Youth-led project delivers Livingstone Shire's first Green Seat

Published on 22 October 2026

The community is invited to attend the unveiling of Livingstone Shire's first Green Seat at 4pm on Wednesday 28 October 2026 at Beaman Park, James Street, Yeppoon.

Driven by the Livingstone Youth Action Group (YAG), the project will bring the nationally recognised Green Seat Project to Livingstone Shire and help raise awareness of missing persons and the lasting impact their disappearance has on families, friends and communities.

The Green Seat will serve as a permanent place for reflection, connection and learning, featuring a QR code linking visitors to information about missing persons awareness and support services.

Livingstone Shire Acting Mayor, Cr Pat Eastwood said the project highlights the power of young people to create meaningful change in their community.

"I'm incredibly proud of the Livingstone Youth Action Group for championing this important project and helping bring it to life in Livingstone Shire," Cr Eastwood said.

"Every missing person has a family, friends and a community who continue to live with uncertainty and hope for answers. This Green Seat is a reminder that missing people matter, and that those left behind matter too."

Livingstone Youth Action Group member, Olivia Johnston, said the project was an opportunity to shine a light on an issue many young people are unaware of.

"When we learnt about The Green Seat Project and that around half of all missing persons reported in Australia are young people, we felt it was something our generation should be talking about," Olivia said.

"We wanted to help bring a green seat to our community because it encourages people to stop, learn more and look out for one another.

“We hope it starts important conversations about wellbeing, connection and supporting people who may be going through a difficult time."

The Green Seat is part of a national initiative established by missing persons advocate Sally Leydon, whose 29 years of lived experience following the disappearance of her mother, Marion Barter, inspired her to create The Missing Matter and the not-for-profit incorporated organisation, The Green Seat Project.

The initiative provides dedicated spaces in communities across Australia to raise awareness of missing persons and the people left behind. Ms Leydon will attend the unveiling in Yeppoon as a special guest.

Founder of The Missing Matter and The Green Seat Project, Sally Leydon, said the project would help ensure missing people and their loved ones are never forgotten.

"For families and friends of missing people, there is often no place to go, no place to remember and no place to reflect," Ms Leydon said.

"The Green Seat creates a place for hope and connection while encouraging important conversations about missing persons and the impact their disappearance has on families and communities.

"I thank the Livingstone Youth Action Group and Livingstone Shire Council for supporting this important initiative and helping spread the message that the missing matter."

In 2025, 49,084 people were reported missing to police in Australia. More than half (56 per cent) of all reports were for young people aged between 13 and 17 years. While many people are located quickly, thousands of cases remain unresolved for months or years, leaving families and loved ones searching for answers.

Community members are encouraged to attend the unveiling and hear more about the project from YAG members, Council representatives and Sally Leydon.

Event Details

What: Green Seat Unveiling
When: 4pm, Wednesday 28 October 2026
Where: Beaman Park, James Street, Yeppoon
Why: To raise awareness of missing persons and recognise the impact on families, friends and communities