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Young voices: Our youth shaping Sunshine Coast’s future

Nine young Sunshine Coast locals have joined a year-long program to help shape the future of younger people in the region.

A group of young Sunshine Coast locals stand in front of Sunshine Coast Council's City Hall on the grass lawn.

The Young Leaders Academy is a program run by Sunshine Coast Council that aims to increase and strengthen civic leadership, as well as participatory and community action.

Young Leaders Academy members include:

  • Nowah Ryan
  • Tania John
  • James Milne
  • Samantha Bellis
  • Jaiva Davis
  • Jack Shirley
  • Imogen Feeney
  • Finley Coll
  • Che Janz.

Young Leaders Academy member, Imogen Feeney, aged 17 said she applied for the program because she saw an opportunity to make a difference in our community.

“The Young Leaders Academy gives us an opportunity to make a positive change for the future of young people on the Sunshine Coast,” Imogen said.

As part of the Young Leaders Academy, the team of nine will help Council develop its Youth Action Plan 2026 - 2031.

This will include planning and facilitating a Youth Forum. The team has deep dived into what the Youth Forum will look like, as well as engagement activities that will encourage participation from our community aged 12 - 24 years. 

The forum is a chance for young voices to influence the future of the Sunshine Coast.

“Currently we are working on the Youth Forum in May and how we can get the most from the day’s activities and make sure our younger people are represented,” Imogen said.

“Everyone is welcome to get involved and it’s accessible to every young person on the coast - you don’t need to be creative or talkative - there is something for everyone.”

Fellow Young Leaders Academy member Jack Shirley, aged 17, said every voice mattered to them.

“Having a diverse range of participants in our engagement activities will go a long way in making the Youth Action Plan an initiative that benefits every young person on the coast, irrespective of age, gender identity and cultural background,” Jack said. 

“The Youth Forum will be held on May 28 and is set to be a big day and we are very excited!”

The Youth Forum is the first activity in a series of engagement opportunities to inform the development of a Youth Action Plan for the next five years.

Young and Thriving Youth Forum:

Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 9.30am–2pm (lunch provided)
Venue: Venue 114, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina QLD 4575

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Youth Action Plan 2026 - 2031

There are more than 50,000 young people aged 12-24 years living in the Sunshine Coast region. Young people are not only our future, but they are also an integral part of our community.

Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said it was important Council understood the challenges and opportunities for this significant population group.

“It is wonderful to see passionate young people getting involved and contributing to their vision for the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Bunnag said.

“The Youth Action Plan will outline actions for Council to implement, working with young people and community partners, to support and enable young people to grow and thrive.”

Young people will be able to have their say and share their ideas to inform the plan in mid-2025.


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