Young people

Thriving Futures: Sunshine Coast Youth Plan

Council endorsed the Thriving Futures: Sunshine Coast Youth Plan 2026-2031 at its ordinary meeting on 26 March 2026. The Youth Plan helps to prioritise actions that Council, together with young people and community partners, will take to improve the lives of young people. These actions will be implemented over the next five years.

Council and our community are already doing a lot to support young people. This plan recognises this existing work and builds on it through targeted actions that respond directly to the priorities of young residents.

More than 1,000 young people contributed to engagement in 2025 to shape the plan and its actions.

The actions are grouped into three priority areas: we belong here, we are valued and we have opportunities.

Youth Week 2026

Youth Week is on again this April bringing a week-long celebration of young people aged 12-25 years from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 April.

Youth Week is a statewide celebration recognising the ideas, talents and contributions young people make every day, and a reminder that young voices are already shaping the Sunshine Coast's future.

One of the biggest highlights will be the return of Aura Youth Fest on 17 April.

Aura Youth Fest 2026

When: Friday 17 April, 2.00pm to 8.00pm

Location: Baringa Skate Plaza and surrounds, Edwards Terrace

Details: Free and open to all ages.

For more information visit: eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-fest-2026-tickets-1984236047232

Expect live music, workshops, food, youth services, Battle of the Bands, Chiggy's Skate Competition and more. More details will drop soon.

Young Leaders Academy

The Young Leaders Academy is a year-long program designed to equip emerging leaders aged 16-24 years, with the skills, confidence and networks they need to create positive change in their communities.

Through the Academy young people:

Discover leadership practices to transform their leadership and their 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.

The Academy gives young people the tools and confidence to lead, collaborate and influence outcomes that matter to young people and the community.

Applications have now closed for 2026. Information about the Young Leaders Academy for 2027 will be released later in the year.

FAQs

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 is expected of me as a young leader in the Academy?

Please read through the Terms of Reference and FAQ's before applying for the Academy.

Young Leaders Academy Terms of Reference [340.3KB]

What time commitment is required?

The Young Leaders Academy include:

Full day retreat in February
Fortnightly meetings during February and March from 5.00pm to 8.00pm
One meeting per month for the remainder of the year until December, from 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Other activities as required between meetings

How long does membership last if I am successful?

Members will be appointed for a one-year period starting in February of that year.

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?

Participation is voluntary and unpaid.

Members may be reimbursed for some out-of-pocket expenses for certain activities.

Sunshine Coast Young Leaders Academy 2026

The Sunshine Coast's Young Leaders Academy has welcomed a new group of young people in 2026, marking the program's third year of supporting emerging leaders across the region.

The Academy brings together 11 passionate and diverse young leaders who will work together to implement actions from the new Youth Plan, while continuing to champion youth engagement, lead initiatives that create positive change and strengthen their leadership skills while working collaboratively with Council and the community.

The YLA came together on 7 February 2026, for a launch day centred on story, reflection and shared learning.

In the coming months, participants will regularly attend workshops and engage in collaborative learning. They will actively explore practical leadership tools and approaches to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and deliver youth-led initiatives across the Sunshine Coast. By working closely with Council and the community, they will implement the Youth Plan.

Through the Young Leaders Academy, young people are supported to imagine what's possible and take meaningful steps towards positive change in their communities.