Anna and Kianni’s reflections offer a clear look at how the four core elements of co-design operate in practice on the NYEB Youth Advisory Board:
1. Purposeful Engagement
Moving beyond generic activities by providing coaching, structured guidance, and systemic context so members can tackle specific issues meaningfully.
“If you asked us a year ago what work we want to produce and what kind of legacy we want to leave it would have been completely different… We have gotten really specific, a lot of the YAB are putting our hand up for advocacy positions. This all happened because you have taken the time to unpack the employment system and help us better understand… It really took time and patience from Anamlee and Mads.” — Kianni
“Talking to the other young people from around Australia and realizing… we all are noticing the same sort of problems and realizing it comes back to the same sort of things made us quite passionate about it, believe it or not, and want to do something about it and talk about it. So, I think just being given the space to work it out together really radicalised us.” — Anna
2. Balanced Power Dynamics
Ensuring young people see their ideas written down, acted upon, and carried into high-level decision-making spaces like the National Advisory Board.
“Most of us have experienced being tokenised as young people — feeling like we were there just to tick a box… The YAB experience with NYEB feels very different because we are seeing our ideas put into action. The advocacy paper we’re working on came directly from our conversations and shared experiences, showing that the issues we raise aren’t just talk.”— Kianni
3. Inclusive Practices
Creating psychological safety through tools like initial anonymous responses (Mentimeter), visual whiteboards, and supportive questioning that validates every contribution.
“I guess in every meeting seeing whatever you’re saying written down really does help reinforce that what you’re saying is being listened to… And even within the webinar and resource making, having the structure of a timeline and certain goals made it feel really real. And it is turning into something real…”— Anna
4. Sustained Commitment
Giving young people the time, space, and ongoing support needed to build their knowledge, hone their advocacy skills, and see projects through from start to finish.
“Being able to sit with these problems and find certain things that we can actually do stuff about has helped. And even just getting the language to talk about these problems and practice speaking and being heard—I mean being listened to… I know that what I have to say is valid, and I know how to say it.”— Anna
“I think my confidence has grown a lot through having the space and support to regularly talk about these issues… I also feel more confident because I understand the topics I’m speaking about and can advocate with more knowledge behind me. I’m seeing that my voice can actually shape outcomes in the community…”— Kianni
What’s next?
Building on these insights, Anna, Kianni, and the YAB are currently co-designing an upcoming national webinar and publishing a Youth Advisory Board Paper detailing their key recommendations for the youth employment sector.