Top 20 young Indigenous leaders converge on Brisbane

From Badu Island in the Torres Strait to Cunnamulla in south-western Queensland, 20 of the state’s top Indigenous leaders of tomorrow will pack their bags and head to Brisbane next week to participate in an annual youth forum, as part of Reconciliation Week.

Minister for Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Lindy Nelson-Carr, said the young Queenslanders had been selected to participate in the 2008 Young Indigenous Leaders Forum at Parliament House from 26–29 May.

“These inspiring young leaders have shown their commitment to reconciliation and should be very proud of their selection,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Next week’s four-day forum is designed to enhance participant’s already promising leadership skills, while providing them with a platform to discuss issues close to their heart.

“They will learn new skills and network with like-minded young people with the aim of returning to their communities equipped with new ideas on how to make a lasting difference.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Young Indigenous Leaders Forum was specially-designed for Indigenous Queenslanders aged 18 to 25.

Timed to coincide with National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June, this year’s forum will also feature keynote speeches by the founding Director of Yalari Limited, Waverley Stanley, and University of Southern Queensland lecturer Stephen Hagan.

“Forum participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, learn how to turn ideas into reality, develop networks with peers, connect with mentors and identify and set leadership goals and plans,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280

Notes to editors:
To speak to forum participants or speakers, contact Communities’ Media Unit on 3224 6937