2025 Summer Leadership Program wrap up

In 2025, the RAC Ignite Leadership Program returned for another impactful year. It brought together 30 passionate young changemakers from across Western Australia. The group was tasked with answering the question: “How might we create a solution to improve how people in WA move around and connect with each other?”

Over one month, the participants attended masterclasses on leadership and design thinking. They explored real-world challenges and learned from community and industry leaders. The group road-tripped through communities like Wellard, Cowaramup, and Witchcliffe. They also spent three nights at the RAC Nature Park in Margaret River for a Leadership Retreat. This experience allowed them to gain new perspectives and build lasting friendships. Finally, the groups spent two weeks perfecting their pitches for a celebration event at RAC Arena where we revealed our winners.

First place: GEAR (Grow, Educate, Apply, Road Safety)

Team members: Lila, Siya, and Bhavesh

The GEAR initiative is built on the belief that "driving is only half the learning." The team found that most new drivers have very little knowledge of basic car maintenance. When young drivers don’t know the basics, small problems can quickly turn into unsafe situations on the road.
To solve this, GEAR proposes a two-phase program.

First, RAC experts would visit schools with a vehicle to teach students practical skills, such as how to change a tyre or jump-start a car.
Second, they want to make a practical test mandatory for a new licence. Much like a skipper’s ticket, ensuring every new driver is ready to handle car emergencies safely and independently.

Second place: The Social Circuit

Team members: Maxvie, Jacob, and Ka Wai

The Social Circuit addresses the "loneliness epidemic" among young adults in Perth. The team found that urban sprawl and a reliance on cars have reduced the chance for people to meet. Currently, millions of daily car trips in Perth are under five kilometres. This highlights a huge chance to change how people move.

The team proposed creating youth-driven "pop-up" social spaces. These hubs would be placed near public transport and active travel routes. The spaces would give young people a place to meet and talk without needing a car, creating a friendlier community and a city that is easier to walk.

Third place: NeuroDrive

Team members: Lucasta and Josh

Built from lived experiences, NeuroDrive's aim is to help neurodivergent learners. Research shows that drivers with ADHD have a much higher risk of serious accidents. This is often due to "freezing" when they face unpredictable road features.

To help solve this, NeuroDrive is an extra layer of information for mapping apps like Google or Waze. The app uses icons to flag road features the learner has not seen before. Examples include double-lane roundabouts or tricky intersections. Drivers can click the icons to see photos and safety tips before they reach the spot. This helps neurodivergent drivers feel more confident and less isolated. making it easier for them to get their licence and stay connected.

People's choice winner

Team members: Tyla and Sarah

Following new laws restricting social media for under-16s, this initiative aims to help young people spend their newfound free time in the real world. The team proposes running local community events in parks that encourage outdoor play, face-to-face socialising, and independent travel like cycling or public transport. By partnering with local governments, sports clubs, and student volunteers, the goal is to create a "new normal" where young Australians feel safe, active, and connected to their local community.

The 2025 RAC Ignite Leadership Program provided a valuable experience for our young leaders. We want to thank all the participants, mentors, and experts who contributed to the program and helped bring ideas to life.

A huge thank you to all of our participants: Abel Saji, Bhavesh Agarwal, Bree Haunold, Chris Johnson, Connie Butcher, Jacob Short, James Johnson, Josh Porteus, Ka Wai Wright, Katrina Yan, Keira Concannon, Krish Dubey, Lance Dcruz, Lila Zadow, Lucasta Fisher, Maxvie Mendoza, Mia Tran, Mia Werch, Rayne Mansfield, Sarah Moore, Siya Gupta, Sonam Changa, Sowmya Sri Nallan, Suhaila Mubarrat Jaffna, Sukhman Virk, Tahsin Ibn Anowar, Tommy Leslie, Tyla Durell, Varen Lutchmanen, and Yen-Tsen (Joanna) Kuo.

What's next?

The 2025 Summer Ignite Leadership Program has empowered a new generation of changemakers, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact these young leaders will have on our community.
If you are a young person ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Submit your expression of interest below.