illuminate education australia case studies

Hume City Council | Victoria

Since 2017, the illuminate Challenge has been a powerful collaboration between illuminate Education Australia and Hume City Council in Victoria—one that has empowered hundreds of high school students across the region to become active contributors to their community’s future. This long-standing partnership has not only transformed student learning but has also become a vital part of the region’s economic development strategy.

Each year, students from all high schools in the Hume region come together to participate in the illuminate Challenge, working alongside the Council’s Economic Development Department and other local stakeholders. The challenge is designed to immerse students in real-world problem-solving, giving them the tools and confidence to tackle complex issues that matter to their community.

Themes are carefully co-designed with input from local government and community leaders. These themes have included co-designing adult learning opportunities, reigniting tourism in post-COVID Melbourne, building sustainable communities, and promoting digital inclusion. Students are not just learning about these issues—they’re actively proposing solutions that are shaping the region’s future.

The impact of this initiative is both immediate and long-lasting. Insights generated by students during the challenge are regularly fed into Hume’s regional economic development strategies, providing a fresh and authentic youth perspective that is often missing from traditional planning processes. In fact, the success of the program has created a queue of local stakeholders eager to collaborate with Hume City Council and illuminate Education Australia to bring student voice into their own strategic initiatives.

But the ripple effect doesn’t stop there.

Within schools, the illuminate Challenge has sparked a vibrant culture of innovation and peer leadership. Past participants often return to support new teams, drawn by the dynamic learning environment and the tangible impact they experienced. This peer-to-peer mentorship strengthens the learning outcomes and fosters a sense of ownership and pride among students.

Teachers, too, have embraced the program’s authentic, project-based learning model. The challenge aligns with the Australian Curriculum and supports the development of general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical understanding. It also provides a platform for educators to assess student growth in real-world contexts, while building their own capacity to deliver engaging, future-focused learning experiences.

For Hume City Council, the illuminate Challenge has become a flagship youth engagement initiative—one that not only builds skills and confidence in young people but also strengthens the region’s social and economic fabric. It’s a model of how local government and education can work hand-in-hand to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Our Hume partnership stands out as a shining example of what’s possible when student voice is not just heard, but actively integrated into community development. It’s a story of collaboration, creativity, and commitment to a better future—led by the young people who will inherit it.

For councils, schools, and community organisations looking to engage youth in meaningful, future-focused ways, the Hume City Council experience offers a compelling blueprint. When students are given the opportunity to lead, supported by passionate educators and visionary local leaders, the results are nothing short of transformative.

“The illuminate Challenge pushes students to extend themselves in a positive, supportive setting. It helps student to develop the real-world skills necessary for any workplace, and exposes them to study and career options. The program helps students to unlock their full potential and discover their future.

Brendan Taig, Careers Practitioner, Suzanne Cory High School, Victoria

“The value of illuminate Education cannot be underestimated. Their expertise in terms of being able to connect with students, industry experts and curriculum content – and bringing them all together in a dynamic and meaningful way for our prospective students – is very powerful. One of the most common things we hear from our students is the illuminate Challenge experience has been life-changing for them. Even our staff who participate have said that the illuminate Challenge has literally been one of their career highlights.”

– Alex Kho, Marketing & Development Manager, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University

What Others Say…

FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

“So glad to see illuminate Education Australia in action in the City of Wyndham, helping students understand the skills they possess and which will be invaluable to their future careers. Such a well delivered program, bringing together representatives from across industries to provide real-world advice and guidance to young learners. Already looking forward to being involved again in the future.”

John King, Head of Education and Careers, The Huddle Wyndham

“A student knocked on my door the day after the illuminate Challenge and explained how it was the best week of her school life and can she do it again!”

Stacey Exner, Executive Principal, Dubbo College, NSW

“Even our staff who participate have said that the illuminate Challenge has literally been one of their career highlights.”

Alex Kho, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University

“The illuminate challenge was, as described by one of our students at our school's end of year awards ceremony, a life changing experience for our Year 10 students... The week created such a positive vibe amongst those doing the challenge and indeed, throughout the entire school, and students from all years seemed to be taking an active interest... I really do believe that this challenge, and the skills that were developed by students, will have a lasting impact on them.”

