In November 2009 the inaugural New England YOUth LEADing

Australia Congress was held. One of six locations across

Australia, it helped form a national effort of hundreds of young
people developing individual and collective action plans for
sustainability. Delegates shared their stories, actions and
inspiration with hundreds of other young people around the
world through digital media and technology, connected with
other groups and organisations in their own local communities
who are already making a difference, and discovered new ways
of working together to accelerate the transition to sustainable
living.

What is YOUth LEADing Australia? Why you?

In 2009, OzGREEN launched a pilot national
youth sustainability leadership congress in 6
locations across Australia involving 500 young
people in the development of individual and
collective plans for action.
Congress goals
• Develop sustainability hubs throughout
Australia, with youth empowered into
leadership positions;
• Catalyse a change in culture in their
communities to sustainability thinking and
practice;
• Connect youth with groups locally who
are actively engaged in sustainability
initiatives to strengthen the impact of those
engagements; and
• Develop a local, national, global vision
for a sustainable, just and equitable
future.
Where in 2010?
The New England Congress is being hosted by
the University of New England (UNE).
Armidale joins other locations around
Australia including Coffs Harbour, Newcastle,
Sydney North, Bowral, Albury, Swan Hill,
Adelaide, Alice Springs, Hobart in hosting the
YLA congress, with more about to sign up.
Internationally the event is being held in
India, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala and
the Maldives. For more information visit DotNESS, OzGreen, or
contact Adam Blakester e: adam@starfishenterprises.org t: 02 6775 2501 m: 0419 808 900
Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues
facing us today. Future generations, including young
people today, will inherit the impact of decisions
made today by governments, businesses and
communities everywhere. YLA will give you the
opportunity to take responsibility for your ecological
footprint, develop action plans to accelerate our
community’s and Australia’s transition to
sustainability.
YLA New England can make this happen...
Day 1: Local Actions, Global Challenges - featuring
inspiring talks from community members;
presentation featuring up to date science about the
state of the planet and the impacts of climate
change; measurement of eco footprint and visioning
a sustainable future;
Day 2: Be the Change - Creating change
brainstorming, sharing of ideas in locations around
Australia. Inspiring change stories and sustainability
action planning;
Day 3: Youth-led Community Forum - for local
politicians, business representatives, academics,
teachers, family members, significant experts,
interested community members, & groups.

KEYSTONE PARTNER - UNE