Young Leaders

21/04/2026

✨APPLICATIONS EXTENDED! ✨
Calling all year 10 students at Baimbridge College Monivae College The Hamilton and Alexandra College Good Shepherd College Hamilton South West TAFE....
Janelle & Mel will be visiting your schools this Thursday, 23rd April to Promote the Young Leaders Program for 2026.
We cant wait to see you and answer any questions you may have!
Applications can be submitted here:
https://forms.office.com/r/czNQKcTQzn

14/04/2026

🌟 YOUNG LEADERS 2026

📍 For Year 10 students at a school or TAFE in the Southern Grampians Shire
✅ Exciting leadership experiences
✅ Skill‑building challenges
✅ Career exploration opportunities
✅ Connection with other young leaders
📝 Apply here – Young Leaders (Southern Grampians Shire):
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/czNQKcTQzn

📅 Applications close: 30 April 2026
Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable leadership journey!

👋 Got questions? Reach out or talk to your school today.

24/03/2026

🌟 Young Leaders 2026 Applications Are NOW OPEN! 🌟

Are you in Year 10 at a school or TAFE in the Southern Grampians Shire and ready to step into something big?
The Young Leaders 2026 Program is officially open- and this could be your year!!

This program is all about helping young people grow their confidence, discover their strengths, build real world skills, and explore the huge range of career opportunities right here in our region. You’ll meet inspiring local leaders, take part in hands on activities, and connect with other young people who want to make a difference.

👉 Apply online here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=2ApTBdu1Bk2PS9ZPxO7PCc28GiF_vM1OlPQBjXv3a8ZURE43TE4ySVoxUU9KUVoyTTM5V1AyUUFUTiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

If you’d like more information about the program or the application process, you can contact our Young Leaders Coordinator, Mel Ford, at [email protected].

The Young Leaders Program is proudly and fully funded by our incredible local businesses and sponsors, including: Freemason's Foundation Victoria, Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP), SWTAFE, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC), Community Banks Coleraine and Dunkeld, Vickery Bros, Pacific Blue, Groke Hamilton, and Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation.

15/10/2025

Well, that’s a wrap!

The 2025 Young Leaders officially graduated on Monday, 13th October 2025, in front of an audience of parents, sponsors, mentors, school representatives, and special guests at the Hamilton Golf Club.

Each participant reflected on their experiences and the skills they developed throughout the program, while highlights from each Program Day were shared with the audience.

Graduates were congratulated and addressed by Mr Ray WIlson from the Hamilton Freemason's Lodge. With certificates presented by Mrs Anne Murphy , Executive Officer, GSGLLEN.

2025 Graduates are:
Marianna Novikov, Isabelle Compson, Nathan Lee, and Alison Foster from The Hamilton and Alexandra College;
Zoe Priddle from Baimbridge College;
Nicholas Mewburn and Noah Tooley from Good Shepherd College;
and Pippi Mellington, Emily Beattie, Charli Treliving, and Angelina Juby from Monivae College.

Each student was supported by an Industry Mentor throughout the Young Leaders Program, including:
Corrina Lester – Combined Preschools of Southern Grampians
Brodhi Caracher – Grampians Animal Health
Jenny Poynton and Darryl Adamson – Southern Grampians Shire Council
Levi McDonald – Sinclair Wilson
Melinda McKenzie – Datarock
Steven Segale – Ace Radio
Julianne Thomson, Meg Watson, and Tania Stubbs – Western District Health Service
Steve Rossington – Field Air
Renae Richardson – Australian Bluegum Plantations
and the late Noel Kennedy – Melville, Orton & Lewis.

Without the generous support of our mentors and sponsors, the Young Leaders Program would not be the success it is today. We would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge our sponsors for their ongoing commitment to developing young leaders within our community.

Freemasons Foundation Victoria
Pacific Blue
Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP)
South West TAFE
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Community Bank Coleraine
Community Bank Dunkeld & District

Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation

I’m incredibly proud of each of our 2025 Young Leaders and wish them every success as they continue their journey as active and confident contributors to our community.

