The 2026 Emerging Leader’s Summit (ELS) is a 4-day residential style program that will empower, connect & further develop the personal & community leadership skills of participants. 

Our 4 day immersions draw on experiential learning, team based challenges, skills sessions & inspirational speakers to cultivate leadership capacity, emotional intelligence and build networks for future collaboration & support. 

We engage young adults in meaningful, hands-on leadership experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. The aim  of the program is to contribute to the growth, resilience & self awareness of emerging leaders.

“I loved this experience & am so thankful. It has reminded me how important it is to challenge our boundaries. I need more of this in my life & better people surrounding me.” Amelia 2021 Participant

The cost of a 4 Day ELS is $1,800 per participant, however,  Youth Albury Wodonga have received Victorian Government ENGAGE Funding, so the participant contribution is only $330.

Places Available | 12 Places Remaining | 10

Included - Accommodation, all meals, inspirational speakers, a SUMMIT t-shirt and skills & friendships for life!!

WHO: 18yrs - 28yrs

WHERE: Yackandandah (Discovery Camp)

WHEN: 4 consecutive days (including overnight stays), 

Thursday 30 April – Sunday 3 May 2026.

COST: $330 

(reach out if this is a barrier to you attending the program)

MORE INFO: Pick up the phone and call

 Mel on 0412 234 358 or shoot me a message.

Register now by following the link below to complete the online form.

Whats in it for you? 

Here are the top three takeaways most participants report after completing The Mandala Project Personal & Professional Leadership Program.

1. Deep self-awareness (the real foundation of leadership).

Participants usually walk away with a much clearer understanding of:

Their core values and drivers, emotional triggers and blind spots. Personal patterns that affect work and relationships. This kind of insight shifts leadership from reactive to intentional. Many describe it as “life changing,”, not just career-focused.

2. Practical emotional intelligence tools.

A big focus of the program is applied EQ (emotional intelligence), not theory. Participants gain tools for handling conflict calmly, better listening and communication skills. And strategies for regulating stress and pressure. Resulting in improved team dynamics, stronger relationships, and more confident decision-making.

3. Alignment between personal purpose and professional/educational direction.

The program pushes participants to connect with who they are, what they want and, how they lead or show up in a group.

The common outcomes are; career clarity or pivot decisions, stronger leadership authenticity and renewed motivation and energy.

Most alumni describe the program as less about learning leadership techniques, and more about becoming the kind of person others naturally want to follow.

Just say YES!

The Trainee Development Program is designed specifically for young people undertaking a traineeship within an organisation. Anecdotally this age group are entering a period of their life where they have opportunities and are expected, or expecting, to step up and take on responsibility and leadership, but are often ill equipped and lack the confidence to do so. Our programs use both theoretical and interactive sessions to focus on areas such as leadership, networking, having difficult conversations, teach a skill, how to give feedback and values. The organisation’s values will be woven into the program to strengthen understanding of occupational behaviours and role expectations.

TRAINEE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

2026

Dates TBA

Places Available | 16

Places Remaining | 16

$800 per Trainee

2025 B.R.A.V.E Basecamp will encourage students to break Boundaries, build Resilience, say YES! to Adventure, find your Voice     and Explore     together.

The three day, two night basecamp style camp out, will be run by Engage! Emerging Leaders from previous Mandala programs, who will put their newly developed skills into action by creating a camp for year 9 students from multiple schools.

B.R.A.V.E Basecamp is designed to take students out of their comfort zones, mix with students from other schools and have a bit of fun along the way!

The important bits...

When | 24 Oct - 26 Oct 2025

Where |   Jarvis Creek Regional Park (Pick up in Wodonga)

Who | *Yr 9 Students 

How much | $110 student commitment

What's included |    The bush, food, all activities, transport, insurance and facilitators in training (under the guidance of The Mandala Project)...and Merch!

For more information please contact Mel via the online contact form on the CONTACTS page.

There is no criteria other than age. All are welcome.

"This is the probably the best camp I've ever been on, if not for the camp itself or the effort put in, then for the people I met." Lachlan 2024 Camp B.R.A.V.E

"I loved it, I've never had more fun". Ashton 2024 Camp B.R.A.V.E 

This is a six week program for Year 5 students from across Indigo Shire. Sessions include Values, Asset Mapping, Leadership Archetypes, Effective Communication, Public Speaking, Mental Health & Wellbeing.

Guest speakers include Luke Owens , Rachel Habgood & Eliza Ault Connell.

Students will fundraise for an organisation or cause they feel strongly about.

2024 Youth Ambassador 

Dates |  TBA

Venue | Various across the Shire

Register | Through your school.

The Student Leadership Program aims to provide a theoretical and practical knowledge base on leadership, communication and team building. Our immersive learning activities will empower students by developing their understanding of leadership skills. This program can be run as a series of short workshops, or a one or two day Leadership Masterclass.

The Schools Program aims to develop emotionally intelligent and self-aware young men and women with regards to masculinity, femininity, gender equality and respectful relationships. From programs for Years 5 & 6 through to Yr 10 students.

Sessions include rituals into manhood/womanhood, stereotypes, values, body image/esteem, respectful relationships, emotional intelligence, diversity and social media/video games. The first phase of the program can include a Father & Son/ Mother & Daughter breakfast followed by four to six 2 hour sessions and concludes in an overnight camp for Fathers and Sons/Mother and Daughters. 

