Empowering tomorrow’s leaders
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of recreational fishing and conservation, the need for strong leadership has never been more crucial.
Recognising the limited opportunity for early career leaders, Australian fishing conservation charity OzFish recently launched the Young Leaders Program. Aimed at individuals 18 to 26, this new program serves to empower early career students to develop their leadership potential in the fishing, conservation and natural resource management sectors.
The OzFish Young Leaders Program is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to drive innovation and change in these sectors. Through a blend of mentorship, immersive learning experiences, and collaborative internships, the program goes beyond traditional training, offering a launchpad for ideas and creativity.
“Developing young leaders is the cornerstone of future-proofing the recreational fishing industry,” said Taylah Kirk, OzFish Senior Project Officer.
“These emerging young guns, armed with fresh perspectives and fearless enthusiasm, hold the key to developing the future of fishing.
OzFish aims to build a stream of young change makers that will help steer the direction of recreational fishing in Australia for years to come.
“They’ll connect with, and learn from, those who are already making change in the sector and its not limited to aquatic conservation, it could be marketing, technology or community engagement.
“This program is great for people just getting started in their careers. If you consider yourself part of the next generation of recreational fishers, this program is for you. You can apply anytime from anywhere in Australia,” stated Taylah.
The program offers three distinct pathways for participants:
Habitat Officers
A self-paced role where participants work closely with their local OzFish Chapter to identify habitat issues and formulate solutions. This role is ideal for those who are self-driven, with a keen interest in habitat health and aquatic species, as well as university and TAFE students seeking additional experience.
Internships
Tailored for students looking to fulfill internship requirements as part of their university studies or the experience of working just like a Project Officer within industry. Interns work closely with OzFish project staff, gaining hands-on experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, environmental monitoring, reporting and budgeting.
Work Placements (18+)
Suited for university or TAFE students who need to carry out work placement requirements but cannot commit to the longer duration of an internship. Work placement students also collaborate closely with OzFish project staff, acquiring diverse skills crucial for a career in the industry.
The project has been funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