23/09/2025

Our Young Leaders recently enjoyed a day out and about learning all things Forestry!

We kicked things off at Arborline Nursery in Hamilton, where we gained insights into seedlings, propagation, tree species, and even heard an inspiring career journey—from Law to Horticulture!

From there, we travelled to Heywood’s Seed Orchard, where Renae explained the exciting work underway in its very first year of operation. We learned how different young tree species provide the seed for propagation and how this increases the success and diversity of plantation trees.

After warming up with lunch at the Heywood Bakery, we headed out to a harvest site at Tyrendarra. Here, we were given an overview of the harvest process and saw the impressive machinery in action—“plucking” trees, preparing them for chipping, and loading them for transport to the Port of Portland. A special highlight was spotting a Koala and learning how conservation practices protect their habitat during harvest. 🐨

A huge thank you to for hosting us and generously sponsoring our program, and to The Hamilton and Alexandra College for providing our bus transport and driver, Bernie, for the day.

This tour and the Young Leaders program would be possible without the support of our partners and sponsors.
Freemasons Foundation Victoria
Bluegum Plantations
South West TAFE
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Pacific Blue
Community Bank Dunkeld & District
Community Bank Coleraine
Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation

22/08/2025

On Monday, the Young Leaders combined with Future Leaders to tour the Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area which offered the participants the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership through a cultural lense.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Gunditjmara people, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to land, waters, and culture, and thank them for the opportunity to learn on their Country.

We were grateful to be guided by Budj Bim Ranger Colleen, who led us on an insightful walk, sharing her deep knowledge of Gunditjmara culture and the area's internationally recognised aquaculture complex. The students gained a valuable understanding of the traditions, history, and leadership of the Gunditjmara people.

A massive thank you to Colleen for teaching the students about Gunditjmara culture, the rangers who cooked the group an amazing lunch and Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation for supporting our program day.

Without the kind support from our sponsors and supporters this amazing program wouldn't run!

Freemasons Foundation Victoria
Australian Bluegum Plantations
Pacific Blue
Southern Grampians Shire Council
South West TAFE
Community Bank Dunkeld & District
Community Bank Coleraine
Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation

13/08/2025

In May, our Young Leaders took part in a Masterchef Challenge, showcasing their culinary flair alongside leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Rising to every challenge, they prepared an array of impressive dishes. The day’s theme, "Healthy and Wise", encouraged students to explore seasonal produce and discover how it can elevate flavour while creating diverse, gourmet meals.

The judging by Monique Sobey, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program and Karen Huf, Gener8 Change, WDHS, was a difficult process with such amazing skills demonstrated!

Our partners for the day was Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, providing the ingredients and education to healthy eating, and Hamilton Parklands School, who allowed us to use the amazing facilities of the Food Tech kitchen.

The Young Leaders Program is only possible with the support of our sponsors and participating schools
Freemasons Foundation Victoria
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP)
South West TAFE
Pacific Blue
Glenelg & Southern Grampians Local Learning & Employment Network
Community Bank Coleraine
Community Bank Dunkeld & District
Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation
Baimbridge College
Monivae College
Good Shepherd College Hamilton
The Hamilton and Alexandra College

31/07/2025

Our Young Leaders were out and about on Wednesday to experience the vast opportunities available within our local region with some of our major employers.

We had a full day out and explored local Industry which could only be possible with the generous support of The Hamilton and Alexandra College with providing our bus transport. Thanks to our driver "Bernie "
Our day started at Southern Grampians Shire Council where we given an opportunity to sit in the council Chambers and learn the process of council meetings and hear testimonials from staff of how they came to their current roles and the diverse career journeys experienced. Thankyou to our speakers who included Martin from Environmental services, Darryl, Manager of Strategy & Regulation, Susannah, Manager of Community Wellbeing, Wan , overseeing waste and recycling, Wallis, also from Community Wellbeing, Ash from Communications & Marketing and Rory, Director of Wellbeing, Planning & Regulation. We were then hosted over morning tea with opportunity to network with Council Executive and Councillors.

