Applications are now open for aspiring young leaders who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to participate in this year’s Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP).
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program, now in its 15th year, was a wonderful opportunity for young Indigenous Queenslanders to develop leadership skills, offer professional development and learn about influencing change.
“Forty young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can come together from across the state for a six day residential program,” she said.
“Throughout the program, they develop leadership skills together, but they also learn how to prepare and deliver a community project in their own community.
“The young participants will undertake a range of experiences including leadership and professional development workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities and attend parliament workshops.”
Delivered in partnership with Queensland Parliamentary Services, and with sponsorship from Queensland mining company Glencore, the residential program will take place in Brisbane from 29 June 2019 to 4 July 2019 and is open to those aged 18 to 25.
“Every young person who attends a QIYLP is a potential future leader, and the experience they gain through the program is designed to help them along that journey,” she said.
Ms Farmer said there had already been more than 500 young people participate in QIYLP since its inception in 2004, and it is pleasing to see large numbers returning in subsequent years as participant mentors, co-facilitators and lead facilitators.
“I’d urge any young Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Queenslander to consider applying for the QIYLP — it will be an experience you won’t forget,” she said.
Craig Strudwick from Glencore Coal Assets Australia said the company was proud to invest in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.
“We’ve sponsored QIYLP for 11 years now and every year we are impressed by the talented young people participating in the program”.
Applications open today 1 March 2019 and will close on 15 April 2019.
