Looking back, Dylan Lloyd’s journey with Halberg has been one of connection, advocacy, and creativity.

He first joined the Halberg Youth Council in 2021 — but it actually took him two tries to get there. Already involved in the Halberg community, Dylan’s former Regional Advisor, Bridget, encouraged him to apply. “I’ve always found joy in helping my community,” Dylan says. “Seeing how the Dunedin-based Youth Council members were making a difference inspired me to give it a go.”

Passionate about inclusion and making sport accessible for everyone, Dylan applied again — and was accepted.

The Youth Council gave Dylan more than he expected. It became a platform to share his story with families and young people, creating opportunities for others to get involved.

Highlights from his time include meeting the Governor-General, speaking at the International Disability Conference, and connecting with people around the world about disability and inclusion. Dylan also valued working with the teachers’ college, helping future educators understand inclusion from the start of their careers.

The experience strengthened his belief in the power of sport to connect people, while also building skills in public speaking, leadership, and event planning.

Now, as a proud Youth Council alumni, Dylan has taken the next step — joining Halberg as our part-time Design & Content Creator. The transition was a natural fit, combining his creative skills with his deep knowledge of and passion for Halberg’s mission.

In his role, Dylan brings stories to life through design and content that inspires change, champions accessibility, and celebrates the power of sport.

Outside of work, he remains an active advocate in his community, sharing his experiences around inclusion and staying involved in the wheelchair rugby community.

Dylan’s goal is to grow his creative portfolio, with a long-term dream of working in the professional sports sector — travelling, capturing, and designing for top teams. He also plans to remain active in advocacy networks and support youth leadership opportunities.

Dylan’s advice to anyone who is looking to join the Halberg Youth Council – “If you’re thinking about joining the Youth Council – go for it. You’ll learn so much about yourself, gain lifelong friends, and be part of real change. Your voice matters here.”