Our next stop was Sustainable Plastic Solutions, where Elisha exposed us to innovation at its best to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to be rid of thousands of tonnes of plastic landfill each year and the variety of opportunities this organisation is creating as it evolves!

Our last visit was to Dunkeld Pastoral Conservation site where we were hosted by Georgie, who was able to provide an insightful overview of the vast operations and opportunities with the company from hospitality and Tourism to Agriculture and how the Conservation Program compliments all of these industries. We were given a tour of the wildlife park which was such an education and a real treat!

A wonderful day was had by all.

Thankyou to our amazing sponsors who, without their support this program would not be possible
Freemasons Foundation Victoria


Southern Grampians Shire Council
South West TAFE
Community Bank Coleraine
Community Bank Dunkeld & District

19/05/2025

The 2025 Young Leaders program officially launched on Monday, 12th May, 2025, with an event held at SWTAFE Hamilton Campus. We are pleased to announce the 11 Young Leaders for 2025, Zoe Priddle, Baimbridge College, Nicholas Mewburn and NoahTooley, Good Shepherd College Hamilton, Emily Beattie, Pippi Mellington, Angelina Juby and Charlotte Treliving, all from Monivae College and Nathan Lee, Alison Foster, Marianna Novikov and Isabella Compson representing The Hamilton and Alexandra College. We look forward to this program and supporting these inspiring students gain valuable skills, knowledge and career aspirations for the future.

We were fortunate to have 2015 Future Leaders Alumni, Georgina Macklin, ABP, share her reflections of her participation in the Youth Leadership Program.

A vital component of the Young Leaders program is the requirement of pairing students with a mentor in their field of choice to provide career guidance and provide hands on experience of their future career. I would like to thank the following for committing their time to support the 2025 Young Leaders.
Corrina Lester (Combined Preschools of Southern Grampians (CPSG), Levi McDonald, SInclair WIlson, Darryl Adamson and Jenny Poynton, (Southern Grampians Shire Council), Renae Richardson, (Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP), Noel Kennedy, (Melville, Orton & Lewis Solicitors), Juliann Thomson, Western District Health Service, Brodie Carracher, Grampians Animal Health, MixxFM, Melinda McKenzie, Geologist.

We would like to thank our program sponsors for the 2025 Young Leaders being Freemasons Foundation Victoria , Pacific Blue, Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP), Southern Grampians Shire Council, Glenelg and Southern Grampians LLEN, South West South West TAFE, Bendigo Banks - Coleraine and District and Dunkeld and District ,

17/03/2025

Application due date extended until FRIDAY 21ST MAY, 2025.

APPLY NOW !

The Young Leaders 2025 Program is now open for applications!
If you are in Year 10 or Year 11 at a school or TAFE in the Southern Grampians Shire then you can apply.
This program provides an amazing opportunity for young people in our community to participate in activities that increase confidence, build skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities and introduces students to different career opportunities within the region.
Apply online here: https://forms.office.com/r/thciZeeqfZ
If you need any further information regarding the program or application please contact Young Leaders Coordinator, Janelle Tooley at [email protected]
The Young Leaders Program is fully funded by local businesses and Sponsors including Freemason's Foundation Victoria, Australian Bluegum Plantations(ABP), SWTAFE, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC), Community Banks Coleraine and Dunkeld, Vickery Bros, Pacific Blue, Groke Hamilton and Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation.

18/02/2025

The Young Leaders 2025 Program is now open for applications!
If you are in Year 10 or Year 11 at a school or TAFE in the Southern Grampians Shire then you can apply.
This program provides an amazing opportunity for young people in our community to participate in activities that increase confidence, build skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities and introduces students to different career opportunities within the region.
Apply online here: https://forms.office.com/r/thciZeeqfZ
If you need any further information regarding the program or application please contact Young Leaders Coordinator, Janelle Tooley at [email protected]
The Young Leaders Program is fully funded by local businesses and Sponsors including Freemason's Foundation Victoria, Australian Bluegum Plantations(ABP), SWTAFE, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC), Community Banks Coleraine and Dunkeld, Vickery Bros, Pacific Blue, Groke Hamilton and Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation.