This year marks 15 years of Greater Dandenong City Council’s Young Leaders program.
The program continues to make an impact on the whole community, especially past participants like Danya Daoud.
For young people like Danya, the program has led to life changing opportunities. In 2023 Danya was named the Young Leader of the Year at the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.
The award recognised Danya’s work in addressing structural and systemic racism and for championing youth voice.
One of her final acts as Young Leader of the Year was to deliver the keynote speech at Council’s annual Children’s Forum, sharing with local Grade 6 students her leadership journey.
“The Young Leaders program has a much bigger impact than just on the young leader,” Danya said.
“The program teaches you how to advocate for youth voice and to spread awareness in the community. You realise how much more there is outside of school and the different opportunities for careers – such as in community advocacy.”
Council is now calling for 16–25 year olds to join the 2024 Young Leaders program. Participants learn skills such as leadership, public speaking, project management and the role of local government. Participants use their new knowledge to deliver a community project designed to address local youth issues.
To find out more visit the Young Leaders webpage or phone 9793 2155.
