RSIC 2026 Programme Overview

 

Across six vibrant days, delegates are immersed in a high‑energy conference experience that blends authentic Australian hospitality, rich cultural exchange, exploration of and meaningful service opportunities in and around the local area surrounding Barker College.

 

Day 1: Australia Fair
An Australian welcome, registration and the beginning of lifelong friendships

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• Experience a vibrant welcome through Indigenous and Australian cultural traditions.

• Enjoy uniquely Australian displays, including horsemanship, whip-cracking, wood chopping and sheepdog demonstrations.

• Participate in hands-on Indigenous cultural experiences, including weaving, storytelling and traditional skills workshops led by First Nations educators.

• Discover Australia’s creativity and innovation through student performances, robotics showcases, sporting clinics and interactive activities across the Barker College campus.

• Meet delegates from around the world and begin building international friendships.

• Take part in the Barker Amazing Race, designed to foster teamwork, connection and fun.

• Be welcomed into Barker homestay families and experience genuine Australian hospitality.

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Day 2: The Australian Story

Exploring Australia's past, present and future

 

• Join the official Opening Ceremony of RSIC 2026.

• Hear from inspiring Australian leaders and changemakers.

• Participate in Baraza challenges that build leadership, teamwork and collaboration.

• Explore themes of character, service, citizenship and global responsibility.

• Engage in meaningful discussions with students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Reflect on how Australia's story can help shape a better future.

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Day 3: Adventure: Urban Challenge

An unfolding adventure through the history, culture and energy of Sydney. Working in teams, delegates will build new friendships, test their leadership skills and embrace the spirit of adventure. Armed with clues, a team budget and a sense of curiosity, delegates will discover that the city itself can become a classroom.

 

• Navigate Sydney by train, ferry and light rail as your team solves clues and completes challenges.

• Explore iconic locations including The Rocks, Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Darling Square and Chinatown.

• Discover the Indigenous, colonial and multicultural stories that have shaped modern Australia.

• Experience the diversity, innovation and vibrancy of Australia's global city.

• Share a memorable evening meal together in Chinatown.

 

Throughout the day, teams will make decisions, solve problems and work together under pressure, developing resilience, adaptability, communication and leadership.

 

Day 4: Service & Environment Day

Creating a legacy through service, sustainability and connection

 

Morning | Anglicare Crowd Sorting: Turning Compassion into Action

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What happens when 1,200 young people from around the world come together with a shared purpose? You create change.
Believed to be the largest activity of its kind ever undertaken in Australia, students will work together to sort, tag, fold and pack thousands of donated garments that will be redistributed to support struggling individuals and families across New South Wales.

 

• Join one of Australia's largest service initiatives, transforming donated clothing into hope for families in need.

• Explore the challenges of fast fashion and the impact of sustainable choices.

• Accomplish work that would normally take Anglicare six months, demonstrating the power of collective action.

• Leave a lasting legacy and discover how young people can create meaningful change through service.

 

Afternoon | Hornsby Quarry Park Walk & Regeneration Project

 

• Discover how thousands of years of Indigenous connection to Country continue to shape community, sustainability and belonging.

• Explore the transformation of the site from farming and quarrying to one of Sydney's most significant environmental regeneration projects.

• Walk the Heritage Steps and learn stories of Aboriginal heritage, early settlement and Depression-era resilience.

• Take part in hands-on bush regeneration activities and contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

Evening | Cultural Celebration

 

• Celebrate the diversity of the Round Square community through performances and cultural exchange.

 

Day 5: Tomorrow's Actions

From inspiration to impact

 

• Participate in collaborative Baraza challenges and leadership experiences.

• Hear from world-renowned adventurer and humanitarian Samantha Gash.

• Reflect on the lessons, experiences and friendships formed throughout the week.

• Consider how to turn ideas into action within your school and community.

• Develop a personal vision for creating positive change.

• Celebrate the Round Square spirit at a traditional Australian bush dance and BBQ.

• Farewell new friends from across the globe.

 

Day 6: Departures

Taking the journey home

 

• Return home with fresh perspectives, new ideas and renewed confidence.

• Draw inspiration from Australia to create positive change in your community and beyond.

• Continue the friendships and connections formed during RSIC 2026.

• Carry forward the conference theme: Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land.

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