Youth Think Tank to Launch in Inverell

10 January 2025

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

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Media Enquiries:

Ladybug Projects: info@ladybugprojects.com.au