Explosion Youth Conference in Canberra has celebrated 20 years of service since its founding in 2006, with evangelised participants returning to serve as leaders. Source: Catholic Voice.
An increase from 2025, 110 high-school-aged local and interstate participants attended the conference at St Clare’s College, Canberra, from September 30 to October 2.
One participant turned leader, Ethan Kirk, was one of three coordinators for Explosion 2026.
“It’s so incredible to be able to give back to an event which gave so much to me, my family and my friends. It was always a highlight on the calendar each year,” Mr Kirk said.
While ABS reported in 2021 that 45.6 per cent of Australians aged 15-24 were “non-religious”, the ongoing phenomenon of Explosion participants becoming leaders is nothing short of “countercultural”, Mr Kirk said.
“I believe participants are choosing to attend Explosion as it offers something far deeper than what the world can offer,” he said.
“It helps them answer questions about their identity and their purpose in life, and that is something that really forms young people.”
Explosion Youth Conference is a work of the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community in Canberra.
Founder and director of Explosion, Therese Mills MGL, experienced the trend of participants returning to serve firsthand during this year’s conference, a trend she describes as a “ripple effect”.
“The young people who come through Explosion want to come back as leaders, with many also going on to serve in different forms of youth ministry,” she said.
“I noticed at this Explosion the large number of young adults who experienced Explosion as teenagers coming back to serve as leaders.
She said this passion for God was exactly the passion exhibited by faith-hungry teens 20 years ago.
“There were events for young people aged 18 and older, but nothing for high school students. We created Explosion so young people can experience God’s love, encounter the Holy Spirit and learn solid Church teachings.
Former leader and current chaplain of Explosion, Fr Joshua Whicker MGL, attests to Explosion’s abundant fruits.
“When looking to see the fruit of a ministry, we know evangelisation is really happening when those who have been evangelised become evangelists. That’s what we see with Explosion.
“This is a great witness and a great sign of hope for the positive future of the Church in Australia,” Fr Whicker said.
FULL STORY
From participant to leader: Explosion’s 20-year ripple effect (By Callum Hussein, Catholic Voice)
