Mission design and purpose
Mission
The Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program's (QIYLP) is dedicated to equipping young Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland with the skills they need to become strong, thoughtful and effective leaders within their communities and across the state.
By empowering these young leaders, the program aims to enhance their capacity to contribute meaningfully to Queensland’s economic, civic, and cultural life.
QIYLP supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, aged 18–25, to:
- strengthen their leadership skills
- build personal confidence
- drive positive change in their local communities through participation in training, mentoring, and projects.
Design
QIYLP is a leadership program designed for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, grounded in culturally informed and community-centric content.
In early 2023, a comprehensive external evaluation was conducted to strengthen the program and ensure it meets contemporary needs.
The evaluation focused on 7 key domains of inquiry:
- Student outcomes
- Other program outcomes
- Program content and delivery
- Access and awareness
- Candidate selection
- Governance and accountability
- Funding
Following the evaluation’s recommendations, QIYLP was co-designed in collaboration with:
- young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (QIYLP Alumni)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation.
This process included facilitated discussions with Elders and community leaders.
The program’s ongoing engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander facilitators - many of whom are QIYLP Alumni – demonstrates a strong commitment to culturally appropriate program delivery. This ensures participants experience a rich and authentic learning environment.
The active participation of Elders and community leaders nurtures young leaders through:
- attentive listening
- encouragement
- mentorship.
This approach provides a safe and supportive community, reinforcing QIYLP’s role as a trusted platform for advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership among young Queenslanders.
Purpose
QIYLP aims to develop the leadership skills and potential of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by facilitating their engagement with leadership opportunities at local, state, national and international levels. The program empowers participants to:
- address community issues
- rally for change
- mobilise their peers.
This includes involvement in community project scoping and delivery, amplifying their voices and enabling them to make meaningful contributions in their communities.
Fostering a culture of active community contribution empowers young people to become catalysts for positive social transformation.
QIYLP also seeks to increase the participation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in governance and democratic engagement processes to address systemic barriers and foster inclusivity.
By building an expanding network of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, QIYLP provides a platform for consultation with government and stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in in decision-making processes.
Through these efforts, QIYLP contributes to the broader advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and supports the meaningful participation of young people in Queensland’s civic, economic, and cultural life.