MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER | STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND
Mate to Mate:
Emerging Leaders Day
Designed for Year 11 male students, this one‑day event immerses young men in positive messaging from respected male role models.
Through keynote talks, panel discussions, interactive activities, and real conversations, students will explore what it means to lead with integrity, build strong mental health and contribute to respectful relationships.
This is a free, high‑impact event created to support young men as they enter their senior year. It aims to equip them with the confidence, knowledge and inspiration to shape their futures.
Mate to mate: emerging leaders day 2026
Empowering Young Men to Lead With Respect
WHO:
Year 11 male students
WHY:
To immerse young men in positive messaging from esteemed male role models
COST:
Free
WHAT TO WEAR:
School uniform
WHAT TO BRING:
Morning tea & lunch (or purchase from the onsite café) and a mobile phone for interactive activities
LIMITED NUMBERS:
Maximum 12 tickets per school, up to 10 students and 2 teachers
WHERE:
Auditorium 1 and Queensland Terrace, State Library of Queensland, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
TIME:
9.00am – 2.30pm
Keynote Speeches
Hear from influential male leaders across sport, academia, and community advocacy.
Panel Discussions & Audience Q&As
Rngage in dynamic panel discussions, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops designed to spark fresh thinking and meaningful partnershipseal conversations on the topics young men told us matter most:
- Inspiring Leadership
- Strong Mental Health
- Respectful Relationships
PLUS
Information stalls, interactive activities, and giveaways throughout the day.
MATES
Speakers
Hear from our mates - high‑profile, respected role models who young men want to hear from.
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Ben Bjarnesen
Domestic Violence Educator & Speaker + Regional Coordinator, Queensland Police Service LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officer Program
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Andy Gourley
Founder + CEO, Red Frogs Australia
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Mcauley "Macca" Ryan
Movember Ambassador + Development Manager, LKSD +
Ultra Runner
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Professor Michael Flood
Queensland University of Technology
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Representative
Brisbane Lions
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Jeff Horn
World Champion Boxer +
Founder, Bullyproof
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Ramone Close
Former A-League, International Indigenous Soccer Player +
Advisor to Football Australia
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Christian Hull
Comedian + Content Creator
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Hayden Sumner
Ultra-Endurance Athlete,
Project Australia
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Andrew Owen
Founder + CEO, Moonward Apps
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Bailey Carter
Those Carter Boys "Australia's Biggest Fans" Content Creator
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Henry Cohen
Mental Health Worker + Provisional Psychologist
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Project Australia Team
Ultra-Endurance Athletes,
Completed 4000km relay from Cottesloe WA to Bondi NSW for domestic violence awareness
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Senator David Pocock
Independent Senator for the ACT
This is a pop-up builder.
You can create any structure you want by using the same tools as in the regular workflow. Add buttons and forms or anything else you'd want.
Dan Repacholi MP
Federal Member for Hunter +
Special Envoy for Men's Health
app
Beyond DV's
Ask a Mate App
Ask A Mate is an initiative by Beyond DV, an Australian charity dedicated to building a future free from domestic violence.
Founded in 2017 by educator Carolyn Robinson, Beyond DV creates interactive tools that help young people understand healthy relationships and recognise harmful behaviours.
The Ask A Mate app was developed specifically for young men aged 13–18.
In 2024, Carolyn worked closely with diverse high schools to gather hundreds of real questions from young men - and the names of the male role models they most wanted to hear from. Partnering with Professor Michael Flood (QUT), the Brisbane Lions Football Club, and Moonward Apps, Ask A Mate delivers evidence‑based guidance on relationships, gender, consent, mental health and leadership through voices young men trust.
