nations Student Voice Council members
Year 12 student Kane, St Peter Claver College, Riverview.
Year 12 student Rylan, St Peter Claver College, Riverview.
Year 10 student Finn, St Augustine's College, Augustine Heights.
Year 10 student Macy, St Augustine's College, Augustine Heights.
Year 10 student Nate, St John's College, Nambour.
Year 12 student Holly, St John's College, Nambour.
Year 11 student Indie, Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs.
Year 10 student Koda, St Teresa's Catholic College, Noosaville.
Year 10 student Ruby, St Teresa's Catholic College, Noosaville.
