Notre Dame student named WA representative in UNICEF Young Ambassador program

Charlotte Carles, a third-year student at The University of Notre Dame Australia, is one of just a handful of young people nationwide selected for the 2025–2026 cohort and is the only participant from Western Australia.

The program gives young Australians aged 16 to 24 the opportunity to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of children and youth at a national level, including direct engagement with politicians and policy makers.

Charlotte will take on the Digital Wellbeing portfolio, focusing on the impacts of social media and artificial intelligence on young people. It is an area she believes needs stronger representation and urgent attention.

“I'm really excited to become our state's representative in UNICEF Australia's Young Ambassador program,” Charlotte said.

“I'm looking forward to consulting with young people, both at Notre Dame and across the state, to advocate for youth rights at the national level.”

Charlotte is no stranger to leadership. She is the founder of Gen Z Abroad, a not-for-profit organisation that connects and empowers young people across 11 countries. The group recently hosted its first live event in Fremantle titled Money Talk, which aimed to help local youth build financial literacy in response to the rising cost of living. Money Talk has expanded eastward with new Gen Z Abroad events now taking place in Melbourne to provide essential cost-of-living support to young Australians through education on topics such as investing, budgeting, and superannuation

She is also a 2022 Merit Scholar, a member of Notre Dame’s Tax Clinic Steering Committee and is currently representing Australia in Fiji as a New Colombo Plan Scholar returning to Notre Dame’s Fremantle campus in 2026. Beyond these achievements, Charlotte remains actively involved in campus life through volunteering and mentoring.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Partnerships & International Professor Alex Frino said The University of Notre Dame Australia is very proud to have Charlotte Carles represent Western Australia in UNICEF Australia’s Young Ambassador program.

“Charlotte is one of many students at The University of Notre Dame Australia engaged in programs to benefit the wellbeing of society.  Charlotte will represent Western Australia and The University of Notre Dame Australia, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of the youth of Australia, focusing on the impacts of social media and artificial intelligence,” he said.

“With Charlotte being the only participant selected from Western Australia for such a prestigious program, it is a testament to both Charlotte and The University of Notre Dame Australia for mentoring students to have such a positive impact in the community.”