Toowoomba Regional Council is encouraging young people aged between 14 and 24 to apply for the 2026 Youth Leaders Program.
Council Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson, Councillor James O’Shea said the program helped young people learn about their community, gain leadership experience, become involved in community activities and provide a voice for their peers.
“The program, which has been operating since 2015, allows 25 people from across our Region to learn about, and advocate to, local government, local communities and youth services,” Cr O’Shea said.
“Our Youth Leaders play an important part in ensuring that Council programs are relevant to the needs of local youth and that activities are reaching as many young people as possible.
“There are almost 30,000 young people living in the Toowoomba Region who are an integral part of our community. We want applicants to bring fresh ideas and an enthusiastic outlook about building a better Region for the wider community.”
Cr O’Shea said the Youth Leaders program has achieved significant goals and developed positive initiatives for the community, with youth leaders successfully supporting and collaborating with local youth services, organised youth events and workshops across the region.
“Youth Leaders have also represented our Region at local, state and national forums, including the Queensland Youth Parliament and the UN Student Ambassador program and have helped to shape youth policy at all levels of government,” he said.
“To be eligible for the program applicants must be aged between 14 and 24, live in the Toowoomba Regional Council area, be able to attend monthly meetings, plus be available for two team camps that are scheduled for September and December 2025.”
Applications should be submitted by 27 July.
For more information, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/youthleaders or email youthleaders@tr.qld.gov.au.
