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INSPIRING SYDNEY STUDENTS THROUGH REAL CONVERSATIONS THAT STICK
As a youth speaker based in Sydney, I work with primary and high school students to spark real change in the way they think, act, and see themselves. My role as a motivational speaker for schools is to go beyond surface-level inspiration – I share lived experiences, practical strategies, and honest insights that connect with students on a personal level.
Across Sydney, I’ve spoken to students about resilience, confidence, bullying, mental health, and making better choices. Each session is tailored to the group, whether it’s a packed high school auditorium or an intimate workshop with upper primary students. My goal is always to help young people recognise their own value and understand they have the power to shape their future.
Schools invite me back year after year because the message doesn’t end when I leave – students remember it, talk about it, and apply it in their daily lives. If you’re a Sydney school looking for a youth motivational speaker who connects with students in a way that’s real, relatable, and lasting, I’d be honoured to work with you.
REAL FEEDBACK FROM SYDNEY SCHOOLS THAT HAVE WORKED WITH LUKE KENNEDY
Teachers, students, and parents across Sydney share their experiences after hearing Luke Kennedy speak. These testimonials highlight the genuine connections made, the mindset shifts sparked, and the lasting impact his sessions have on primary and high school communities.
"They were absolutely gripped by his story and messages. It's created a tremendous shift and I'm so grateful."
-Jillian Shapiro, School Psychologist | Reddam House Sydney
"The impact you had on our year 4-6 was significant. They are still talking about it and we have seen a marked difference in the students being more ‘present’, particularly around adults."
- Donna Snow, Principal Wembley Primary
"Your talk has saved my life, I thought I was the only one with these thoughts. I thought I was crazy. I’m going to stop worrying what other people think and start being myself. Thank you again!"
- Yr 9 Student.
"...a great story that's told exceptionally well. It resonated with our attendees and has incurred a lot of follow up discussion. the enthusiasm of everyone to get a copy of your book was a testament to the inspiring theme and tone of your talk."
- CEO Mister Minit, Mark Rusbatch
Speakers for students | Luke Kennedy
With the world as it is at the moment there's some pretty big issues with our youth. Whether it's primary schools or high schools the issues are wide-spread. There's a drop in confidence & resilience which has resulted in a big rise in anxieties and students feeling disconnected & lost. Thankfully though we're now realising that there needs to be some change and more of a focus on the individual.
I use the story of my heavy and harsh (I PG story and content for primary schools) upbringing to grab the students attention, respect & relatability, and then weave the messages of resilience, being yourself, motivation, authentic relationships, and detaching from labels and negative beliefs. It's working extremely well and it's a true blessing to receive all of the messages afterwards from the students detailing what they got out of the talk and th changes they're already making. We're all pieces of the puzzle so it's great to connect with teachers and organisers beforehand and discuss any specific incidents or topics they'd like me to put more of a focus on with with the students.
"After 20 years in education he's the best speaker I've heard."
- Teacher, Andrew Rigby
ENGAGING STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND YOUTH ACROSS SYDNEY
From primary and high school students to teachers, wellbeing staff, parents, and even young people in the juvenile justice system, my sessions are designed to connect with every audience. I work with schools across Sydney and beyond, tailoring each talk to suit the age group, environment, and challenges they face. Whether it’s building resilience in students, supporting educators with professional development, or guiding young people in challenging circumstances, my focus is always on creating real conversations and practical change.
SHORT BLOG: AFTER SPEAKING AT INDUNA JUVENILE JUSTICE
"Brother, so much love. Thanks for that, it hit me deep" - Student from Induna Juvenile Justice
Started the year off with a very special motivational speakers for youth presentation. I was invited to speak at Induna School which is inside a juvenile justice centre. The centre is located south of Grafton which is only 2 and a half hours from my spot in Coolangatta. Being guest speakers for youth all across Australia, it's nice to be able to drive my own car to speak.
I was scheduled to speak with two separate groups for approx 70 minutes each.
I had to be on location at 8:30, so getting up at 4:45 on the Friday morning, I had brekky and took off for the drive.
