Hay Regional Youth Project

The Challenge

The Hay Shire Youth Taskforce recognized a critical gap in leadership opportunities for local youth, especially in rural settings where programs often overlook the unique challenges faced by these communities. The goal was to foster youth leadership and create stronger community engagement by equipping young people with the tools to become leaders in their schools and communities.

The YLAA Solution

In early 2023, Hay Shire Council’s Youth Taskforce identified a range of leadership needs for their youth, including the development of a youth council, leadership training, and regional youth engagement. When the council received an invitation from YLAA, the partnership quickly became a reality, with YLAA’s programs aligning perfectly with their objectives.

Over two years, from March 2023 to April 2025, YLAA delivered a variety of programs to empower the youth of Hay. The programs consisted of school leadership workshops, a Youth Taskforce retreat, and a regional youth summit, all aimed at developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. YLAA facilitators, Wil and Bonnie, brought high energy and tailored support to ensure a deep connection with the participants, making the learning experience impactful and relatable.

Program Timeline & Outputs

1. March 2023 – Initial Engagement and Grant Application
   • Hay Shire Youth Taskforce brainstorms needs for leadership programs and submits a grant application for YLAA collaboration.
   • YLAA receives confirmation to partner with the Hay Youth Taskforce.
2. April 2023 – Leadership Workshop for Secondary School Students
   • A full-day leadership workshop is delivered to Hay’s secondary school students, focusing on personal leadership, teamwork, and communication.
   • Outcomes: 60+ students engaged, with feedback emphasizing increased confidence and improved teamwork skills.
3. June 2023 – Youth Taskforce Leadership Retreat
   • A two-day immersive retreat is held for the Youth Taskforce, focusing on practical leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork through outdoor challenges.
   • Key outcomes:
     • Strengthened team bonds.
     • Enhanced communication and problem-solving abilities.
     • Positive feedback from participants, including a shift in how they viewed leadership (more about influence and collaboration than authority).
     • Activities that included teamwork challenges, leadership exercises, and personal reflection time.
4. October 2023 – Youth Leadership Summit (Regional)
   • YLAA hosted a one-day regional summit, bringing together multiple schools from surrounding towns for a larger-scale youth leadership event.
   • Outcomes: Over 100 students attended, participating in workshops on leadership, public speaking, and community engagement. Participants were inspired by keynote speakers and had opportunities to collaborate with peers from other regions.
5. April 2024 – Ongoing Support and Community Engagement
   • Youth Taskforce members attended the NSW Youth Summit and NSW Youth Advisory Council Conferences, confidently representing rural youth voices.
   • YLAA continued to provide guidance to youth leaders, reinforcing skills learned during the retreat and summit.
6. November 2024 – Youth-Led Community Workshop
   • Six members of the Youth Taskforce co-facilitated a community workshop with local stakeholders, brainstorming youth-focused initiatives and gathering feedback from residents.
   • Outcomes: Participants demonstrated their leadership abilities by leading group discussions, presenting ideas, and showcasing newfound confidence in a community setting.
7. April 2025 – Annual Reflection and Future Planning Session
   • The Youth Taskforce participated in a final reflection session to assess progress, recognize achievements, and plan for future youth-led initiatives.
   • Key highlights:
     • Development of a youth-led mental health awareness initiative.
     • Planning for future community events, including a mental health day and themed discos.

Key Outputs and Results:

• Programs Delivered: 6 major programs over two years, including workshops, retreats, summits, and community-led initiatives.
• Youth Engagement: Over 200 students participated directly in YLAA programs during the two-year partnership, with many taking leadership roles in their schools and communities.
• Skills Developed: Enhanced leadership skills, communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness.
• Community Impact: The Hay Youth Taskforce became a key stakeholder in local planning, contributing to the development of community strategic plans and other local projects.