Young people
We are for young people on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Young Leaders Academy Expression of Interest Now Open
Are you a young person who wants to make change? Do you have big ideas for the future? Are you ready to work hard to improve our region?
If you are 16 to 24 years old, apply for Sunshine Coast Council’s Young Leaders Academy. The deadline is Monday, November 10.
The Young Leaders Academy aims to:
• Help grow leaders who improve their communities.
• Build a better grasp of community and group leadership.
• Implement youth led initiatives aligning with the proposed Youth Plan.
The Young Leaders Academy is a free, year-long program. It helps build new leaders in our community.
Young community leaders meet often during the year. They will learn about group leadership and they will also contribute to making lasting, positive changes in their areas.
In 2026, the Academy will help carry out parts of the new Thriving Futures: Sunshine Coast Youth Plan 2026-2031. Council is set to approve this plan in March.
Expression of Interest will close November 10.
Please read through the Terms of Reference and FAQ's below before applying for the Academy.
FAQs
Who is eligible?
Who is eligible?
If you are 16 to 24 years of age and live, work or study within the Sunshine Coast local government area, then you are eligible to apply!
What time commitment is required?
What time commitment is required?
You must be available for the following:
-Full-day retreat on Saturday 7 February 2026
-Fortnightly meetings (dates listed below) during February & March from 5.00pm to 8.00pm.
-18 February
-4 March
-18 March
-1 April
-22 April
One meeting per month for the remainder of the year until December 2026, from 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Other activities as required between meetings.
How long does membership last if I am successful?
How long does membership last if I am successful?
Members will be appointed for a one-year period starting in February 2025.
Can I resign?
Can I resign?
Members can resign at any time by notifying Council’s Youth Development Officer, but we would love to see members commit to the whole 12-month term.
Will I be paid for my time?
Will I be paid for my time?
Participation is voluntary and unpaid.
Members may be reimbursed for some out-of-pocket expenses for certain activities.
Sunshine Coast Young Leaders Academy 2025
Sunshine Coast Council introduced our next iteration of the Young Leaders Academy in February.
Nine Sunshine Coast locals have come together to inspire and create a diverse, honest and authentic group to achieve community action. The Young Leaders Academy is a yearlong program with the aim to increase and strengthen civic leadership, participatory and community action.
Through a comprehensive program, young people will develop essential leadership skills and gain a deep understanding of participatory and community leadership practices, enabling them to drive sustainable and positive change in their communities.
Purposes of the Young Leaders Academy include:
- Nurture a generation of leaders to actively contribute to the betterment of their communities
- Gain a deeper understanding of community and participatory leaderships practices
- Understand and navigate Council operations
- Contribute to the development and design of the new Youth Plan.
The Young Leaders Academy, with its renewed membership, will focus on contributing to the development and design of the Youth Plan. The young leaders will help plan and facilitate engagement with young people, including The Young and Thriving - Sunshine Coast Youth Forum that will be happening in May 2025 which will be a core component of the engagement undertaken.
Youth Connect network meetings
Youth Connect provides a forum for service providers to connect and share information.
Contact
For queries and more information email [email protected] or call council on (07) 5475 7272.