FUSE 2021

Typically held in person in Melbourne or Sydney, due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, including state border closures, FUSE 2021 was transformed into an innovative, multi-city in person/online hybrid model. The hybrid model responded to the logistical challenges brought on by the pandemic, while still ensuring a national focus. The hybrid model brought together a total of 50 delegates in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Hobart and Brisbane, and there was also an online delegation for those who could not meet in person.

MYAN’s national Youth Ambassadors Network (YAN) took the lead role in planning and delivering the program for FUSE 2021. The themes chosen by the YAN reflect some of the key issues they are particularly concerned about. The FUSE 2021 topics were:

First Nations Sovereignty
Mental Health
Climate Change
Each topic included the overarching theme of Racism and Discrimination

Across the 2 day event, FUSE delegates from across Australia explored key issues impacting young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, engaged with decision-makers and MPs, and heard from experienced advocates working in diverse sectors. Delegates also participated in a range of skills building workshops and worked in teams to develop ‘pitches’ on one of the themes which they then presented to a panel of MP’s, advocates, and other decision makers.