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YILF 2005

The theme of the Forum in 2005 was 'Across Two Worlds', recognising the additional challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working within their own communities and the broader Queensland community.

The range of session topics included:

• Understanding Indigenous leadership in an historical context
• Sharing stories and experiences of Indigenous leadership
• Identifying personal leadership strengths
• Identifying ways of influencing change within Indigenous communities and the broader Queensland community and government
• Learning how to connect with resources to turn an idea into an action
• Identifying personal and collective leadership goals and developing plans

In 2005, the forum was also expanded to Cape York, and a second forum was held in Cairns 16th September for young people from Deed Of Grant In Trust Communities. Based on the forum's success, future forums are planned for young Indigenous Queenslanders in 2006.

2005 Forum Outcomes

Young Indigenous leaders were asked to identify achievements or outcomes of the Young Indigenous Leaders Forum 2005. They nominated the following as significant:

• Better knowledge of issues going on in today's communities.
• Showed me what I can do to make a difference.
• That there are many ways to get funding.
• Many departments are there to help the Indigenous cause.
• Mainly hearing other people's experiences and realising some have got it much harder than me, and yet still keep striving towards positive changes was really encouraging.
• Enhanced my business and community information and resources.'
• I was able to approach and network with Government Departments for community activities.
• Resources that are available to me were identified, that I otherwise didn't know about.
• Learning of issues in other areas, learning of what projects are in place and most of all forming networks.
• How many resources there are available to us young people!
• To be able to openly discuss topics amongst other people without being judged or criticised.
• How to start a business, and available funds out there.
• Knowledge of the different corporations and grants that are available and how to apply for them.
• I have learned that with leadership, there comes great responsibility.
• I have a better understanding of the leadership role as well as my own leadership skills.

Copies of the Report of Proceedings, outlining the successes and feedback from the forum, were distributed to each young leader, regional Youth CSOs, local government, and the Minister responsible for Youth Affairs.

2005 Forum Program (PDF format 24K)