Student Olympic change makers

Two Western Australian students have let their voices shine at the Olympic Change-Maker National Summit in Canberra.

Evie Waddington, from Mount Barker Community College, and Lachlan Broomhall, from Shenton College, were two of 25 students from across the country who attended the summit run by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

The unique opportunity connects young leaders with Olympians and provides a youth voice and recommendations to the AOC on the future of the Olympic movement. 

Evie said it felt incredible and humbling to be selected for the summit. 

“Being selected was such a proud moment because it recognised the work I’ve been doing in my school and community,” she said. 

“I am involved with a number of sport disciplines and clubs, but at school in particular I am very focused on football, where I help younger students, in particular females, to be introduced into the sport, and transition into the women's league (which I also play in).” 

Evie has been involved in netball, athletics, triathlon, basketball and was also a category winner of the 2025 Education Minister’s Running Challenge.  

During the summit, held in late November, students worked together on presentations that reflected their experiences as young athletes, particularly in rural areas, technology, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, and the 'Olympic Legacy'. 

“I worked with Connor Nicholas, an Olympic sailor, and three other incredible students, to design a rural initiative aimed at closing the gap between metro and regional athletes in terms of funding and opportunities,” Evie said. 

“We called it the Olympic Rural Futures Program. The idea is that each electorate across Australia, including rural and metro areas, is represented by an elite athlete who is supported by a committee with strong sporting expertise. 

“Together, they provide guidance, fundraising support and development pathways for young athletes aiming for elite performance. 

“The program was driven by the reality that around 60% of Australian Olympians come from rural areas, yet consistent facilities and opportunities in those regions are still limited.” 

After working with other students and Olympians, students presented their ideas at Parliament House to ministers and a panel of Olympians. 

Evie said it was amazing to share recommendations with the AOC and it was a powerful feeling to have their opinions actually considered.

“As much as we’re young, it was eye-opening to see how seriously the AOC took our ideas,” she said. 

“It made the whole experience feel bigger than just a student program and showed me how open the AOC is to fresh perspectives and how much they value the voices of young people shaping the future of sport.” 

Kylie Offer, Head of Maths at Mount Barker Community College, nominated Evie for the change-maker program and said she is always willing to take on a challenge and is a leader in the community in sport. 

“She embodies everything that the Olympic Change Maker program represents,” said Ms Offer. 

“The opportunity to attend the Olympic Change-Maker summit has given Evie an opportunity to network with other students who are as focused and driven as she is.” 

Evie said the summit reminded her why she cares so much about using sport to create real change. 

“I don’t just want to achieve things for myself, I want to help shape opportunities for others and make sport a place where everyone feels supported and seen,” she said. 

“Being part of this experience showed me what’s possible when young people step up, stay driven, and use their voice with purpose.” 

You can read more about the Summit on the AOC website. 

Find out the Australian change makers of 2025 on the AOC website.

Learn more about the Olympic change maker program on their website.