Summit to unleash Corangamite’s next leaders

Published on 26 August 2024

An exciting new event will unleash the potential of young people who will lead Corangamite Shire into the future.

Year 7-12 students from across Corangamite Shire are invited to a fun day of making new friends and learning new skills for life.

The 2024 Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit on Thursday 17 October will give the Shire’s young people the leadership skills to prosper, Council Youth and Grants Officer Philip Michelmore said.

“The 2024 Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit is a fantastic opportunity for young leaders across the Shire,” he said. “Taking place at the Theatre Royal Camperdown, this summit aims to nurture essential skills, foster collaboration among youth, and build valuable networks.

“Whether you are passionate about community service, leadership, or simply making new friends, this event aims to be an enriching experience for all.”

The day will be inspired by two presenters from Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA)—a pioneering youth-led not-for-profit organisation passionately committed to empowering young Australians to lead themselves, their schools and our communities.

“At Youth Leadership Academy Australia, we are driven by a vision of a future where every young person is empowered to make a positive difference,” YLAA program manager Bonnie Ryan-Rowe said.

“It is about creating a sustained movement of proactive young leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of today.

Through role-playing, and team-building activities, students will find their own leadership style and learn to communicate, co-operate and lead by example.

Topics will include:

• Self-leadership and self-awareness
• Resilience, vulnerability and confidence
• Leadership styles and personalities
• Responsibility of being a leader
• Communication skills and positive relationships
• Community and building a shared vision
• Adapting to change and cultivating personal wellbeing in self and others
• Student-led initiatives and developing a project plan
• Public speaking and preparing the pitch
• Wellbeing and dealing with hardships
• Achieving goals

Mr Michelmore said there were about 2700 people aged 12-25 in the Shire.

“Because a lot of our young people are in farming communities or small towns, many do not have much contact with other young people other than a school group.

“This summit will give them an opportunity to come together in a central location and make new connections with people who have similar experiences and similar stories to tell.

“The new friendships, networks and skills they gain on the day will hopefully open doors for them to thrive in the community in the coming years.”

For more information, please contact Youth and Grants Officer Philip Michelmore on 5593 7100.