Meet the 2023 team

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QIYLP 2023 mentors at a Q&A panel, providing advice and guidance for participants.

After attending the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP) as a participant there are exciting opportunities to return in subsequent years as a mentor or facilitator.

Past participants are encouraged to return as mentors, where they can share their experiences and insights with new participants. This role allows them to further develop their leadership skills by guiding and supporting others through the program. As mentors, they play a critical role in fostering a supportive and empowering environment, helping new participants navigate challenges and maximise their learning experiences.

For those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the program’s values, there is also the opportunity to become a facilitator. In this role, former participants take on greater responsibilities, including leading sessions, organising activities, and contributing to the overall program development. Becoming a facilitator not only enhances leadership capabilities but also allows them to influence the program’s direction and impact.

This aspect of the program is a key component of its design, emphasising the importance of creating a dynamic and sustainable model of empowerment. Each generation of leaders helps to lift the next, ensuring that the benefits of the program extend far beyond the initial cohort. This approach not only strengthens individual leadership journeys but also enhances the collective capacity of communities to drive positive change.

In 2023, the QIYLP was supported by:

  • Five Mentors:
    • Keeley Perry (2021 participant)
    • Rhys Hueppauff (2022 participant
    • Shannon Hagan (2022 participant)
    • Braithen Knox (2021 participant)
    • Myiesha Yoelu (2017 participant)
  • Lead Mentor: Zachimo Kulka (2019 participant, 2020 mentor and 2021 lead mentor)
  • Lead Facilitators Semara Jose (2014 participant) and Co-facilitator Liam Roberts (2015 participant and 2017 mentor)
  • Medical support staff: Dr Brad Murphy
  • The Queensland Government’s Office for Youth team including the QIYLP Coordinator, Liahni Truscott.