Council
10 September, 2025
Popular youth program returns
AFTER the inaugural Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit inspired 70 of the community’s future movers and shakers, the program is back in 2025.
Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said the summit will be held at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown from 9am-3pm on Thursday, October 16.
“We received excellent feedback and are delighted to once again offer Corangamite Shire youth this amazing opportunity to grow, develop, and celebrate their unique voices,” she said.
The summit will gather students from Year Seven-12 across the shire for an interactive leadership training program.
The Theme is ‘My Voice Matters’ and topics will include defining leadership beyond titles and roles, personal stories of leadership and overcoming challenges and encouraging participants to embrace their unique leadership potential.
Cr Makin said the summit was designed to nurture essential skills, foster collaboration and build valuable networks among young people.
“Whether attendees are passionate about community service, want to learn about different leadership styles, or simply eager to learn more about themselves, the aim is for an empowering experience for our young leaders,” she said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong, supportive network of young leaders from across the shire.
“They’ll be able to share experiences and ideas while they learn how to make meaningful change.
“After a group discussion about real topics in our shire, the participants can choose one of two workshops and delve deeper into practical leadership skills or explore how they can advocate for causes they care about.”
The day will conclude with the first ever Youth Panel Q and A, hearing from 10 of Corangamite’s young leaders.
The summit will be facilitated by Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA), a youth-led not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering young Australians to lead themselves, their schools and their communities − especially in rural and regional areas.
YLAA relationship manager Sascha Howard said the engaging and tailored approach will give students opportunities to build meaningful connections, address key challenges and explore ways to drive positive change in their communities.
“We are thrilled by the success and positive outcomes of the 2024 event and are excited to collaborate once again, incorporating fresh additions and variations to enhance the experience for all participants,” she said.
“At YLAA, we are passionate about empowering young people in regional and rural communities by developing their confidence, leadership and advocacy skills.
“Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, we aim to inspire young leaders to step forward with purpose and resilience.”
The event is funded by the Corangamite Shire as part of the Victorian Government Engage program with no cost to schools.
Transport to the event, morning tea and lunch will be provided.