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 late 2022, 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. September 2022 – 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 (February 2023).
2. March 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.
   • A teacher session to support staff to develop student leadership skills and action.
   • Outcomes: 60+ students engaged, with feedback emphasizing increased confidence and improved teamwork skills.
   • Key highlight: Development of a youth-led mental wellbeing initiative subsequently delivered in partnership between the Student Representative Council (SRC) and Taskforce for all secondary school students.
3. November 2023 – Youth Taskforce Leadership Retreat
   • A two-day immersive retreat 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 including a shift in how participants viewed leadership (more about influence and collaboration than authority); activities included teamwork challenges, leadership exercises, and personal reflection time.
4. June 2024 – Youth Leadership Summit (Regional)
   • YLAA hosted a one-day regional summit, bringing together multiple schools from across the Riverina Murray region for a larger-scale youth leadership event.
   • Over 80 students attended, participating in workshops on leadership, public speaking, and community engagement. Participants were inspired to take action and collaborate with peers from other regions.
5. October – November 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. April 2025 – Reflection and Future Planning Session
   • The Youth Taskforce and Student Representative Council participated in a joint final reflection session to learn more about effective leadership and creative thinking, and plan for future youth-led initiatives.
   • Planning included a themed disco jointly delivered by the SRC and Taskforce.
7. May 2025 – 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.
   • Participants demonstrated their leadership abilities by leading group discussions, presenting ideas, and showcasing newfound confidence in a community setting.

Key Outputs and Results

• Programs Delivered: 6 major programs over two years, including workshops, retreats, summits, and community-led initiatives.
• Youth Engagement: Over 150 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, confidence 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.