Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from across Queensland are being urged to put their hand up for this year’s Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP).
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said the program was an amazing opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to learn new leadership skills with the potential to influence change in their communities.
“Young participants have the chance to become our community leaders of the future,” she said.
“It is a great chance for them to gain experience before embarking on leadership roles.
“I strongly urge young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders 18-25 years of age to apply. It will be an experience you won’t forget.”
Ms Farmer said the residential leadership program was delivered in partnership with Queensland Parliamentary Services and with sponsorship from mining company Glencore Coal Assets Australia.
Craig Strudwick from Glencore Coal Assets Australia said the company was proud to invest in such a powerful program for young people.
“We’ve sponsored QIYLP for over a decade now and every year we are impressed by the talented young people participating in the program,” he said.
The program brings together up to 40 young people from rural, remote and metro areas across the state to participate in a six-day residential program in Brisbane.
“There’s a range of experiences available to participants including leadership and professional development workshops as well as parliamentary workshops,” Ms Farmer said.
“Importantly, everyone involved gets a chance to learn or refresh their knowledge from how to write a resume through to public speaking.”
Ms Farmer said more than 560 young people had participated in QIYLP since its inception in 2004.
“It’s pleasing to see so many former QIYLP people returning year after year as participant mentors, co-facilitators and lead facilitators,” she said.
“It’s exciting to think that in 2020 we will see these numbers rise yet again as we enter another year of this remarkable leadership program.”
The program will take place in Brisbane from 27 June to 2 July 2020.
