Nominations open for inspiring young people programs

Published on 29 May 2025

Interested and aspiring Pyrenees Shire young people can now nominate for two inspiring youth development and leadership programs.

EPIC 2025 and Emerging Leaders will allow young people to influence decision-making on issues affecting them, develop their leadership skills, lead youth-related projects, and receive mentoring and support.

Applications are open for both programs, for young people who live within the Pyrenees Shire, with EPIC 2025 suitable for 12-15 year-olds and Emerging Leaders suitable for 15-19-year-olds.

EPIC 2025 – which stands for Empowering. Pyrenees. Inspiring. Change – gives local young people a chance to collaborate on projects that benefit their community.

Programs will run from June to November, with participants having access to leadership training and development opportunities. They will also help lead key youth initiatives and projects and be involved in youth advocacy.

Emerging Leaders runs from June to December and includes two leadership retreats, two Pyrenees Youth Voice summits and online mentoring and support.

Pyrenees Shire Mayor Cr Tanya Kehoe said both programs would help develop the next group of young leaders.

“We want to invest in our young people. We want them involved in driving projects that will improve their lives, assist decision making and advocacy about their needs and wants for now and into the future,” Cr Kehoe said.

“These two programs will help equip participants with leadership skills that will benefit them enormously. I encourage Pyrenees Shire young people to join one of these programs to help make a difference in their community.”

To find out more email Elizabeth.hardiman@pyrenees.vic.gov.au or to apply, go to the nomination forms.

The programs are funded through the Victorian Government’s Engage! 2025-27 grants.