South Australian Student Representative Council

Creating a world where young people are celebrated, supported, and powerful

The South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC) is a partnership between the Foundation for Young Australians and the South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People.

The SRC is a body consisting of approximately 150 student members in Years 10, 11 and 12 from across South Australia, working together to create genuine, student-led change within their own communities.

The program brings together passionate young people who are unwilling to accept the status quo, harnessing their energy and ideas to create a better, more equitable South Australia.

About FYA

The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), is the pre-eminent national organisation dedicated to backing young people.

Our vision is that young people have the power to beat injustice and transform the future. In pursuit of this vision, our purpose is to back young people with the trust, resources, skills, and connections to make change.

About CCYP

Commissioner for Children and Young People SA promotes and advocates for the rights, development and wellbeing of all children and young people in South Australia and seeks to change laws, policies, systems and practice to uphold children’s rights.

The work of the Commissioner is guided by the UNCRC, the core international treaty which sets out the civic, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children around the world.

our vision

Mental Health

All young people are able to access safe, professional, and affordable mental health services. The mental health of students is prioritised in every aspect of the curriculum to support their healthy development. There is no longer a stigma around mental ill health and seeking support.

Equality

All young people no matter their cultural or religious background, gender identity, sexual orientation, family composition, or class feel safe and supported in their school. Everyone deserves to bring their whole self to school without feeling shamed.

Sustainability

All South Australian schools are environmentally sustainable. Schools provide an example for young people and other institutions to take action and support meaningful long term change.

Education

An inclusive curriculum that reflects the diversity of our society, and better prepares students for everyday life beyond school.

Student Voice

Young people are informed about political, social, and cultural developments. They are supported to engage in advocacy on issues that matter to them and are able to influence decisions that affect them.

what we do

The Student Representative Council program builds the power of student voice at a local and state level. SRC gives students the opportunity to meet other passionate like-minded young people, develop policy priorities, design advocacy strategies, learn valuable skills ranging from media training to event planning, and create student-led projects to advance the collective vision of students across the state.

— We Advocate

Members work together to create change at a local and state level, meeting with relevant stakeholders and decision makers in and out of Parliament.

— We Learn

Members take part in skill building workshops across their time in the program, from designing advocacy strategies to campaign messaging, event planning to media training.

— We Create Networks

SRC members have met with and learnt from campaigners and advocates across Australia and the world, working in organisations such as the National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition, Equality Australia, Democracy In Colour, School Strike for Climate, Free Fares NZ, Oxfam International, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and Pride Cup.

— We Build Communities

SRC gives students the opportunity to meet other passionate young people who come from from regional, rural and outback locations to represent their communities in addition to those living in metropolitan Adelaide.

Our Campaigns

In 2023, members of the SRC launched 2 campaigns– Free Fares for our Future and Fitness for Free. In 2024, members will work on these and 3 new campaigns over the course of the year with a focus on sustainability, anti-racism, and youth empowerment.

Fitness For Free

Young people in South Australia are calling on the South Australian Government to give high school students free access to pools, gyms, leisure centres and fitness classes to support their mental wellbeing.
take ACTION: Fitness For Free
Free Fares For Our Future

No matter their current financial situation, location, or background, all young people have places to be. Every young person deserves the right to affordable and unrestricted travel in order to access necessities like health clinics, school, work or social activities.
take ACTION: Free Fares For Our Future