Personal Leadership Pathways in the Derwent Valley
New Norfolk, Derwent Valley Tasmania
We’re excited to announce the launch of Personal Leadership Pathways, a new five-year Youth Opportunities program designed to empower young people across Tasmania’s Derwent Valley to thrive in education, wellbeing and life beyond school.
Beginning in Term 1 of 2026, this important initiative will support 1,200 young people aged 10–18 through a locally led, community-based leadership and wellbeing model. Working in close partnership with schools, families, community organisations and local government, the program aims to strengthen confidence, build resilience, and support young people to stay engaged in learning and future pathways.
How the journey began
In August 2024, members of the Tasmanian Community Fund attended Youth Opportunities’ Voices of Our Future Leaders event at the Philanthropy Australia Conference. Led by young people, the event showcased the impact of Youth Opportunities’ work and its unique approach to youth leadership and wellbeing.
Following this, Youth Opportunities was invited to apply for funding to bring its programs to Tasmania. After a highly competitive and rigorous assessment process, Youth Opportunities was successful in securing support to deliver the Personal Leadership Pathways project in the Derwent Valley, marking an important milestone in the organisation’s growth and interstate impact.
We’re incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence shown by the Tasmanian Community Fund, whose investment is making this work possible. Additional support will be provided through Youth Opportunities’ funding, including contributions from the Audi Foundation and Future Generations Global (FGG).
A long-term, community-led approach
At the heart of Personal Leadership Pathways is a belief that meaningful change happens when young people are supported consistently over time, and when communities are actively involved in shaping solutions.
The program will be delivered across the Derwent Valley, partnering with:
• New Norfolk High School
• New Norfolk Primary School
• Fairview Primary School
• Molesworth Primary School
• Glenora District School
Over five years, Youth Opportunities will deliver a Personal Leadership pathway that supports students at key transition points:
• Year 5/6 students in feeder primary schools
• Workshops with the full Year 9 cohort at New Norfolk High School (approximately 90–100 students per year)
• Personal leadership programs and wrap-around services supporting students through Years 10–12
This wraparound model responds directly to the significant disengagement rates seen in Tasmania after Year 10 by offering continuity, encouragement and practical tools that help young people stay connected to learning and future opportunities, alongside targeted support for parents and educators.
Building local capacity and collective impact.
A key strength of this project is its strong community focus. Personal Leadership Pathways will be delivered in close partnership with local schools, community organisations and government, ensuring it is shaped by the needs and strengths of the Derwent Valley.
The project has strong support from education and community stakeholders and reflects Youth Opportunities’ growing impact beyond South Australia. It also represents an exciting step forward for the organisation, as we extend our community-led leadership model interstate and deepen our long-term commitment to regional communities.
Looking ahead
From now until September 2030, Youth Opportunities will work alongside the Derwent Valley community to create lasting, collective impact. Together, we’ll support young people to build confidence, strengthen relationships, set goals, and discover their potential at school and beyond.
This initiative is about more than individual programs; it’s about creating environments where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to take charge of their future.
Thank you and stay connected
A huge thank you to the Tasmanian Community Fund for their vision and generosity in supporting this work, and to the schools, community leaders and partners who have helped bring it to life.
We invite you to follow our journey, share your support, and stay tuned for updates, stories and opportunities to get involved as we begin this exciting new chapter in Tasmania.
We invite you to follow our journey, share your support, and stay tuned for updates, stories and opportunities to get involved as we begin this exciting new chapter in Tasmania.
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