Curious about what drives the next generation of changemakers? 

At UNICEF Australia, we love shining a spotlight on incredible young voices. Their stories matter and when we can amplify them, we absolutely will! 

Meet Sian: a passionate UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador, fierce advocate for First Nations social justice, and an all-round inspiration.  

As a Young Ambassador, Sian has contributed to major initiatives including speaking at the Child Rights Symposium, running school programs and being on the State of Australia’s Children Report Youth Advisory Group. She’s provided input into UNICEF Australia’s 2030 Strategy, actively been part of First Nations youth summits, and is part of the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee. Sian has also represented UNICEF Australia at events including the Women in Sport forum championing youth-centred decision-making for lasting change.  

We sat down with her to dive into her passions, hear about the influences that shaped her journey, and her aspirations driving her forward.  

1. What first sparked your passion for advocacy and social justice? 

A lot of it comes from my family. My great‑grandfather was part of the Stolen Generation, and we're still in the process of trying to unravel every aspect of what our family is like and who we are. 

Growing up with that knowledge made social justice feel like something that was just part of us. My mum also worked in law enforcement, so conversations about fairness, equality, and community were always around me. I’ve always felt that everyone deserves to be heard, and if someone doesn’t have a voice, I want to help amplify it. 

2. How has your family shaped the way you understand justice and community issues? 

Being raised by an Indigenous woman who worked in the police force gave me a really unique perspective. I’ve seen how hard that job can be, but I’ve also seen how over‑policing and discrimination impact First Nations communities.  

My family sits on both sides of that divide with some in the justice system, some in law enforcement, and some dealing with trauma. I empathise with all the different sides as these issues are complex, which is why education and cultural competency is important to make real change.  

3. You’ve been involved in advocacy from a young age – including lobbying for a basketball court in your community. Where does that drive come from? 

One of my earliest actions when I was young was lobbying for a basketball court in my hometown. There was nothing for young people to do, and I saw how that fed into boredom, risk‑taking, and eventually crime.  

I knew that we needed something for people to do, especially because I played basketball. I went to a bunch of different areas, including low socioeconomic areas where sport is such an important aspect of keeping kids engaged and keeping them off the street and everything like that. From all those experiences, I knew we needed to take action. My best friend and I pushed for years before a politician picked it up, but now the court exists – and another one is being built!  

Working with the Family Protection Unit in the Cook Islands also showed me how different justice systems can be. They focus on prevention and keeping young people out of detention, and that really reinforced my belief that punishment isn’t the answer, but rather we always should try understanding the underlying issues. 

4. What drives your passion for advocacy and making a difference? 

A lot of the time some people can really be quick to judge a person before knowing who they are. I make it a point in getting to know people's stories because I think it's such an important part of who we are as Australians. It’s crucial to listen to people’s experiences and that's kind of where my advocacy comes in. If they don’t have that voice to share their perspectives, then I want to be that voice for them.  

It's so important to have representative groups so that no one is left behind. Everyone's voices should be heard so that we can make a decision based on what we all want. It's not just about the minority or the majority; everyone should have their say.  

Whether it’s big or small, I want to help people as much as I can and make a difference. 

5. You’re now a UNICEF Australia Youth Ambassador. What inspired you to join, and what do you hope to achieve? 

I love that UNICEF Australia genuinely listens to young people and gives us the tools to advocate effectively. For me, the most exciting part is being able to bring First Nations youth voices into national conversations.  

The program has already taught me so much, especially about communicating with young people and amplifying their voices. Young people are the ones who will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions, so their perspectives matter. I want to help make sure they’re not left out. 

It’s amazing being surrounded by others who care deeply about their communities, all with completely different backgrounds and passions. We all have such unique experiences and we're all trying to give young people a voice. It's such an important program and I feel very blessed to be part of it.  

6. What advice would you give to young people wanting to make a difference in initiatives like the Young Ambassadors program? 

I applied to the Young Ambassador program because I wanted to push myself after spending years thinking I wasn’t the “right” person to speak on big issues.  

Many young people will think that they don’t deserve roles where their voices are heard, but it's so important to realise that no matter what background you come from, you're sharing your own unique perspective. It might even be what someone else wanted to say, but they just didn't have that opportunity. 

If you have the chance to apply for a program like this, whether you think you're qualified or not, just do it. If you want to see a difference, then you've got to make that change whether it’s something small, like me when I randomly sent a letter to a politician, not expecting anything to happen but it did. I’m a big advocate for always trying. 

Are you our next UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador? 

Our UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador program gives young people like Sian the opportunity to speak up for children’s rights and what matters to Australia’s young people. Recruited from across the country, participants will be extensively trained in leadership, advocacy, and media and communications, empowering them to engage effectively with other young people, leaders and decision makers.     

Together, we work to ensure every child and young person has an equal opportunity to thrive and survive, no matter the circumstances or challenges they face. This is your chance to speak up for a fair Australia that protects and supports every child and young person.