The group, attending the 2023 Australian Olympic Change-Maker Summit, was selected from more than 900 applicants from every state and territory.

Each Change-Maker has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school or local community. All the applicants submitted their ideas by video presentation before the group of 24 was selected to attend the National Summit.

Working alongside Olympian mentors Sami Kennedy-Sim, Mack Horton, Nathan Katz and aspiring Olympian Dr Rachael Gunn, the students were tasked with providing recommendations to the AOC.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll was joined at the forum by Federal Minister for Youth the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Olympians, Shadow Minister Ms Angie Bell MP, and Leigh Gordon AO CEO Royal Australian Mint.

The ceremony marked the final day of the 2023 Australian Olympic Change-Maker National Summit, that saw our Olympic Change-Makers come together to collaborate on important issues facing sport in Australia.

The students' recommendations focused on the themes of social inclusion, rural and remote opportunities, sustainability and the benefits of sport on the Australian community, which they presented to AOC CEO Matt Carroll and Olympic gold medallist Chloe Dalton OAM at a session on Thursday morning.

Each student was then presented with a Change-Maker gold medallion crafted by the Royal Australian Mint.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll said he was inspired by the students' recommendations and thanked them for their vital contribution to Australian sport.

“Importantly, this summit ensures that the voice of youth continues to be heard as we move down the nine-year green and gold runway towards Brisbane 2032,” Mr Carroll said.

“Each year our Australian Olympic Change-Makers consistently amaze me with their innovative ideas and valuable suggestions, and this year's cohort is no exception.

“The recommendations provided today showcased the depth of understanding and thoughtful perspectives from our young leaders.

“Their input is instrumental to the AOC in addressing challenges facing Australian sport and we thank them for their invaluable contribution,” he continued.

“I’d also like to extend our gratitude to the students' schools and notably the teachers who nominated them, for their time and contribution to the Australian Olympic Change-Maker program and the Olympic Movement in Australia.”

Minister for Youth the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP congratulated the Australian Olympic Change-Makers for their excellent leadership and enthusiasm.

“Young people bring a lot to the table, we can each learn from the experience and passion of the Australian Olympic Change-Makers,” Dr Aly said.

“It’s important we recognise and value the diversity of young people, the diversity of their aspirations, and the diversity of their lived experiences.

“By working together with young people, and truly listening to their lived experiences, we can create a better future for all Australians.”

Shadow Minister for Youth, Angie Bell MP, said as our future Olympians, it is important that young Australians have their voices heard.

“I’m constantly in awe of the incredible achievements of our young Australians and this year’s group of Change-Makers is no different,” Ms Bell said.

“Their dedication to supporting their peers and local community is inspiring, and I know Australia’s future will be bright, with them as our future leaders.”

Triple Winter Olympian Sami Kennedy-Sim said she was impressed by how open-minded and willing the students were to learn, share and step outside their comfort zone over the three-day Summit.

“The way the students weave sport, community and humanity into their thinking is outstanding,” Sami said.

“I am in awe of their capabilities and look forward to seeing them realising their sporting and academic potential.

“Maybe even one day becoming Olympian mentors themselves at future Olympic Change-Maker National Summits.”