The Change-Maker program recognises secondary students from around the country who demonstrate the Olympic values both on and off the field of play, through leadership and driving positive change in their school and local communities.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll said he is proud to see the program enter its fifth year.

"I am thrilled to announce the Australian Olympic Change-Maker program is back for 2023, highlighting young Australians using sport to create positive outcomes for their community,” Mr Carroll said.

“As we continue down the green and gold runway towards Brisbane 2032, it is important we continue to champion the young Australians driving positive change.

“Our Change-Makers from previous years are already making a difference in their communities and indeed in the Olympic Movement – six 2022 Change-Makers participated and gave a youth voice to the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Forum in March this year.

“I look forward to learning more about each of the nominated 2023 Change-Makers and hearing the student’s ideas, insights and recommendations at the Change-Maker Forum and National Summit later in the year. It is one of the best days in my job, hearing ideas from young Australians that will make a positive difference to Australia.

“I encourage all teachers to nominate young leaders from their school and celebrate the inspiring work being done by their students.”

Nominated students are given the opportunity to share ideas, connect with other like-minded young leaders and be immersed in a unique Olympic experience at the Change-Maker Forum, collaborating and learning from Australian Olympic athletes. A panel of Olympians will also select Change-Makers from around the country to attend the National Olympic Change-Maker Summit in December.

Schools can find out more and nominate students at aochangemaker.com.au

As one of four guest Olympians at the 2022 Change-Maker Summit, 2018 Winter Olympian Rohan Chapman-Davies said the program provides a great opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone.

“The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program encourages students to become advocates for the values they want to see embodied in the future of Australian sport,” Rohan said.

“The students engage with contemporary sporting issues and provide the youth perspective to the AOC.

“At the National Summit, I mentored a team of six Change-Makers as they prepared their presentation for the AOC. The enthusiasm and passion the students demonstrated was incredibly inspiring.

“If you believe one of your students possesses values and qualities that powers positive change within their community, I strongly encourage you to nominate them today!"

Reflecting on his experience, 2022 Olympic Change-Maker James Johnson said he considers the program a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“The lifelong friends you make and the unique platform you are given to create change is what makes the Olympic Change-Maker program so special,” James said.

"A highlight from my experience was meeting and being able to collaborate with the other like-minded Change-Makers. We all got along so well because we were all united by one clear goal, to power the change in our communities through sport.”

Following the National Summit, Change-Makers are encouraged to stay connected with the Olympic Movement and are given unique opportunities to continue sharing their voice.

High schools around Australia are invited to nominate two students from across years 10-12 who are demonstrating positive change in their communities.