Indigenous youth leadership program begins

Published Saturday, 21 June, 2014 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
The Honourable Tracy Davis

More than 40 Indigenous youth from across Queensland will benefit from a six-day leadership program in Brisbane from Saturday 21 June to Thursday 26 June.

Communities Minister Tracy Davis said some of the state’s brightest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people had been selected to participate in the 2014 Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.

“This program provides an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders aged 18–25 years to develop leadership skills and learn about our democratic processes,” Ms Davis said.

“Our government has a strong plan for Queensland youth and giving these young people a chance to grow their leadership potential will create a brighter future.

“We promised to restore accountability in government at the last election, and this program is delivering on that, allowing participants to further develop their interest in government and policy making.

“Participants will also attend leadership workshops and experience mentoring, networking and career development sessions.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for participants to gain vital skills for working with local communities to ensure Indigenous communities have a bigger say in their futures.

Ms Davis said the program aimed to connect young people to community participation and delivered on the Queensland Youth Strategy

“The program will culminate with the Eric Deeral Indigenous Youth Parliament on 26 June – named in honour of Queensland’s first Indigenous State Member of Parliament,” she said.

“Labor’s only policy for youth was a statement on social media, but our strong plan connects with the state’s youth.”

Ms Davis said more than 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people had participated in the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program since it began in 2004.

The program is a partnership between the Queensland Government, Queensland Parliament and mining company Glencore. For more information visit qld.gov.au/atsi/education-training/indigenous-youth-leadership-program/

 

[ENDS] 21 June 2014

 

Media Contact Katherine Fraser 0417 172 480