Young people across Greater Geelong can again learn what it takes to sit at board management level, thanks to the City of Greater Geelong’s ‘Youth on Board’ initiative.
The City’s Youth on Board program was first implemented in early 2022 with a diverse range of organisations supporting the program, including Hope Bereavement, Ocean Mind, South Barwon Football Netball Club and Encompass Community Services.
Following the success of its first year, the City is looking for more organisations eager to add young people to their boards through the program.
A new group of local young people will be invited to again take advantage of the program that sees them coached and mentored to become a youth voice on the local boards.
The program supports the newly released Victorian Youth Strategy 2022 to 2027 which aims to see more young people under 25 represented on Victorian Government boards.
Young people and organisations are supported through the program, including with Governance training.
If your organisation is located in Greater Geelong and you would like to know more about this program, please contact the City’s Youth team on 5272 5272.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
Well run organisations have boards comprised of experienced and skilled people, providing a great opportunity for these young people to learn from experts and for local clubs and organisations to develop our next generation of leaders. Adding an energetic and enthusiastic young person to a board can help an organisation reach new people in the community, increase diversity and gain new perspectives from a different generation
Cr Jim Mason, Deputy Chair of the Diversity, Inclusion and LGBTIQ+ portfolio
There are unique skills for the young person to learn about being part of a board with the opportunity to oversee an organisation or club. But we also know that there is great benefit to a participating organisation with the addition of a young person who can contribute to the diversity at board level. At the same time as assisting a young person in their leadership journey, a participating organisation can benefit by having a youth voice in the decision-making process.
