The DOVES alumni hail from a diverse range of backgrounds but they all have one thing in common: a fierce commitment to advocate for young people.

DOVES is the name given to the Department of Student Voices in Education and Schools. As a council of 27 students from across the state, the DOVES members advise the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, on the issues that matter most to students.

Applications are now open for 15 new DOVES and former council members are encouraging their younger peers to get involved.

Charli Grant’s DOVES experience took her from being disengaged with school to becoming school captain and now studying teaching at Newcastle University.

“I hated the drastic change from primary to high school, I was not coping and my love for education was slowly fading,” the former Brisbane Waters Secondary College student said.

“DOVES taught me to speak up for myself and others, how to facilitate meetings ensuring everybody had a chance to speak, and to connect with like-minded individuals who pushed you to be better.

“The most important thing this council gave me was my spark and passion for education again, so much so I am now studying a Bachelor of Primary Education, striving to work within Special Education.”

Tisha Bahri, who will study medicine at the University of NSW in 2025, said being a DOVES member “was one of the most meaningful experiences” of her life.

The 18-year-old former Wagga Wagga High student has a passion for helping young people get free access to mental health assistance.

“DOVES has driven me to never give up. At the end of the day, you can achieve what you want as long as you are passionate and put in hard work. That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Tisha said.

Doug Kench, who hopes to study law and go into politics one day, said being part of the student advisory body was a great experience.

“DOVES helps foster an education system designed for students, by the students,” the Year 11 Rose Bay Secondary College student said.

“To future DOVES, get ready for the most amazing opportunity you could ever think of - a chance to meet like-minded students from all walks of life in NSW with one common goal, to make the life of a student in NSW as good as possible.

“The more you put into DOVES, the more you get out, so make sure to get your community’s opinions heard.”

Chantelle Bourne made the big move from Young to Sydney when she was just 15 to attend Sydney Girls High School for her HSC years. Now studying law and psychology at Macquarie University, she urged future DOVES “to be open to opportunity”.

“You miss all the shots you don’t take - the unknown or fear of failure may be daunting, but missing out on valuable experience is just as detrimental,” Chantelle said.

“Speak up – don’t be afraid to contribute and share what you believe in. Your voice holds weight. Use it meaningfully to ensure the peers you represent are heard.

“Be a good team player. Great feats are rarely accomplished alone. Your fellow DOVES are not only great friends but valuable collaborators. The DOVES experience is way more fun when you work together.”

Applications to join the DOVES council in 2025 are now open. Apply to be involved by 8 February 2025.