Julia Gormley

2015 delegate, Strategic Policy Division, Department of Defence

“The 2015 ACYD was a mind-broadening journey of intensive learning, lively discussion and new friendships. I arrived expecting to meet young Australians and Chinese who wanted to contribute to a brighter future. Instead, I met a collection of young people who are already doing just that, showing great leadership in a remarkable range of ways. From designing sustainable cities, to engaging in international policymaking and diplomacy, to collaborating on scientific and medical research, each and every delegate brought to the dialogue their own specialist knowledge and unique perspective of the Australia‑China relationship. It was a privilege to spend four days sharing ideas with such an accomplished group and learning from our twenty-five distinguished guest speakers. I returned from the ACYD feeling energised and optimistic about the future.”