The Young Women's Leadership Program is a Partnership Project funded by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office for Women and run by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC). The Project is supported by TAFE NSW Western Sydney and South Western Sydney Institutes, Local Councils in Western Sydney and a number of charitable foundations.

This program is a wonderful opportunity for young women living in Western Sydney to tap into their leadership potential, learn from established female leaders and participate in important events and activities as well as develop their support networks and confidence to become effective leaders.

The program currently works with 60 young women each year and offers:

a TAFE accredited ‘leadership’ course covering topics such as effective communication, presenting and public speaking skills, networking and leadership styles;

• mentoring by established female leaders from across Sydney;
• a series of female guest speakers from various sectors;
• involvement in a community project to gain practical experience;
• networking with participants and organisations in Western Sydney;
• opportunities to present, organise or facilitate at forums, conferences and other events; and
• ongoing support and personal development activities.

The program is open to young women living in Western Sydney aged between 16 and 24 years who are demonstrated leadership ability or show leadership potential. They may be active in school, community organisations, paid and/or unpaid work, environmental groups, political groups, sports or arts.

There are two rounds of the program a year. Each round is held on Saturdays, over four months, at two different locations in Western Sydney. In 2007, round 3 will start on 24th February in Penrith and Granville and round 4 will start on 21st July in Richmond and Liverpool.

“One the greatest accomplishments of this program has been its success in bringing together young women of such differences in background, culture and ideas but such amazing similarities in spirit, passion and determination.” Annie Chiv, 2006 participant

Since its conception in 2005, the program has worked with more than 60 young women from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Graduates of the program have presented at conferences, been invited to youth and community boards, and many have taken on active leadership roles in their schools, universities and local communities.

Application forms and further information about the program are available at www.wsroc.com.au/ywlp/ or by contacting Kellie Darley, Coordinator of the Young Women’s Leadership Program on 02 9671 4333 x116 or kellie@wsroc.com.au.