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Active Citizenship Convention

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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.

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Video transcript

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.

Through the Convention, young people will engage in learning to increase trust, hope and active participation in democracy, build confidence to navigate disinformation and misinformation, and develop a deeper understanding of democratic processes.

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.

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Video transcript

Our voice. Our impact.

Read what students had to say about attending the Active Citizenship Convention:

I learnt that it isn't just about us all having an equal voice, but about educating everyone on the issues we all face and allowing them to make educated decisions.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

I was really inspired by saying and knowing I could potentially do something great at my age. Feels good

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

People don't have to agree with each other to reach a mutually respectful consensus and make decisions.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

That we, the people have the power, not just the leaders.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

It doesn't always have to be super big to be a change, things can start small.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

This event has it has made me think that nothing is going to happen if I sit there and wait

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

The convention has taught me that even though we are young people, we can still have a positive impact on the community

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

That there are so many ways you can play a part in democracy, it doesn't just mean voting

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

That disagreement is good because it helps build democracy

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

Now I will take time to assess sources for credibility and reliability, distinguishing between legitimate reporting and misinformation.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

[The voting experience] is very relevant for young people as we are the next generation and will play a big role in choosing who will lead us, and I was able to learn how to do it safely and smartly.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

It has given me new perspectives on how democracy functions and the things that can threaten it.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

The voting experience was the highlight of the event, given that it had a lot of similarities to real life and introduced me to a voting process, without the importance of a real candidate

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

A highlight of the event was lunchtime where we were able to speak to inspirational people in sports, politics and music

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

I loved the musical performance at the end of the conference as it offered a great celebration for everything we had learned.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

It has inspired me to take action and make a difference even just through small actions everyday

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

It is not something I would normally go for, so I am glad I went. I am also glad that as a country school, we were included.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

I quite liked the memo: delivered by young, for young people. It gave an instant sense of connection and engagement.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

As a facilitator, I found the convention really rewarding, and it was a really good opportunity to meet some new faces in the youth space.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

I really enjoyed the peer teaching aspect of the Youth Facilitator Program.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

I personally enjoyed the interactive activities led by the youth facilitators the most. It was also great being able to talk to the students and gain a perspective into who they were and what they believed in and concerns that they cared about

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

This kind of event [makes] teenagers aware about democracy and give them a chance to show their interest

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

My highlight was being able to share ideas with such a range of people and meet so many different people.

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

I learnt that democracy relies on ordinary people being involved in what goes on

- 2025 Active Citizenship Convention student attendee

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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.
Video transcript

Active Citizenship Convention 2025 video (1:15)

Watch the event video for highlights and insights directly from students, youth facilitators, teachers and presenters.

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Video transcript