Youth encouraged to apply for next year’s Youth Leaders Program

Council is calling on the region’s bright, young members to be a voice for their generation as part of next year’s Youth Leaders Program. Here’s how you can get involved.

STEP UP: Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is calling on the Region's young, bright minds to be a voice for their generation as part of Council's 2022 Youth Leaders Program (from left to right) Patrick Inglis, Breanna Hickling, Catherine Power, Laura Knott and Piper Hofstee were all involved with the Youth Leaders Program. Picture: Contributed

Toowoomba Regional Council is calling on the region’s young, bright members to be a voice for their generation as part of Council’s 2022 Youth Leaders Program.

The Youth Leaders Program is a volunteer platform for young people aged 14 to 24 to become involved with Toowoomba Regional Council.

The program allows young people from across the Toowoomba region to learn about their local communities groups, events, activities and youth services.

TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Councillor James O’Shea said Council’s Youth Leaders Program encouraged young people to learn about their community, be a leader, share ideas and become involved in the issues that matter to them on a local level.

“Today’s young people are the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow. Their ideas are integral to shaping our Region’s future,” Councillor O’Shea said.

“This program began in 2015 with 20 members selected to represent the Region. Eight years on and 142 representatives later, Council is once again calling on 25 enthusiastic young people from across the Toowoomba Region to be a voice for local youth.”

Mr O’Shea said council youth leaders play an important part in ensuring TRC programs are relevant to the needs of our young people and to encourage them to become involved in local government.

“The program has achieved so much in a short time with previous initiatives including fundraising for youth services, organising events, developing environmental programs and delivering national Youth Week activities,” he said.

“Youth Leaders have also represented our region at local, state and national forums that have helped to shape youth policy at all levels of government. To be eligible for the program applicants must be aged between 14 and 24, live in the Toowoomba Regional Council area, able to attend monthly meetings, plus be available for two training camps in late September and late December.”

Councillor O’Shea urged those eligible to finalise their applications by 5pm on Friday, July 30 to avoid disappointment.

For more information, follow this link.