Year 11 students from across our four schools – Brisbane Boys’ College, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School – came together on Monday, 11 June 2023 to hear from Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett from Orange Sky, at our annual Youth Leaders’ Forum.
This year’s theme of the forum was ‘Leaders for impact’, designed to inspire and challenge our emerging leaders and promote thoughtful debate and conversation around excellence in leadership and important social issues that impact the world.
The forum was largely facilitated by the students with Somerville House students Hilary and Alice as the joint Masters of Ceremonies, Clayfield College student, Sophie leading the opening prayer and Brisbane Boys’ College student, Aaron concluding the proceedings with the vote of thanks.
Aunty Kathy representing Turrbal Elder Songwoman Maroochy gave the Welcome to Country and PMSA CEO, Shane Coppin introduced Nic and Lucas, the Co-Founders of Orange Sky who established the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness.
Nic and Lucas shared with our students their journey of how they made their idea of doing people’s laundry in the back of a van a reality while also showcasing their challenges and how they overcome them to successfully realise their service.
PMSA Shane Coppin said the PMSA was pleased to be able to host this event and create an avenue for our students to learn firsthand how social change can be generated under careful stewardship.
“It was great to see how engaged the students were in their story and how an idea can spark meaningful change and make a positive impact on our communities.
“I hope it has inspired our emerging leaders to consider the possibilities of how they too could make a difference to help shape a better future for everyone,” he said.
