Monash Youth Connect Dinner

Published on 29 December 2025

What is Monash Youth Connect?

Monash Youth Connect was a celebration dinner that brought young people together to share their personal stories with the goal of increasing social connection through understanding and relationship building. Six young speakers made inspiring presentations in front of members of their community, including friends and family on the night of 28 November 2025.

Who organised this event?

The Monash Youth Connect planning committee consisted of nine young people who co-designed this event with the support from Monash Youth Services. The committee members also facilitated the event ushering, MCing, and running an interactive storytelling activity. Special thanks to Janumi, Ksenia, Adhyan, Harindra, Daniel, Lola, Eshan, Emma and Kyley.  

You can click the following audio files to listen to the inspiring speeches.

Adhyan

Adhyan is a Year 11 student at John Monash Science School. Next year, he was elected as one of the school captains. His speech was inspired by his experience with leadership and how these opportunities have shaped his experiences with his wider community.  Adhyan is also a member of the Monash Youth Connect planning committee. 

Marcus

Marcus is a year 11 student at John Monash Science School. Marcus is a member of the Monash Youth Committee and is passionate about music. His speech shares his personal experiences with social anxiety, as well as acknowledging and overcoming challenges associated with his anxiety.

James

James is a graduate of RMIT University, who studied the Bachelor of Design. He has previous volunteering and leadership experience and currently helps facilitate creative holiday workshops for children. He is passionate in learning new ideas, exploring new ways of thinking, and creating a safe environment for everyone. Hi speech explores insights on traditions and whether they should be questioned.

Janumi

Janumi is a year 10 student at Glen Waverley Secondary College. Janumi is a member of the Youth Connect planning committee. Her speech explores personal identity and how past insecurities shaped her experiences and thoughts on the world surrounding them.

Sullivan

Sullivan has recently finished a double degree in Arts and Music at Monash University.
He is discovering his voice as a musician and a volunteer at headspace Syndal, aspiring to support the next generation with his insights in cultural awareness, mental health and societal issues. His speech explores his experience living in Australia as an immigrant, and how his cultural encounters and experience in mental health have shaped his identity.

Ksenia

Ksenia is a year 10 student attending John Monash Science School, she served as a member of the Youth Connect planning committee. She is highly passionate about all things related to medicine and public speaking. Her speech shares the importance of being vulnerable with one another and overcoming a fear of rejection.