New Leadership Council tackles education inequity in Victoria

Social worker Sophie Shugg wants to see young people embedded in making decisions about their education system.

“They have so much to give our system, yet they are not playing a role in the decisions that are being made about them and for them,” Sophie said. “That needs to change or we’re just going to continue to ‘rinse and repeat’ for generations.”

Sophie represents member Alannah & Madeline Foundation in The Collective, our collective impact initiative that brings together 25 peak education equity stakeholders.

“I’m excited to listen to the unusual and intergenerational voices we have in our group, so that we can start to unpack the ‘whys’ and start to think about and create the ‘where to’ for students,” she said. “I can’t wait for us to come up with some great systemic change.”

The Leadership Council leads The Collective, with backbone support from Education Equity Alliance. Its members have come together with the aim to address systemic barriers that prevent vulnerable students and their teachers from reaching their potential. Our member organisations are committed to fighting for children and young people who are missing out on the experiences and opportunities they need to succeed.

Our Founder and CEO Tim Warwick says that The Collective, with the guidance of its Leadership Council, is set to tackle three critical priorities:

1. Establishing a shared vison for what an equitable education system looks like in practice

2. Strengthening the coordination of supports for low-SES school communities, and

3. Enabling the conditions for strong student-teacher relationships across low-SES school communities. ross low-SES school communities

"We have listened deeply to more than 2000 students and educators across these communities, who repeatedly share that the education system is under-serving those who need it most,” Tim said. “We have identified these clear priorities to drive real change and meet this urgent need.

“We are prioritising the voices of those directly impacted. Ultimately, we aim for benefits including improved academic, wellbeing and inclusion outcomes for students, particularly those from low-SES backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students, culturally diverse communities, and students with disabilities.

“Our roadmap will lay the groundwork for ongoing collaboration – this is just the beginning of long-term systemic change.”

The Collective’s learnings from its workstream pursuing these three priorities will be shared at the Achieving Education Equity Gathering in July 2026.  This will also be an opportunity for the wider sector to contribute to these priorities, including the planning of next steps.

Assistant Principal Louise Childs joined the Leadership Council after working in a small setting with young people who have been disengaged from education.

“It’s important that we are able to advocate for these students,” Louise said. “All young people can learn, and most young people really want to learn. By being a little bit flexible, we can help them access education that has previously been unavailable to them.”

University student Ariel Mezzacappa, who is also on the Leadership Council, hopes her input, combined with research, will contribute to improvements in equity in education.

“The system has not really changed across the generations and I think it should – for my siblings and future generations,” she said.

The Leadership Council is proudly funded by Brian M Davis Charitable Foundation, PMF Foundation, The Phillips Foundation and The Ross Trust.

Brian M Davis Charitable Foundation CEO Anita Hopkins says the work of EEA generally, and the Council specifically, aligns perfectly with the mission of the foundation.

“Our vision is that every child and young person has the support and opportunities they need to thrive and be safe,” Anita said. “EEA recognises that no one person or organisation can solve complex problems. By bringing so many voices together, the Council will create spaces and conditions for them to engage in shared learning, action and decision-making. We are very excited to support EEA in this important initiative.”

Find more information on The Collective, as well as a video introducing the Leadership Council, on The Collective's page here.