Championing inclusion

Imogen’s advocacy work is extension. Actively involved in youth leadership and advisory groups, including City of Greater Geelong’s Rainbow Youth Advisory Group, Youth Hub Reference Group and Amplify Committee. Imogen has also taken part in statewide leadership initiatives such as YMCA Victoria’s Youth Parliament, contributing to youth-focused policy development. 

Balancing advocacy and study is important to Imogen, who values the supportive learning environment at The Gordon. 

The Gordon has really helped me thrive. It’s allowed me to pursue goals in ways that weren’t possible before. It’s given me the opportunity to explore future career options, build new skills, confidence and undertake work placement with a local politician. 

-- Imogen O’Shannessy

Imogen’s commitment to community and social inclusion also led to the founding Be Loud & Queer, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting awareness and acceptance, particularly in regional communities. 

This dedication was recently recognised through a nomination for the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards in the Saward Dawson Community Service and Social Impact category. 

Imogen’s journey is an example how education and personal passion can intersect in powerful ways. After realising mainstream schooling wasn’t the right fit, Imogen joined The Gordon in Year 11. Now completing Year 12 VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), Imogen is working toward a future career in youth work. 

Imogen highlights the support of The Gordon’s teaching staff. 

“Gordon teachers genuinely care about each student, and they’ve been incredibly supportive of my advocacy work and goals outside of school. Without studying VCE VM at The Gordon, I’m not sure I would have had the confidence to do what I’ve done. It’s shown me it’s not just another school”, Imogen says.

Through VCE VM, Imogen has developed practical, real-world skills that is connecting with employers, building confidence and advocating in both workplace and community settings. 

Here, students are listened to and supported. You feel like your voice is actually heard

-- Imogen O’Shannessy