Youth Leaders Program

The Youth Leaders Program is a volunteer initiative for young people aged 14 - 18 across the Toowoomba Region.

Established in 2015, the program brings together 25 youth representatives each year to give young people a voice in local decision-making. Participants learn about Council processes, local communities, and services, while developing grassroots projects that create positive change for both young people and the wider community.

Youth Leader Program positions

Applications are open from beginning of June to the end of July each year. 

How to apply

  1. Submit an online Youth Leaders Program application. 
  2. Once you have submitted your application, the Youth Connect Team will be in touch.

Apply now

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

  • live, work or study in the Toowoomba Region
  • be aged between 14 and 18 years of age for the duration of the program
  • participate in both induction and training camps as outlined in the application
  • be committed to and able to attend monthly meetings
  • attend regular meetings, including skill sessions, presentations and project planning, as decided and set by the incoming youth leaders
  • participate in community and youth-led events and programs
  • commit approximately 8 hours per fortnight to the program.

Skills required

Youth leaders should have:

  • sound people skills and a willingness to work with and for young people from across the Toowoomba Region
  • a willingness to work with Councillors, Council staff, the Regional Youth Advisory Committee and other youth-focused organisations
  • a willingness and ability to communicate and consult with peers, young people from across the region and the wider community about youth issues, needs and ideas
  • a willingness to undertake training as required.

 

Responsibilities

Your job as a regional youth leader will be:

  • attending all monthly youth leader meetings as set by the group, Youth Development Officer and Community Development Officer, Youth – as outlined in key criteria
  • maintaining regular contact with the Youth Development Officer and Community Development Officer, Youth regarding projects, programs and youth and community priorities
  • attending any appointments set under the Youth Leaders Program or at the request of the Community Development Team
  • advocating on behalf of the young people in your community and the Toowoomba Region
  • actively promoting young people’s positive contributions to the community
  • actively promoting the Youth Leaders Program as well as promoting other youth programs supported by us, including the Youth Connect Program
  • supporting future youth leaders by encouraging at least one new applicant each year.

Responsibilities may change throughout the program depending on the projects being delivered and the needs of the programs.

Your contribution and accountability

As a regional youth leader you will be required to report back at monthly meetings on issues affecting young people. You will also be required to discuss ideas on how to manage these issues, share your knowledge of programs and projects that could benefit other young people across the region, as well as present regular updates on programs and projects that you are involved with.

You will be accountable to our Youth Development Officer and the Community Development Officer, Youth. Minutes and other relevant information from youth leader meetings will be collated and raised through the Regional Youth Advisory Committee, as well as being noted in the Youth Team’s end of month reports.

Costs

As part of our commitment to the development of young people, all reasonable costs associated with the Youth Leaders Program will be covered for participants. This will include:

  • costs associated with the camps such as accommodation, transport, food, activities, guest speakers and training
  • apparel, including shirt and name badge
  • program meetings (venue and food)
  • end-of-year celebration (venue, food and guest speakers)
  • relevant training offered throughout the program.

 

Program history

Since the program commenced, the regional youth leaders have been involved in:

  • Queensland Youth Week events
  • partnership projects with local non-government organisations
  • support for National Headspace Day and other youth groups
  • concerts and music development workshops
  • learn-to-swim lessons for young refugees
  • AUSLAN courses for young people
  • networking projects across multiple youth groups
  • youth storytelling projects
  • skateboarding and scooter events
  • Wear it Purple Day event
  • environmental projects.

With around 30,000 young residents in a regional population of 173,000, youth leaders play a vital role in ensuring our programs remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful. They also help identify community issues and share opportunities for young people to connect with events, programs, and local service providers.

The Youth Leaders have represented the Toowoomba Regional Council at:

  • Queensland Youth Conference
  • National Youth Conference
  • Queensland Town Planning Awards
  • National Town Planning Awards
  • Shaping SEQ Youth Summit
  • Queensland Youth Strategy workshops
  • UniSQ Youth Community Futures forum
  • Brisbane 2032 Legacy Forum
  • UN Student Ambassador Program.

Youth Leaders at event Youth Leaders

Key tasks

Apply for the Youth Leaders Program

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