Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit

The Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit, delivered in partnership between the Corangamite Shire Council and Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA), was a first-of-its-kind event for the Corangamite Shire Council. Designed as part of Corangamite’s Youth Program, the summit aimed to empower local youth through leadership skill development, meaningful engagement, and personal growth. The event united students and youth groups across the shire in a dynamic and interactive experience.

This case study outlines why YLAA was chosen, the collaborative process leading up to the event, and the profound impact of the summit on the community.

Why Partner with Youth Leadership Academy Australia?

In the early planning stages, the Corangamite Shire youth team identified the need for a professional leadership organisation to facilitate an engaging and interactive event tailored for local youth. While previous events featured local speakers, there was a desire to focus more intentionally on youth leadership development and provide a transformative experience for students.

YLAA was selected for the following reasons:

1. Proven Track Record: With a history of delivering impactful youth leadership conferences across Australia, YLAA brought both expertise and credibility.
2. Interactive Approach: YLAA’s youth-centred programs are designed to foster leadership, resilience, and empowerment through engaging content.
3. Alignment of Values: YLAA’s mission of equipping young Australians to lead themselves, their schools, and their communities closely aligned with Corangamite Shire’s goals of youth development, engagement, and celebration.
4. Experience in Regional Outreach: Recognising the challenges faced by regional youth, YLAA’s commitment to accessibility made them an ideal partner for this initiative.

The Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit was an opportunity to bring professional leadership development to the shire without the barriers of travel and cost, ensuring local youth could engage, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Planning Process

1. Project Development

The partnership officially began in February 2024 with an initial video meeting between YLAA and the Corangamite Shire Council. Together, they:

• Identified Key Themes: Leadership ideals, community contribution, and personal growth were prioritised.
• Drafted Program Concepts: YLAA provided two draft plans that balanced inspiration and practical leadership training.

Regular meetings over the following months refined the summit agenda, focusing on delivering a day-long, interactive experience tailored to the shire’s young people.

2. School Promotion and Engagement

Recognising the importance of school participation, the council engaged regional secondary schools early in the planning process. Initial outreach saw limited uptake, but efforts were redoubled through:

• Personalised communications to school leaders.
• A promotional video featuring enthusiastic student voices, co-created with YLAA.
• An in-person meeting with Bonnie Ryan Rowe from YLAA, which helped schools better understand the event’s value.

By September 2024, participation had grown to four schools and a local scout group, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted communication and youth-led promotion.

3. Logistics and Event Preparation

The Corangamite Royal Theatre was confirmed as the venue in July, and monthly catch-ups ensured all details—from catering to volunteer coordination—were well managed. In the final month, weekly online meetings ensured no detail was overlooked.

The collaborative nature of the process, characterised by open communication and shared goals, enabled both teams to work seamlessly toward delivering a successful summit.

The Event Day: Highlights and Impact

Held on October 17th, 2024, the Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit brought together over 150 students and youth participants. The day featured:

• Inspirational Keynotes: Young leaders shared their journeys, inspiring attendees to embrace their leadership potential.
• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated by YLAA, sessions focused on teamwork, self-awareness, and resilience.
• Youth-Led Discussions: Students collaborated on ideas to strengthen their schools and communities.

Key outcomes reported include:

• Increased Confidence: Students left empowered to lead in their schools and local areas.
• Skill Development: Attendees gained practical tools for communication, leadership, and goal-setting.
• Community Connection: By uniting students across the shire, the event fostered a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Participant Feedback:

• “I feel like I can actually make a difference in my school now.”
• “Hearing from young leaders made me realise leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about trying.”

Conclusion

The 2024 Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit, delivered in partnership with Youth Leadership Academy Australia, was a resounding success. YLAA’s expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to empowering youth aligned perfectly with Corangamite’s vision for youth engagement and development.

Through thoughtful planning, strong communication, and a shared purpose, the summit not only equipped young people with valuable leadership skills but also inspired them to see their potential to make a meaningful difference.

The Corangamite Shire Council looks forward to building on this success and continuing its collaboration with YLAA to empower the next generation of leaders.