YOUNG people in the Inverell Shire
can now apply to join a Youth Think Tank, with successful applicants to be paid
for their time and be in the driving seat for youth programs in the region.
The Youth Think Tank is the
brainchild of Inverell based non-profit community group, Regional Community
Builders. Project coordinator, Fiona Adams says the group is eager to work with
young people to roll out a flurry of projects in 2025.
“Our group has been successful in
obtaining funding from the NSW Government to deliver youth activities in 2025,
so youth involvement is critical to this being a successful project”.
“More than 30 per cent of our
shire are aged 24 years and under, so it’s important to hear from young people
about what sorts of projects and initiatives are important to them”.
“It’s a new approach to youth
engagement, where we are asking young people aged 12-24 to commit to attending
4 meetings in 2025 and we will pay those youth a sitting fee of $60 per
meeting”.
Ms Adams says youth who are
culturally diverse, neurodiverse, Aboriginal and also young people who are part
of the LGBTQIA+ community are encouraged to apply to join the Think Tank.
“Our focus for the Think Tank is
to engage young people aged 12-24 who want to do good in their community and
those who want to make a difference, it’s not necessarily about being an elite
scholar or gifted sports person”.
The Youth Think Tank will meet for
4 one-hour meetings during 2025, with all meetings held in Inverell at the
office of Ladybug Projects in Sweaney Street.
Youth involved in the Think Tank
will play a direct role in delivering youth programs in Inverell Shire during
2025 and their opinions and feedback will inform future grant applications for
youth programs.
Entries for the Youth Think Tank
are now open and interested applicants are required to complete the application
form at www.ladybugprojects.com.au/YouthThinkTank