Flinders Island | Tasmania

Since 2017, students from Flinders Island District High School have been actively involved in the illuminate Community Challenge – an immersive, real-world learning experience designed to empower young Australians to be confident, creative and capable. From their first visit to Launceston to participate in a regional program, to their ongoing engagement in our online challenges, Flinders Island students have consistently demonstrated a passion for innovation and community impact.

But in 2023, something truly special happened.

Recognising the unique needs and potential of this remote Tasmanian community, illuminate Education Australia delivered an on-island version of the illuminate Community Challenge for Year 5 and 6 students. This program was strategically aligned with the Furneaux Futures Forum – a community-wide initiative focused on regenerative tourism and long-term sustainability for the island. The timing and alignment created a powerful synergy between student learning and community visioning.

Over the course of the challenge, students explored the future of Flinders Island through a lens of innovation, empathy and impact. They tackled real-world issues such as road safety, housing availability, and infrastructure needs—while also celebrating what makes their island special, including its strong sporting culture and natural beauty. Their ideas were bold and imaginative: a machinery museum to preserve local heritage, mountain bike trails to boost tourism, and new community spaces to foster connection.

What made this experience even more powerful was the connection between students and community leaders. Each day, students shared their progress with stakeholders from the Furneaux Futures Forum and the broader regenerative tourism project. Their insights and enthusiasm inspired many forum participants to visit the school in person to hear the students’ final presentations—turning the classroom into a hub of community engagement and intergenerational learning.

This case study highlights the transformative power of the illuminate Community Challenge in regional and remote communities. It’s not just about teaching business skills or entrepreneurship – it’s about giving young people a voice in shaping their future. The program builds essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and leadership, all while aligning with the Australian Curriculum and the General Capabilities framework.

For teachers, the program offers a fully facilitated, curriculum-aligned experience that requires no additional preparation. For community leaders, it’s a chance to engage with the next generation of changemakers and see firsthand how young people can contribute meaningfully to local development.

The feedback from students speaks volumes. They didn’t just enjoy the challenge – they felt empowered by it. They saw themselves as part of the solution, capable of making a difference in their community. And that’s exactly what illuminate Education Australia is all about: creating authentic, hands-on learning experiences that connect education to real-world impact.

As we continue to expand our reach across Australia, this Flinders Island experience stands as a shining example of what’s possible when schools, communities and young people come together with a shared vision for the future.