Published Wednesday, 29 August, 2007 at 03:34 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Future young Indigenous leaders attend Cairns forum
Twenty aspiring young people will gather in Cairns today for the Queensland Government’s annual Young Indigenous Leaders’ Forum starting tomorrow.
The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Youth, Warren Pitt, said forum participants would be encouraged to develop their leadership skills while tackling some of the main issues facing young people today.
“Forum participants will be able to share their stories, discuss issues of concern for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and develop networks with other young leaders and potential mentors,” Mr Pitt said.
“I hope each of the participants will leave the forum with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that they have taken a significant step towards helping to build a better future.”
“The Young Indigenous Leaders’ Forum is an integral part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting and encouraging young people to make a difference.
“I am pleased that the Department of Communities has been able to provide $50,000 in funding to help ensure that the Cairns forum is a success.”
Young Indigenous Leaders’ Forums are held in Brisbane and Cairns each year and are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders aged 18 to 25.
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall will officially open the Cairns Young Indigenous Leaders’ Forum tomorrow.
Mr Wettenhall said this year’s forum would discuss the topic of ‘leadership past and present’, with a focus on the recent 40th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.
“The theme this year is ‘Across Two Worlds’, which recognises the added challenges faced by young Indigenous Queenslanders and also the desire to build strong partnerships,” he said.
“These forums are designed to assist young future leaders to develop their skills and focus their aspirations in a supportive and inspiring environment.
“I hope participants will make the most of this experience and return to their communities with a greater capacity and desire to become role models and leaders in the future.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280
The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Youth, Warren Pitt, said forum participants would be encouraged to develop their leadership skills while tackling some of the main issues facing young people today.
“Forum participants will be able to share their stories, discuss issues of concern for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and develop networks with other young leaders and potential mentors,” Mr Pitt said.
“I hope each of the participants will leave the forum with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that they have taken a significant step towards helping to build a better future.”
“The Young Indigenous Leaders’ Forum is an integral part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting and encouraging young people to make a difference.
“I am pleased that the Department of Communities has been able to provide $50,000 in funding to help ensure that the Cairns forum is a success.”
Young Indigenous Leaders’ Forums are held in Brisbane and Cairns each year and are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders aged 18 to 25.
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall will officially open the Cairns Young Indigenous Leaders’ Forum tomorrow.
Mr Wettenhall said this year’s forum would discuss the topic of ‘leadership past and present’, with a focus on the recent 40th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.
“The theme this year is ‘Across Two Worlds’, which recognises the added challenges faced by young Indigenous Queenslanders and also the desire to build strong partnerships,” he said.
“These forums are designed to assist young future leaders to develop their skills and focus their aspirations in a supportive and inspiring environment.
“I hope participants will make the most of this experience and return to their communities with a greater capacity and desire to become role models and leaders in the future.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280