Gippsland Youth Leadership Program

In 2006-07, young Koori people from the community were taken on day trips with their mentors to places such as Sale Common, Stratford Knob, Den of Nargun, Bairnsdale Keeping Place, Metung Rock, Cape Conron, and Buchan Caves which are all significant sites along the Gippsland Bataluk Trail. At each stop, Aboriginal Elders spoke to participants, explaining and passing on the expectations on future generations toward the land and the significance of certain areas.

The sense of connection that many participants experienced to each other and to their culture is a testament to the importance of this program.

In addition to the cultural value of the program, we also focus on creating employment opportunities for our youth and community. To achieve this we have established strong relationships with community and government partners such as Mission Australia, TAFE, job networking agencies, Department of Justice, local police, and local apprenticeship training providers to give participants insight and guidance to future employment opportunities.