Young people
We are for young people on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Young Leaders Academy Expression of Interest Now Open
Do you want to be part of leading the charge to make the Sunshine Coast an even more epic place for young people? If you’re 16-24, the Young Leaders Academy is your spot!
Kick off the year with a retreat in February, followed by regular meetups throughout 2025. (See FAQ’s below for exact dates).
The Academy is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, confidence and networks they need to create positive change in their communities.
Through the Academy you will:
• Discover leadership practices to transform your leadership and your community
• Team up with peers to launch cool initiatives for young people on the coast.
• Connect with like minded young people and build lasting friendships.
If you live, work or study on the Sunshine Coast and want to grow as a leader, this is your chance to build your skills and create positive change in your community. It’s free, voluntary, and happening soon!
Applications close Monday, November 10!
Don’t miss your chance to join others and be part of the change you want to see.
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.