We are working towards changing attitudes around sun safety and the most vital demographic is our youth. Ensuring teenagers are aware of the danger of melanoma and the importance of sun safety is the mission of this unique peer-to-peer learning program, which is an initiative of Melanoma Institute Australia run in partnership with Sydney Local Health District, Northern Sydney Local Health District and Cancer Council NSW.
Secondary schools are invited to participate in the SunSafe Student Ambassador Program by attending one of our free workshops – held in Sydney – which will empower students to support sun safety practices in their school and change attitudes towards tanning.
The workshop trains representative students in the importance of sun safety and how to deliver an engaging presentation. The students return to their schools and, using the skills they have learned, deliver a sun-safe pitch to their peers. The program also helps students to support sun safety practices in their school beyond the presentation.
The workshop is run in a collaborative learning environment with local schools and has been designed to meet learning outcomes from the Years 8-10 PDHPE curriculum.
Students will learn about:
• Melanoma and why it is relevant
• How to prevent melanoma
• The dangers of tanning
• How to give an engaging presentation
• How to make their school more sun-safe
To participate in this program:
• Schools must register to participate and nominate 3-5 students from Years 8-10 to attend.
• A teacher (or school nurse) must accompany the students to the workshop and be willing to co-ordinate the follow up required after the pitch.
• Students must be willing to present to their grade/school before the end of the school year.
Testimonials:
“I enjoyed learning facts about melanoma and listening to people’s perspective about melanoma such as their past events. As well as finding out more ways to present the importance of sun safety to other people.” – SunSafe Ambassador from Wagga Wagga workshop
“I loved it! I found it so fun and interesting. I made many new friends as well. I will lecture my Mum lol” – SunSafe Ambassador from Hobart workshop
“I will make a difference in my school through sharing the information I had learnt with my friends and peers and try to increase sun safety within my school.” – SunSafe Ambassador from Camperdown workshop
“I really enjoyed the interactive nature of the program. Using student voices to promote a strengths-based approach to health. Incorporating the lab visit into the program.” – Teacher from Brisbane workshop
“We all know that students learn best from their peers, which is what makes this program so beneficial!” – Teacher from Sydney workshop
SunSafe 2026
Our next workshops will be held in Sydney on:
- Thursday 13 August 2026 at The Poche Centre (Wollstonecraft)
- Wednesday 19 August 2026 at the Kerry Packer Education Centre (Camperdown)
If you are a teacher and would like to register on behalf of your school, please register now.
If you are a student, parent or community member interested in our SunSafe Program in 2026, please complete the Expression of Interest form using the button below.
