The Top 3 Pitches of 2024

In 2024, the RAC Ignite Leadership Program returned for its second year, continuing our collaboration with supporting partner Millennium Kids. The program brought together 28 passionate young changemakers from across WA, all eager to tackle the big question: Together, how can we create a safer, more sustainable, and better-connected WA?

Over the course of a month, participants attended masterclasses on leadership and design thinking to learn how to create sustainable cities and transport networks. They then went on a three-day leadership camp in Margaret River, where they explored local case studies and the real-life challenges communities face in WA, including regional road safety, young drivers, sustainable transport, and access to transport affecting both locals and tourists.

As the participants progressed through the program, they formed groups to research problems and ideate innovative solutions related to common mobility issues that Western Australians experience.

By the program’s end, three standout groups were selected by the judging panel. With support from the program leads and other RAC experts, the finalists were given two weeks to perfect and deliver their pitch for the celebration event held at RAC Arena. In front of industry experts, family and friends, Matthew and James were awarded first place, with Mina, Lucy and Erika coming second and Hien, Greta and Mehar coming in third place. Let’s meet the finalists and explore their visionary projects.

First place: "Youth Nav WA"

Matthew and James identified that younger teens lack road awareness skills due to lower levels of cycling and walking. They focused on empowering young people in WA to build essential road navigation skills. Their idea, "Youth Nav WA," leverages the RAC Go app to create gamified cycling and walking experiences for people in their early teens. The app would track users’ routes, encouraging safe practices, improved spatial awareness, and a stronger connection to their community.

This project not only promotes outdoor activity and sustainability but also reduces reliance on parental drop-offs to school. By fostering independence and encouraging exploration, it aligns perfectly with RAC’s vision to strengthen community ties, reduce vehicle emissions and improve road safety education.

Second place: "Canopy Connect"

In a city where car dependency dominates, Mina, Lucy, and Erika envisioned "Canopy Connect," a project aimed at transforming Perth’s active transport landscape. Their concept features shaded, tree-lined pathways and green-roofed bus shelters to create more sustainable, comfortable, and appealing spaces for walking, cycling, and public transport use.

This idea goes beyond just aesthetics. By reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and fostering biodiversity, Canopy Connect addresses both the environment and community well-being. The team’s concept could reimagine Perth as a greener, more connected city.

Third place: "The 3 Ps After Your Ps"

Hien, Greta, and Mehar addressed the pressing issue of young driver safety in regional WA, where road accidents are five times more likely than in metropolitan areas.

Their initiative, "The 3 Ps After Your Ps," introduces interactive pop-up events at regional hotspots, aiming to empower drivers with the knowledge and tools to prepare, prevent, and provide in the event of road accidents. These events feature a visually striking truck and engaging booths where participants can create personalised road-ready kits, including sustainable first aid supplies, regional driving guides, and rest stop activities.

The project idea combines education and practical solutions, making a meaningful contribution to safer regional roads.

The RAC Ignite Leadership Program

Expressions of interest for our 2025 programs are now open; aspiring changemakers aged between 18 and 24 can register their interest through the link below.

Register your interest