Dale Massie, HSIE Teacher, Terrigal High School, NSW

"Technical capabilities are the necessary, but not sufficient attributes for people hired into my organisation. The best candidates complement their technical capability with emotional intelligence along with the skills taught by illuminate Education. Creativity, a willingness to collaborate, natural curiosity and the ability to contribute to effective teamwork are key characteristics of tomorrow's high performing leaders"

Mike Faulkner, Managing Director (AU & NZ), Verizon Enterprise Solutions

“There is no finer task than to encourage and support our youth in their journey of learning. Having experienced first-hand the illuminate Education experience myself in a supporting role at Charles Sturt University, I was inspired by the energy that the young participants had in the skills of problem solving, vision creation and entrepreneurial strategies. Programs such as illuminate no doubt are an excellent tool as part of the preparation for life after school. I would encourage students and teachers to explore the opportunities that the illuminate Education program offers.”

Peta Pinson, Mayor, Port Macquarie Hasting Council

“In this rapidly changing world with the rise of emerging economies and onset of digital disruption, programs like the illuminate Challenge are absolutely critical to regional communities. Rather than seeing change as a threat, illuminate Education opens the eyes of our young people to the opportunities that change presents.”

Tim Watson, General Manager, Dorset Council

“The illuminate Challenge pushes students to extend themselves in a positive, supportive setting. It helps student to develop the real-world skills necessary for any workplace, and exposes them to study and career options. The program helps students to unlock their full potential and discover their future.”

Brendan Taig, Careers Practitioner, Suzanne Cory High School, Werribee, Victoria

“The Illuminate program was astonishing. I truly didn’t expect the quality of ideas and presentations that the students delivered. It was clear to me that Illuminate are building capability, and improving the confidence and career prospects of these students.”

Ellen Piper, People, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation

"It was fantastic to see their ideas come to life on posters, prototypes, and in persuasive presentations that showcased their creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset. This experience not only built STEM capabilities but also empowered students with transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills they will carry into their future learning and pathways..."

Dr Lucy Cassar, STAV Vice President & Head of Teaching & Learning, St Francis Catholic College Melton

FROM THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES

“It is challenging in a good way…”

Lara, Year 6, ACT

“The most fun and educational experience that I have ever had… I learnt so many important skills that I will use.”

Max, Year 10, ACT

“The program is a good idea, it helps kids change where they’re living for the better.”

Katie, Year 6, Tas.

“A fun, entrepreneurial program teaching real world skills.”

Kaila, Year 10, SA

“It’s perfect for learning to work in a team! And at the end, you are really proud of yourself!”

Tom, Year 10, NSW

“I would say it’s a unique experience that makes you think beyond a level you have before.”

Amyra, Year 8, Vic.

“Ultimately, it is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Gianna, Year 10, Vic.

“It’s fantastic and really interesting.”

Sharafadiin, Adult Student, Vic.

“A great experience many young people should go through.”

Charlotte, Year 9, NSW

“It’s hard but worth doing, and you learn a lot of skills.”

Isabella, Year 8, WA

“It is a chance to discover our personal skills and discover what skills we will need for the future and think like adults.”

Senaya, Year 8, Vic.

“Giving younger people a voice.”

Elka, Year 6, Tas.

“It’s an excellent experience… Many valuable lessons & transferable skills such as teamwork & communication.”

Simran, Year 9, SA

“Teaches young students the knowledge they need in pressure situations & how to solve problems sustainably.”

Ruby, Year 8, WA

“Stressful, but really fun and would definitely recommend.”

Aaron, Year 10, NSW

“It was very educational and helps to broaden your horizons even if you don’t want to pursue business.”

Amara, Year 10, NSW

“It is a program that brings the youth together to design solutions for real world issues.”

Gemma, Year 10, NSW

“A program that challenges students to think innovatively, collaborate and work hard.”

Amara, Year 10, NSWAlice, Year 10, NSW