The Top Blokes Youth Ambassador Council came together for their second meeting during the school holidays, and this time, their sense of purpose was stronger than ever.
From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. For many of the boys from NSW and QLD, it was their first time meeting in person, and they couldn’t wait to share their recent wins—like speaking on panels, giving media interviews, and their powerful contributions to the Lift the Load campaign.
Diving deeper into the ‘why’
Head of Program & Ops, Amy, and Training and Development Lead, Dayne, guided the group through insightful discussions about the Top Blokes mentoring program. The boys took time to reflect on their journeys, sharing why they joined the Youth Ambassador Council and the personal growth they’ve experienced along the way.
Nick, who once considered leaving school after Year 10, credited the program for motivating him to stick it out and finish Year 12. Daniel shared his dream of becoming a youth worker, saying, “Angus and Jason made me want to get into youth work.” These powerful reflections highlighted just how deeply the program has shaped their lives and aspirations.


Behind the scenes of the Top Blokes
Amy and Dayne then gave the boys an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Top Blokes’ programs are structured, breaking down the design of each workshop to show how they encourage open conversations and personal growth. Mental health and relationships took center stage, and the boys eagerly shared their thoughts on a new survey the team is developing.
Their feedback was refreshingly honest, with comments like, “you’re trying too hard to be cool” and “I wouldn’t read this part.” Ben pointed out the importance of mentors guiding participants through the survey and suggested creating resources to help newcomers navigate the program more easily. Their insights were not only valued but sparked ideas for making the program even better.


Taking the lead: A council in control
In true leadership style, Austin and Aleks took the lead when it was time to plan future activities and training. Although the initial idea was to jot down suggestions, the boys opted for a more collaborative discussion, making sure that every voice was heard. It was a powerful moment to witness the Youth Ambassador Council taking ownership of their roles, driving decisions, and shaping their future together as a united group.
Exploring loneliness
A critical topic during the meeting was loneliness—a pressing issue now under scrutiny with the NSW Government’s new Parliamentary Inquiry. Top Blokes wanted to hear directly from the boys about how they thought change could be driven, and Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, Founder and Managing Director at Top Blokes, joined the discussion to emphasize the importance of their voices on this growing concern.
The conversation struck a deep chord. Many of the council members opened up about their struggles, admitting they once believed they were alone in feeling this way. As the discussion unfolded, they reflected on how societal pressures on men often fuel feelings of isolation. “When you have to conform to society, it makes you more lonely,” one ambassador shared, sparking a raw and honest dialogue about the moments they felt most alone—like the difficult transition from Primary to High School or the uncertainty after finishing Year 12.
Their insights highlighted just how crucial it is to create spaces where young men can be vulnerable and find genuine connections.


Looking ahead: A united future
The sense of unity that has emerged from these first two meetings is truly remarkable. The boys have grown from strangers into a tight-knit team, united by a common goal to make a difference. Their open discussions about mental health, identity, and connection are laying the foundation for something much bigger, and they’re eagerly looking ahead—not just for the future of their council, but for the young men they hope to uplift.
This meeting solidified the council’s role as a powerful voice for change, and they’re already asking, “What’s next?” The answer: whatever they choose to make it.
