Young people's health will take centre stage at Parliament House as the Australian Association for Adolescent Health (AAAH) hosts its National Youth Health Showcase - a one-day forum bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and youth leaders to drive practical reform.
The showcase will explore research themes including youth-friendly general practice, mental health service design, sexual and reproductive health access and youth participation in research. These reflect the urgent need for evidence-based solutions that make health systems more inclusive, accessible and responsive to young people's needs.
"Investing in adolescent health delivers a triple dividend," said Dr Cristyn Davies , President of the Australian Association for Adolescent Health and Senior Research Fellow in the Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health at the University of Sydney. "It improves young people's health today, builds healthier adults for the future and gives the next generation a stronger start in life.
"Through this showcase, we're bringing research, policy and lived experience together at Parliament House to turn evidence into action."
Grace McGowan, Senior Youth Ambassador for International Adolescent Health Week, said: "Policy only changes lives when it listens and then acts. Young people need to be answered quickly and effectively the first time they ask for help."
"Investing in adolescent health improves young people's health today, builds healthier adults for the future and gives the next generation a stronger start in life."
Dr Cristyn Davies
Senior Research Fellow in the Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health
Led by Professor Melissa Kang , Co-Head of General Practice at the University of Sydney and Oceania Representative for the International Association for Adolescent Health, and Dr Davies, together with AAAH board members Saad Khalid and Sonali Varma to share their lived experience as young people, the event has been co-designed by an intergenerational team to ensure young people's voices shape every part of the program.
The event will feature:
- Associate Professor Stephanie Partridge (University of Sydney) launching the Health Hive , a national initiative connecting young people, clinicians and researchers so that young people have a chance to be involved in research concerning them.
- Keynote addresses from Professor Lena Sanci (University of Melbourne) on youth-friendly general practice and Vivienne Browne (Orygen) on mental health service design.
"Young people's health and wellbeing reflect how well our systems are working," said Professor Kang.
"When care is welcoming, inclusive and easy to access, it strengthens families, communities and the health system as a whole."
Ava Haine, youth delegate from Moura, Central Queensland, said: "Distance should not decide whether a young person is seen, heard or helped.
"We need timely appointments close to home, digital options that actually work, culturally safe care and clear pathways so we don't fall through the gaps."
Dr Davies added: "Adolescent health reform is everyone's business. This showcase is about practical solutions and shared leadership.
"We're working with governments, health professionals, researchers and young people to deliver practical, evidence-based changes that make health systems more equitable and responsive."
