Future Leaders Forum with Scotch College - A Community Stepping Forward

In September 2024, Berry Street joined forces with Scotch College, whose leaders, students, and parents attended the Future Leaders Forum — an evening dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

Held at the impressive offices of Herbert Smith Freehills, the forum offered a mix of education, philanthropy, and social responsibility, highlighting how crucial it is for young people to step into leadership roles and use their influence to address pressing social issues like family violence.

The forum was foremost a thank you event, recognising Scotch College’s extraordinary job raising $70,333 for Berry Street, through their 24 Hour Hike, with some students walking over 100km to reach that goal.

It was an opportunity to connect with students, parents, and school leadership about the vital work Berry Street does. From tackling family violence to supporting children in out-of-home care, the event showed how students can make a real difference by getting involved and supporting organisations that drive social change.

Recognising Generosity and Commitment

The Future Leaders Forum placed a spotlight on the generosity of the Scotch College community. Raising $70,333 is no small feat, and it’s clear that the spirit of giving is alive and well at Scotch. Students, parents, and staff came together to make a significant impact, and Berry Street’s CEO, Jenny McNaughton, was quick to express her gratitude, praising the students for their courage, compassion, and grit.

The involvement of Scotch College’s leadership — six senior staff members —underscored the school’s dedication to nurturing values of integrity and social responsibility in their students. Their presence not only celebrated the students’ achievements but also modelled the importance of community involvement and support for future generations.

Educating the Next Generation of Advocates

A core part of the forum was educating students about the harsh realities of family violence and the increasing demand for out-of-home care. James Stubbs, Director of the Northern Region at Berry Street, gave a powerful presentation that shed light on these challenges.

In 2024, more than one woman is murdered every week in Australia due to family violence. The statistics are grim, and the demand for services is rising faster than ever before.

Stubbs didn’t just focus on the numbers. He invited the students to think critically about what family violence really means. Beyond the physical violence that many associate with domestic abuse, Stubbs discussed psychological abuse, stalking, and even technological abuse — forms of violence that are less visible but no less damaging.

This interactive element encouraged the students to engage deeply with the issue, sparking a conversation about what family violence looks like in today’s world and what needs to change.

Breaking the Cycle: Why Students Matter

Young people have a unique role to play in breaking the cycle of family violence. At Berry Street, we know that addressing family violence isn’t just about providing immediate support to victim-survivors — it’s about changing the culture that allows violence to happen in the first place. This is where students come in.

By educating young people about these issues, we empower them to challenge harmful norms, raise awareness, and become advocates for change in their own communities.

During the forum, many students were struck by the scale of the problem. The fact that over 12,000 children in Victoria cannot live safely at home due to violence or abuse was eye-opening for many who hadn’t been exposed to the issue before. These children are not just statistics; they’re young people just like the students at Scotch College, facing unimaginable challenges. By engaging students in these conversations, we’re fostering a generation that won’t stand by in silence but will instead work to create a safer and more compassionate society.

Inspiring Action and Continued Involvement

One of the most exciting outcomes of the forum was the high level of engagement from the students and parents. The presentations sparked meaningful discussions, with students asking questions about how they can stay involved. This wasn’t just a one-off event; it was the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term relationship between Berry Street and the Scotch College community.

Berry Street’s message to the students was clear: your contributions, both financial and personal, matter.

Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the work we do, students have the power to make a real difference. The Future Leaders Forum was a perfect example of this.

Looking Ahead

Berry Street is thankful for the deeper connection between Berry Street and the Scotch College community. As we move forward, it’s clear that the students who attended the forum are ready to make a lasting impact. Their enthusiasm for learning about these issues, combined with their commitment to supporting Berry Street’s mission, gives us hope for the future.

Family violence is a complex and pervasive issue, but by investing in young people, we can begin to break the cycle.

Events like the Future Leaders Forum show that the next generation is ready to step up and lead the way. With their support, Berry Street can continue to provide life-saving services to vulnerable children and families, while also working toward a future where family violence is no longer tolerated.