Our most recent Youth Ambassador Council meeting was the perfect reminder of why youth voice sits at the heart of everything we do at Top Blokes Foundation.
Bringing together young leaders from across our community, the day blended reflection, research, inspiration – and plenty of fun – to celebrate the impact of mentoring and the strength of connection.
Where it all began
We began the day by welcoming our Founder and Managing Director, Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, into the room for an honest and inspiring question-and-answer session.
Thanks to the boys’ deep and insightful questions, Mel took them back to where it all began – what she saw at 19, why she chose to focus on young men, and what it took to keep going through rejection, pushback, and moments where quitting would have been easier. She spoke openly about resilience, leadership, and navigating life as a woman helping to lead change in a male-dominated space.
What landed most for the young men is that every leader faces challenging moments, and that purpose is often forged in discomfort. Mel spoke passionately about being fearless, being determined and sticking to your values.
The mentor effect
From there, the Youth Ambassador Council stepped into a focus group exploring the role mentors play in their own lives and during the Top Blokes program. The insights were powerful.
For our council, mentoring isn’t about titles or hierarchy. It’s about trust, consistency, and people who genuinely choose to show up.
They spoke about:
- Mentors who felt relatable and real.
- The importance of consistent relationships.
- Seeing different styles of masculinities in the room.
- How the right mentor match can completely change the experience.
One key insight stood out: mentoring emerges when young people feel safe enough to opt in. That choice, autonomy, and mutual respect are what make the relationship meaningful.
Just as importantly, the boys reflected on the role of their peers and how shared vulnerability broke down social hierarchies, helped resolve conflict, and created a sense of brotherhood that extended well beyond the sessions.
“Everyone levels down and hits the same wavelength.”
“It cuts out the noise — you see who people really are.”
These insights will directly inform our Impact Strategy and our continued efforts to strengthen Top Blokes programs and campaigns.
Celebrate and memories made
After a shared lunch, we marked a special milestone with cake, celebrating a council member’s 18th birthday in true youth ambassador style – acknowledging growth, transition, and the journey into adulthood.
And finally, we wrapped the day the best way possible: together. We headed out onto Sydney Harbour for a jet boating adventure with Thunder Jet — a chance to laugh, lean into the adrenaline, and strengthen bonds through shared experience. As the day came to a close, one message echoed clearly: mentors matter – and so does community.
The boys spoke about gratitude, about how their mentors had changed their lives, and about their desire to carry that legacy forward for others.
“We wouldn’t be the young men we are without that guidance.”
“You don’t realise the scale of what you’re doing.”
“We’re proud to pass this on.”
That’s the power of youth voice. And that’s the future the Youth Ambassador Council is helping to build.
