9 April 2025
The Western Australian Space Science Education Centre had the privilege of hosting the 2025 Signature Leadership Program participants for their fourth Experience Day at Joseph Banks Secondary College. The day centered on the theme of youth and education in a rapidly changing world.
The experience began with a powerful Welcome to Country, delivered by Aunty Annette, the Aboriginal and Indigenous Education Officer at Joseph Banks Secondary College. Her words set the tone for a day of reflection, learning, and collaboration.
Following this, the participants engaged with a thought-provoking youth panel, which shared insights into the challenges young people face in Western Australia today. Key topics discussed included the rising costs of education and living, the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the mental health impacts of social media, and the importance of bridging generational knowledge divides. The panel also focused on how leaders can support youth by providing platforms for their voices to be heard and explored the need for sustainable actions to back up environmental choices.
Next, Liz Smith, Acting Principal of Joseph Banks Secondary College, shared the Western Australian Space Science Education Centre’s innovative approach to teaching and learning. Liz highlighted how the Centre is shaping the future of education, fostering curiosity and critical thinking, and positively impacting student outcomes.
The cohort then enjoyed an exciting and educational walkthrough of the Centre, led by members of the Joseph Banks Secondary College executive team. Participants had the opportunity to explore biological science labs studying plant growth in space, cybersecurity labs teaching security concepts, and even a simulated Mars environment where students participate in geological surveys and mission control activities. During the tour, the executive team, including Paul Muir (Associate Principal – Senior School), Vanessa Scott (Associate Principal – Middle School), Sharyn Kocsis (Manager – Corporate Services), and Leon Macfarlane (Deputy Principal – Operations), answered questions from the cohort, sharing insights into the Centre’s operations and its impact on students.
In the afternoon, the cohort heard from guest speakers from Man Up, including President Daniel Law, Co-Founders Gareth Shanthikumar and Haseeb Riaz, and Vice-President Ben Dreyer. Through storytelling and peer-led workshops, Man Up is creating spaces for young men to openly discuss mental health, relationships, and emotional well-being, helping to redefine masculinity for the younger generation.
The day wrapped up with a thought-provoking closing presentation from Eleanor Hughes, Principal of Joseph Banks Secondary College and Signature 2025 participant. Eleanor explored the importance of youth voice in business, discussing how organizations can better engage young people, amplify their voices, and include them in decision-making processes.
A heartfelt thank you to Leadership WA for booking our venue for this incredible event. We would also like to thank the students from Joseph Banks Secondary College who generously gave their time to ensure the participants felt welcomed and engaged throughout the day.
