Founded by Sacha Kaluri and Sonya Karras, the Australian Teenage Expo has reached more than 50,000 students in its five years on the road.

Mrs Kaluri said their aim is to empower young people to make positive decisions.

“Our event is all about giving young people as many options, choices and opportunities in a positive, fun and interactive way,” she said.

The expo covered topics such as bullying, violence, safe partying, careers and self-esteem.

“The more information young people have about how to improve their self-esteem, the better choices they make to have a more fulfilling life,” Mrs Karras said.

“Everything we do has an element of fun, so the day to us is most importantly about how to engage with young people to make a difference.”

The Australian Teenage Expo’s youth ambassadors,Young singers Soli Tesema (from The Voice 2014), Zain Mitchlan and Frank Dixon performed to a much-excited crowd.

Two Kurri High bands – M-Dawg and the Bois and Interlude – and the school choir also performed at the event.

Year 11 student Victoria Maples said the expo was very engaging and quite different to others.

“It was more informative, and really enjoyable,” she said.

Teachers and many students were actively involved in putting the event together, giving the students the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience.

All students involved in coordinating the event will receive a certificate and will be able to use Mrs Kaluri and Mrs Karras as a reference on their resume.

The Cessnock Youth and Community Development Project and Kurri Youth Centre helped bring the expo to the school.

 “We were excited to be able to support bringing this event to Kurri High,” Cessnock youth and community development officer Lakin Agnew said.

“Programs such as this that contribute to the wellbeing of young people and help them to negotiate respectful ways of interacting with each other are a great investment.”