The program can be extended to include a three-day/two-night camp out several months after the initial overnight camp. This can be customised to any age group and their parent. 

We understand there are many variations that can make up a family. This program is designed to focus on the influence of a male role model for the boys and a female role model for the girls, whom ever that may be for your child. Single parent & same sex families welcome.

2025 Wodonga Primary Schools

 Girls Program | SEL Sessions 

Dates |  TBA

*We understand that other gender identities exist outside of masculine & feminine. We encourage students to join whichever group they feel comfortable in.

Please get in touch to get this happening at your school.

'Rekindling' refers to the act of reviving or renewing something that has faded or diminished. Often used in relation to restoring a relationship, interest or emotion that was once strong but has decreased over time.  

REKINDLE will reignite the spark, connection, and wellbeing of participants.

The retreat is an opportunity to build on family relationships alongside others on the same path. It will be a safe and inclusive space for parents, from similar circumstances, to connect, share stories and enjoy a weekend away. 

OUTCOMES

Empower | Forge & Welding skills sessions, creative Firepit Making & Family Activities   will build on the foundation for future open discussions and a deeper connection between parent and child. Learning new skills together is empowering and develops trust, and respect for each other.

Connect |   The history of fire dates back millions of years. Early humans learned to control and create fire, a crucial development for cooking, warmth, and protection. Bringing families together, around a fire, with others, creates an opportunity to witness a different perspective of each other and creates opportunities to share stories, talk and grow together. It will be an alcohol and technology free connection. 

Shared Experience |   The sessions will be time spent deliberately with each other and others on the same journey. You will learn new skills, share challenges, your story, and a tent. There is great power in simply spending time   and sharing an experience, the outcomes of which, are immeasurable.

REKINDLE FAMILY FORGE RETREAT

3 Days & 2 Nights 

*Family Camping Retreat 

*Family duo combination options are Mother & Child, Father & Child, Carer-Step-Guardian-Grandparent-Mentor & Child. 

*Family Duo meaning 1 x Adult with 1 x Child.

ELIGIBILITY |   REKINDLE is for residents of Towong Shire. Thanks to Border Trust:      Towong Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund Grant through Youth Albury Wodonga.  And in collaboration with community partner THRIVE Upper Murray.

COST | $250 per Family (non refundable)

**The following information is for residents of the Upper Murray**

[THRIVE Upper Murray have offered to reimburse resitents from the Upper Murray the FULL $250 on completion of the REKINDLE. If you wish to make use of this generous offer, please just tick the box on the registration form and keep your reciept (which will be emailed).]

Day 1 

Self Drive to Tharwa Valley Forge

Welcome & Introductions

Dinner & Campfire Activities

Camp

Day 2 

Group 1 - Forge Activity: Firepit & Poker

Group 2 - Family Activities

Dinner & Camprfire Conversations

Camp

Day 3

Group 2 - Forge Activity: Firepit & Poker

Group 1 - Family Activities

Debrief & Depart

RETREAT 1 |    DATE    Fri 13 - Sun 15 Sept 24

12 x Family duos (Child 14 – 17 years old) 

RETREAT 2 |    DATE    Wed 2 - Fri 4 Oct 24

12 x Family duos (Child 14 – 17 years old) 

INCLUSIONS

Experienced Facilitators and Forge staff. 

 1 x Firepit per family + 1 Poker each 

Camping (gear can be provided), all meals, amenities, and barista coffee.

Family Activities & Forge Experience.

Currently No Dates Available

A three day creative retreat for mother's & daughter's to reconnect, learn a new skill & create a garden sculpture together. 

Currently No Dates Available

A 3 day camp for DADs & LADs to recharge at the Tharwa Valley Forge. 

This program is an opportunity to pair young people lacking positive adult influences in their life, with adults wanting to spend more time, and be open to learning, from young people. 

Over the program participants will engage in activities together, work through team challenges, and be pushed outside of their comfort zones. It will be a safe and inclusive space for both generations to share stories and break down communication barriers. 

The program will empower, guide, and connect participants and build community capacity to move forward into the future together. 

WHAT: 4 Day Retreat

WHO: 8 x Adults [60yrs +] & 8 x Students [15yrs - 16yrs]

WHEN:   Tues 27 Aug - Fri 30 Aug 2024

WHERE:   YACKANDANDAH

COST: $500 per Adult /  $100 per Student

Young at Heart Places 8 - Available 6

Students Places 8 - Available 6

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

☆HEAR OUR VOICES☆ Will be seeking a Youth Committee and then NOMINATIONS for the 2026 Digital Storytelling Series to be Premiered at the Gala Dinner on a date yet to be confirmed.

We want the young people of Albury Wodonga to be heard & celebrated for their stories of perseverance,  overcoming adversity, your diversity and we want to cheer you on for your achievements and uniqueness.

If you know an extraordinary young person living an ordinary life right here in Albury Wodonga then nominate them today...and then encourage them to share their story with a trained committee member who will interview them on camera to make a short film.

Click the link below to NOMINATE yourself or someone else today!!

The Gala Dinner is BY INVITE ONLY. Tickets will be available to Nominees and their family and friends and of course, our Community Sponsor - Albury Wodonga Community College.