‘Be a voice’: calling on young change-makers!

Are you a young change-maker? Do you have great ideas for the future? Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work making our region a better place to live?

If you are aged between 16 – 24, then apply for Sunshine Coast Council’s Young Leaders Academy before Monday, November 4.

The Young Leaders Academy is a year-long program created to cultivate new leaders in our community.

It is a voluntary program where up and coming community champions meet once a month to learn more about participatory leadership and how they can contribute to sustainable and positive change in their communities.

After a successful program in 2024, next year’s new intake of young people will be involved in shaping Council’s new Youth Action Plan. 

Youth creating change

Kyla Saltner-Johnston is a proud young Wulli Wulli Wakka Wakka woman who participated in the Young Leaders Academy in 2024.

Kyla said she really wanted to be part of the Academy to create change in her community. 

“I wanted to be a voice for my fellow younger First Nations peers and allow them to have some sort of say in what's going on for them in community,” she said.

“I also wanted to expand on my understanding of leadership.  

“Connecting and working with other leaders who are likeminded and the same age as me has been incredible.” 

Help shape the youth action plan

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the Young Leaders Academy was one way Council was connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.

“Excitingly, young leaders for 2025 will have a special opportunity to shape Council’s new Youth Action Plan,” Cr Law said.

“There are more than 50,000 young people, aged 12-24 years, living here on the Sunshine Coast.

“It is important that Council understands what’s important to young people as well as the challenges and opportunities for this significant population group, which holds the key to our future.

“The new Youth Action Plan will outline actions for Council to implement between 2026 and 2031, working alongside others to enable and support young people to thrive.

“The Young Leaders Academy will help Council reach young people in our community and gather their input and ideas.

“The Young Leaders Academy is also a great opportunity for young people aged 16 to 24 to develop their leadership skills and confidence to lead and inspire change in their communities.” 

If you're up for the challenge, check out Council’s Have your Say website for all the details on what the Sunshine Coast Young Leaders Academy is all about and to apply.

Fast facts:

• expressions of interest are now open and close Monday, November 4, 2024
• applicants shortlisted and interviewed during November 2024
• members to be appointed by the end of November 2024
• Young Leaders Academy starts February 2025.