Flagship leadership program entering 10th year of shaping Wagga's future ambassadors

Wagga’s latest batch of future ambassadors will start their leadership training in early February, when the Wagga School Leaders Program proudly kicks off its 10th year.

Participating in the program are 20 year 11 students, put forward by high schools throughout the city.

Established by Committee 4 Wagga in 2016, the movement aims to help local young people grow their leadership skills, develop personal and vocational goals, communicate and collaborate effectively, and connect with people from all walks of life.

Aspiring student leaders will complete seven learning modules this year, each designed to shape them into positive, successful citizens who will champion their city for years to come.

Modules cover topics tailored to Wagga and the wider Australian society. They range from students’ health and wellbeing to their place in the local region, working in team environments, finding confidence in broad leadership contexts, and eventually moving forward as ambassadors for Wagga.

Angus Smith graduated from the program in 2022 and describes the experience as nothing short of life-changing.

He has since gone on to represent Wagga in the Y NSW Youth Parliament in 2023, and speak on behalf of Australia at the 12th University Scholars Leadership Symposium in 2024.

“I am beyond honoured to have been a part of such an amazing program,” Angus says.

“Going into senior high school, I knew I wanted to be a leader in some sense, but I lacked confidence and had no idea where to start or what it would look like in practice.

“This program didn’t just answer my questions around leadership. It boosted my confidence, helped me discover what’s most important in my life, and gave me a set of skills that has been extremely helpful going into adulthood.”

Angus says young people in the region would benefit from better representation by their peers – youth leaders who know what it’s like to grow up in Wagga.

“Our young people tend to graduate from high school and move away pretty quickly to bigger cities for work or tertiary study,” he says.

“A leadership program like this one prepares the next generation of active community members, encouraging them to stick around and help our city thrive.

“Its effects are wide-reaching and overwhelmingly positive. Even if they don’t stay local, graduates become an ambassador for their home town and can use their skills to teach others in their social circle, passing on their knowledge and drive to succeed.”

Wagga School Leaders Program coordinator Michelle Ford says the experience is “invaluable” and facilitators are excited to hit the 10-year milestone in 2025.

“The length and breadth of experience our participants gain is unlike anything else in our region,” she says.

“One day they could be abseiling at the Army Recruit Training Centre Kapooka or going out on a regional excursion, the next participating in a workshop or lecture, or even getting tailored advice during a mentoring session.

“By the end of 2025 they will be well equipped to lead their peers and champion our city, whether that be locally or elsewhere.”

Committee 4 Wagga is extremely proud of what the school leaders program and its graduates have achieved over the past decade. The team will strive to build up the program’s stature in years to come – watch this space!

The Wagga School Leaders Program is a Committee 4 Wagga initiative supported by local businesses and Charles Sturt University. For more information, visit Committee 4 Wagga.