I'm really working on my association to relationships and love, it's an area of my life that's a big focus for me and something I want to learn and improve on. People close to me know this, so I've been recommended some podcasts, books (grab a copy of mine here, YouTube clips, and other material.
Security is obviously pretty tight in a jail, so I had to get there extra early to ensure a smooth process.
I was shown to the office of the school where I met some guards, teachers, councilors and other beautiful people.
After chilling out for a bit, I was then introduced to the principal, Toni. Toni's welcoming smile was like a hug to the soul and after chatting to her about the young men at the centre, it was obvious now much she cared about them. She had been principal for many years so you can imagine the thibgs she's witnessed and been through. Our conversation was interrupted by her walky talky, and she had to leave the room.
I went back out into the office and got into the buzz of a Friday morning with the teachers. I overheard (ear wagged) some of the conversations about what was going on at the centre, and again, it was obvious now much these guys were invested in the young men in the centre.
I was then escorted (literally) to the gym where I was holding my talk. Walking through the outer grounds of the jail is a bit of an eye opener. Huge barbed wire fences and massive steel gates fencing in some young peeps. Walking around thinking, it's tough mot to be effected by it all. I've visited and spoken in jails (read here about my previous juvenile visit) in the past, and every time it gets me to the core. I spent a lot of my weekends in my late teens, visiting my boys in jail, and it was at a time where I was close to, and I thought I'd end up inside as well. I suppose visiting jails brings all of that back to me.
It was also tough to stay dry as the hot sun left me drenched in sweat. Walking into the gym/basketball hall where I was speaking, raised the heat even further.
Toni introduced me to a couple of other guards who then took me to the toilet before my talk.
Soon the young men came in, and some shook my hand, others ignored me, and a few just cruised in and nodded in my direction. Before any of my youth speakers talks, the audience doesn't really know who I am or why I'm there. Without knowing me, I don't get too warm of a welcome anyways, but speaking at a jail of youth justice centre, that welcome is even less of a warm one. And it's fair enough I suppose, I've gotta prove my worth.
Depending on the audience, the heaviness of my opening sentence varies. I mean as you could guess, my opening sentence is pretty watered down for my primary school talks as opposed to speaking to young men inside of a justice center. I had to hit them hard early and get their attention. I did just that, and soon a couple of the slumped down men were now seated straight up looking deep into my eyes. Those eyes didn't leave me for the duration of my talk, and I was delivering some heavy points with some colourful language. These guys I'm speaking to was my upbringing. I could see me and my boys in them. This allows me to get on their level, connect, and impact! After the talk, those that brushed me on the way in, came up, shook my hand, and gave me a bro hug.
The guards, teachers, and Toni all came up after and was super happy with the talk and we chatted about some of the young men.
We went to the office for morning tea and and chilled out before getting back into it. The second talk went just the same as the first, and after a lot of the young men asked about my book, the centre bought 40 of them for the school and teachers.
I thanked Toni wholeheartedly for giving me the opportunity to speak with her students, and thanked me back.
I couldn't of asked for a better start to my year, and I'm hoping to hear from those young men when they get out and start having a good go at life.
Luke S. Kennedy is Australia's Most Sought after motivational Speakers for schools, corporations and even prisons.
VOICES FROM SCHOOLS, STAFF AND STUDENTS WHO’VE EXPERIENCED LUKE’S MESSAGE
The best measure of a session’s success comes from those who were there. From principals and teachers to students and youth workers, the feedback is consistent – Luke Kennedy’s talks connect, inspire, and make a difference. These testimonials share the real stories of engagement, transformation, and renewed motivation from audiences across Sydney’s schools and youth programs.
Do you have a group of kids that need a push in the right direction? Let Luke inspire your kids.
READY TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER YOUTH ACROSS ALL WALKS OF LIFE?
Inspiring and guiding young people in schools, communities, and juvenile justice programs to think bigger, choose better, and lead themselves forward.
Whether it’s a school assembly, a youth group, a community program, or a juvenile justice facility, Luke Kennedy connects with young people in a way that’s raw, real, and relatable. His sessions tackle confidence, resilience, bullying, mental health, and behaviour change, giving youth the tools to rethink their choices and believe in their potential. Book now to deliver a message that goes beyond motivation and creates lasting change.