TOP END YOUTH CONFERENCE 2025​

It was that time of the school term when school holidays were just a day away, and many had already left to make the most of the one-week break. But for these young people at the Top End Youth Conference, staying with their classmates is just as fun.

The 2025 Top End Youth Conference kicked off NT Youth Week on the 4th of April with music, dance, speeches from empowering youths, and stalls from local youth support services – everything to keep young people entertained and informed.

Working with schools across the Top End to bring students in on their last day of the first school term, the Conference had over 900 students attending. Among the participants were Darwin students Skylar and Porsha, who said the conference has allowed them to learn more about the services and supports available.

[The stalls] were my favourite part of the day because they were very informative,” said conference participant Skylar. [The conference] can be good if you need help… or support in any area,” said Porsha.

Beyond fun and games, the Top End Youth Conference is also about shedding light on serious youth issues. Based on data collected by the Top End Youth Conference Working Group, cost-of-living, youth employment and domestic violence were front of mind for young Territorians.

Tayloraye Bailey, the Deputy Top End Youth Conference Lead, said that engaging and purposeful events for young people in the NT are incredibly important, and funding for them is much needed.

The conference is not possible without support, it is a very dynamic and impactful space…The government should be the main supporters of the youth conference as they have an obligation to young Territorians to support them and give them a better future.

These young Territorians are calling for more government funding to be placed into their interests, passions and futures.

If the government didn’t fund them, we wouldn’t get half of the things we got there,” said conference attendee Grishma.

For many of the young volunteers and the attendees, the Top End Youth Conference was more than a gathering, it was a powerful place for the voices of young NT to be lifted and heard.