WOW School’s Day ’24: A Record-Breaking Celebration of Young Changemakers!

On Friday 25 October, WOW Australia made history with their biggest-ever WOW School’s Day! With an impressive turnout of over 18 schools, 120 mentors, and 180 students, WOW School’s Day ‘24 offered an unforgettable day of empowerment and inspiration, aligned with the UN International Day of the Girl. Hosted in partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre(QPAC), the event was a milestone in WOW Australia's commitment to ignite potential and inspire action among young leaders.

Empowering Minds with WOW Big Ideas

One of the highlights was the WOW Big Ideas panel, featuring renowned host Natasha Mitchell from ABC Radio National. Natasha facilitated conversations with Australia’s boldest young changemakers, focusing on what it takes to bring impactful ideas to life. From navigating challenges to honing essential skills, students learned firsthand about creating change and building resilient communities.

Meet the Changemakers:

• Sara Shams: Sara is a bilateral above-knee amputee, disability rights and diversity advocate, speaker, model, and health care professional. A disability rights advocate and healthcare professional, Sara’s work is pioneering equal opportunities and authentic inclusivity for all.
• Jody Rallah: A Yuggera-Yugggerabul and Biri-Bindal artist, Jody creates "knowledge vessels" that blend art, soundscapes, and collaborative storytelling across generations.
• Amy Parry: An award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of SUN SCREEN PICTURES, Amy develops transformative stories, including work with LUDO Studio and writing for the beloved children’s series Bluey.
• Taylor Ladd-Hudson: At just 15, Taylor is already a fierce shark conservationist and environmental advocate, bringing awareness and action to ocean health and biodiversity.

A Spin on Speed Mentoring

Students also participated in speed mentoring on the Wheel of Brisbane, a one-of-a-kind experience that allowed them to connect with mentors from a wide array of industries. This immersive session gave them invaluable insights and connections to inspire their future paths. With powerful conversations, interactive workshops, and live performances, WOW School’s Day ’24 was an empowering, life-changing experience for everyone involved. We’re proud to have set the stage for the next generation of changemakers – the future truly looks bright!