Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) Student Voice journey began in 2017, driven by the BCE Student Protection Team's desire to enhance students' feelings of safety at school. Over the past eight years, this initiative has evolved through continuous feedback and the development of genuine partnerships between students and staff.

In 2023, a student proposed the idea of the Student Voice Network (The Network). The idea was an online platform, acting as a noticeboard aimed at connecting students, and sharing opportunities for student engagement that students can engage in (dependant on their interests). The Network was officially launched on February 1, 2024, with 134 students across 34 BCE schools. The Network is run by the Student Voice Team, supported by Student Voice Consultants – a key group of BCE students who receive additional training about Student Voice and facilitation. Today, the Network serves as an online platform for secondary students to collaborate with BCE staff, with a focus on capability training, advice about external events, and consultations on key BCE initiatives.

Although a young initiative, the Network has already contributed to measurable change in education and policy. In 2024, students in the Network consulted on the 2025-2027 BCE Strategic Plan, the BCE Complaints Policy, Child Protection Week celebrations, Creating Student Protection posters for BCE Schools and creating a student friendly resource explaining the Code of Conduct for BCE staff. These consultations have resulted in the creation of student-friendly resources that empower students to know when and how to seek help, contributing to a safer school environment.

The Network is innovative in its approach to student engagement. By using an online platform the Network reduces the impact that distance has, covering the catchment area of approx. 77,000 square kms, allowing for greater input and connection with rural and remote students.
The true impact of the Network is best captured in the words of the students themselves:
• "I've been able to share my opinions, thoughts, and ideas comfortably."
• "Gaining leadership from the meetings and communicating with other students from BCE schools."
• "I felt my voice was heard and that I was involved in a great group of like-minded people."
• "You guys are really inclusive."
• "Just knowing that there are people wanting to know our opinions despite us being students, we have some power to express our opinions."
• "Being able to confidently speak up and talk about my ideas/feelings about a certain topic."

The Network continues to grow and evolve. In 2025, the Network expanded to include 242 students from 37 schools, allowing for more student partnerships and continuing to build on the formation of positive influence and change that has been established. So far in 2025 the Network have engaged in a number of both internal and external consultation sessions.

The Student Voice Network exemplifies the principles of the Partnership for Change Award by fostering genuine partnerships, driving measurable change, demonstrating innovation, and ensuring long-term collaboration. This Network has empowered students to become co-creators of solutions making a real-world impact on the BCE community.

The BCE Student Voice Program, and Student Voice Network aims to integrate Student Voice across BCE schools, and the Brisbane Catholic Education Office by creating meaningful opportunities for students to be active in decisions that impact them - with a primary focus of increasing safety and wellbeing at school.

Students have worked alongside Brisbane Catholic Education Office staff to provide feedback and create change. The 2024 Student Voice Network team provided pivotal feedback from the beginning to end, and resulted in the creation of a Student Friendly Code of Conduct, which will be rolled out to all BCE Schools throughout 2025. This Code of Conduct includes videos, picture books and general information to allow this document to be accessed by all students from prep to year 12.

The Student Voice Team at BCE although small are extremely dedicated to increasing the voices of Students across BCE. The Student Voice Network, an idea that came from a student has allowed the Student Voice Team to connect, and increase accessibility for students and it will only grow in size.