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The Active Citizenship Convention is an annual event that brings students and educators across all schooling sectors together with experts, government officials and community stakeholders in the interests of democracy.
Register now for the 2026 Active Citizenship Convention
Registrations are now open for 2026!
School leaders have received invitations by email with the link for registration.
About the convention
The convention was first announced by the Premier, the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, in August 2024 and is part of the government's nation-leading Safeguarding Democracy reforms in civics and citizenship education aimed at strengthening students’ understanding, hope and trust in our democratic system.
The first Active Citizenship Convention ‘Our voice. Our impact’ was held from 18 to 20 August 2025 at Adelaide Oval.
Students attending the Active Citizenship Convention will develop their capacity to engage meaningfully with democracy, building trust and hope in our systems, and the skills needed to be active, informed and compassionate citizens.
The convention positions South Australia as an innovator of democracy and encourages students to consider the importance of their voice, consider different perspectives and engage with a range of community and youth leaders.

Learning experiences at the convention may include, for example:
- dynamic presenters on youth influence and civic participation
- an interactive session on that explores strategies to navigate mis- and disinformation
- youth-led interactive group sessions on reimagining what it means to be an influencer and how to be an active citizen
- get Voting experience delivered by the South Australian Electoral Commission, providing students with an opportunity to engage in casting a valid preferential ballot
- lunch with legends and leaders – a powerful opportunity to connect with inspirational Australians from politics, the arts, sport and community life
- live music performance created from student reflections and voices captured during the day on active participation, youth voice and decision-making
- a well-known MC will guide each day’s program, adding humour, heart, and a relatable voice that will encourage students to engage, connect and be active citizens.
Who can attend
Year 10 students from across the state are eligible to attend.
Schools are encouraged to prioritise students who have not yet engaged with leadership experiences and those who may benefit from building confidence, connection and perspective.
Attending students will experience the power of participation, build their confidence, use their voice, and discover the impact they can make in their lives and communities.
2026 Active Citizenship Convention
Back for its second year, the 2026 Active Citizenship Convention will take place in week 6, term 3 at Adelaide Oval.
Invitations to register to attend this year's convention have been emailed to school leaders. School leaders can contact the Safeguarding Democracy team if they have not received the email invitation.
Registrations are open until the end of term 2, or until booked out.
More information will be published closer to the event.
Our voice. Our impact.
Read what students had to say about attending the Active Citizenship Convention:
Past events
2025 Active Citizenship Convention
The inaugural Active Citizenship Convention 'Our voice. Our impact.' was held from 18 to 20 August 2025 at Adelaide Oval.
Nearly a thousand year 10 students from across South Australia attended the event over 3 days. Students heard from the Governor, Premier and Opposition Leader at the convention, with the Electoral Commission of South Australia assisting with a mock ballot. The event was co-led by youth facilitators
Students took part in discussions, workshops, and media panels driving conversations about the value of civics and democracy and issues of importance to them.
Highlights from 2025
Attendees at the 2025 convention had to opportunity to join and participate in experiences such as:
- Hearing from local and national leaders on a range of civics related topics
- 'Get Voting' election experience to support young people to understand the power of an informed and formal vote.
- Live music performance to amplify youth voice created from student reflections and voices captured during the day.
Active Citizenship Convention 2025 video (1:15)
Watch the event video for highlights and insights directly from students, youth facilitators, teachers and presenters.


