Overnewton Anglican Community College has a large array of student-centred Leadership groups that represent different cohorts across the school. These include a an SRC group at each campus (Junior, Middle, Senior and Year 9) and a Student Executive (this includes the school captains and portfolio leaders). In the past year, the Student Executive has introduced the ‘Huntington Award’ named after a previous staff member, to celebrate a Middle School student who has shown outstanding contribution to the area of student leadership (this is presented at Presentation night). Students also brought the Fight MND Big Freeze to Overnewton last year, which raised awareness and donations for this cause around the college. Annual celebrations of RUOK Day, Homelessness Week, Refugee Week, Harmony Week and International Women’s Day are organised by these groups and include fundraisers, donations, decorations and dress ups. A Valentine’s Day celebration was also introduced last year, where students could purchase a variety of Valentine’s items for a special someone and proceeds for this purchase all went to charity. All groups meant at least two or three times a term.

The Overnewton Sustainability Group that has achieved a second Resource Smart star and has an award-winning Parent Sustainability Group. Students regularly clean up areas to enhance the sustainability of the school and have been instrumental in the achievement of a second star.

The Indigenous Connection includes a RAP Committee that is made up of staff, students and parents as well as a relationship with Shepherdson College in Galiwin’ku, Northern Territory (a predominately Indigenous school). Groups of Year 9 and 10 students travel to this school for over a week to immerse themselves in this different culture. The same students host a group of students from Shepherdson College the following year as they come to Melbourne and escort them to a variety of Overnewton classes and excursions.

The Delta Group is a committee that represents the voice of the LBGTQIA+ Community, regularly participates in the Midsumma Pride March and celebrates Wear it Purple Day and IDAHOBIT. The People of Colour group, which is entirely student run and offers support for students of colour at Overnewton and a safe space for this group of students to address any pressing matters.

The Kindness Collective is an initiative that was started by a past student and is run during interschool sport time. Students can contribute to local initiatives and add to the general wellbeing of the school. Activities in the past year include organising a donation of needed items to a local Vet and gifts for the local fire brigade.  

Overnewton’s approach to student leadership is grounded in representation, inclusion, and authentic partnerships. With leadership groups across both campuses—including the SRCs, Student Executive, and collectives—students are empowered to shape the culture of the college through initiatives they design, lead, and evaluate. These structures promote student voice not as a one-off consultation but as a sustained, embedded practice across the school community. Partnerships flourish through co-designed events (e.g. Harmony Week, RUOK Day), cross-generational collaboration (e.g. the RAP Committee), and cultural exchange (e.g. with Shepherdson College), ensuring students are not just heard but are also active agents in systems change. The Kindness Collective and sustainability efforts show how student-driven ideas can form lasting partnerships with external organisations, community services, and families. Importantly, students advocate for social justice, climate action, and cultural safety on their own terms, creating safe spaces such as the Delta Group. Together, these efforts represent a holistic, values-aligned model of student voice that is both diverse and deeply participatory.

The impact of Overnewton’s student-led initiatives is tangible, wide-reaching, and community-building. Students have contributed to systemic improvements—such as the school’s RAP progress and the achievement of a second ResourceSmart Schools star—through sustained, collective action. Initiatives like the Big Freeze fundraiser, the Huntington Award, and Valentine’s Day for charity show how students are actively reimagining the purpose of school events to centre compassion, recognition, and social responsibility. The cultural immersion program with Shepherdson College builds deep intercultural understanding, while events led by the Delta group foster safer and more inclusive environments for historically marginalised students. These initiatives have not only raised awareness and funds for important causes but also modelled leadership that is collaborative, identity-affirming, and justice-oriented. Internally, students report increased belonging, agency, and wellbeing. Externally, the community recognises the school as a site of student-driven innovation and empathy. The initiatives signal a shift from tokenism to transformation—where student voice drives impact, not just input.

Overnewton demonstrates a comprehensive and courageous approach to student voice that is deeply embedded in the fabric of school life. Rather than positioning students as passive recipients or symbolic leaders, the college fosters an ecosystem in which student leadership is diverse, purpose-led, and interwoven with real-world issues. The breadth of initiatives—from LGBTQIA+ advocacy to sustainability, cultural exchange, and wellbeing—reflects an intentional commitment to equity, inclusion, and community connection. These efforts are not isolated—they are sustained, collaborative, and grounded in values that extend beyond the school gates. Recognition through this award would celebrate the power of student-led action to shape more just, connected, and forward-thinking school cultures. It would also honour the many students who have created initiatives that outlive their time at Overnewton—leaving legacies of kindness, courage, and civic contribution. In short, this is a model of student voice that others can learn from—not because it is perfect, but because it is evolving, authentic, and owned by students themselves.