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 

2024 Dates

Program #1 (Yackandandah)

Wed 31 Jan - Fri 2 Feb 2024 

Places Available | 16

Places Remaining | 8

Program #2 (Wangaratta)

Wed 28 Feb - Fri 1 Mar 2024

Places Available | 16

Places Remaining | 16

$800 per Trainee

Click on the link below to receive the Registration & Medical Form

This 8 Day program will empower, connect and further develop the personal and community leadership skills of participants from the Towong Shire through a personal leadership development program. 

We draw on experiential learning, team-based challenges, and skills sessions to develop participants’ leadership capacity, emotional intelligence and build their community networks.  We engage young adults in meaningful, hands-on leadership experiences with the expected outcome being they seek opportunities, or continue to contribute, to programs and services that affect their lives and their communities. The best part of our programs are the connection participants make with each other, the life skills they get that they don’t teach at school and they are always surprised by how relaxed and fun the whole experience is.

"It was great! One of the best camps I have ever done, I wish I could do it again. Don't miss out if you get the chance to be a part of The Mandala Project. Just trust, and you will gain experience and skills that will help you over a lifetime."  Gadi N.E.V.Y.L 3.0 Participant 2023

CORRYONG | ENGAGE 

A four-day intensive leadership retreat. Sessions build the team and include project management, networking, developing a purpose plan & introvert/extrovert profiling. 

CANBERRA | EMPOWER 

A three-day immersion where participants will complete skills sessions, personal challenges and a communication scenario. We stay in the Cuppacumbalong Homestead near Tharwa Valley Forge. There is a team-based challenge which allows participants to apply new skills. 

TALLANGATTA | EMERGE

This final day is an opportunity to reflect on your experience, growth and leadership goals. We will explore future pathways for community participation and leadership development

ELIGIBILITY 

18 - 26 year olds are welcome to register from the Towong Shire. The only criteria is that you have the ability to commit to the FULL 8 day program and that you turn up with an open mind. We encourage people from all walks of life who are interested in their own personal development to register.

DATES & LOCATIONS (Completed)

CORRYONG | ENGAGE

Thurs 11 JAN - Sun 14 JAN 2024 (4 Days)

CANBERRA | EMPOWER

Weds 7 FEB - Fri 9 FEB 2024 (3 Days)

TALLANGATTA | EMERGE

Fri 16 FEB 2024 (1 Day)

INCLUSIONS 

Experienced facilitators, retreat style accommodation, food, transport, all activities, inspirational guest speakers, skills for life, merchandise and insurance. 

COST

$4,000 - 'This project received grant funding from BORDERTRUST', making the participant contribution ONLY $330!

COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Small group size of 12 participants. Participants must commit to all 8 days of one program. Our programs are technology reduced and drug & alcohol free.

Places Available | 

Places Remaining | 

Camp B.R.A.V.E will encourage students to Break Boundaries, build Resilience, create Adventure, find their Voice and Engage with community. BRAVE!

The three day leadership style retreat will be run by Engage! Emerging Leaders from this year's SUMMIT, who will put their newly developed skills into action by recreating a similiar event for a younger cohort.

Camp B.R.A.V.E is designed to take students out of their comfort zones, help them find their voice and have a bit of fun along the way!

The important bits...

When | TBA

Where |     Yackandandah.

Who |           Nominated Yr 9 Students 

How much | $60 student committment

What's included |        Accommodation, food, all activities, insurance and facilitators in training (under the guidence of The Mandala Project)

For more information please contact Mel via the 'Contacts' page.

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.

2025 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.

2024 School Program 

Dates | TBA 

School Sessions 

TBA

*Boys camp out with *Dad | TBA

*Girls camp out with *Mum | TBA

*or guardian

*we understand that many gender identities exist outside of masculine & feminine. They are all welcome on our programs to join which ever group they feel comfortable with.

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

Currently No Dates Available

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

The experience will include a small group, (only eight mother & daughter duo's), transport to Canberra, food & share accomodation at the beautiful Cuppacumbalong, nestled on the banks of the Murrumbidgee at the base of Namadgi National Park. 

Activities will include a walk along the river, coffee on the porch & time in Tharwa Valley Forge!!

Age | 12 - 17 with mum or a female guardian

Cost | Free - $50 refundable deposit per duo

This will be a drug, alcohol and technology free weekend.

*Registrations are open to TOWONG residents. This program is sponsored by Victoria State Government through Towong Shire. 

Currently No Dates Available

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

This program is an opportunity to get away, make memories & share stories around the campfire, while learning the traditional craft of Bladesmithing. 

The experience is for dads (or a male guardian) & their boys, who live in the Towong Shire & aims to build connection. 

Targeted conversations will create the foundation for future open discussions between boys & their fathers/guardians around healthy respectful relationships & pathways into manhood with self-awareness & confidence.

Age | 12 - 17 with dad or male guardian

Cost | TBA

INCLUDED

Small Group size | Transport |  Food | Camping | 1 Steak Knife each

This will be a drug, alcohol and technology free weekend.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

☆HEAR OUR VOICES☆ Will be seeking a Youth Committee and then NOMINATIONS for the 2024 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. 

& 2 DAY REUNION 

This is a Program for 15 - 17 year old's from North East Victoria and surrounds thanks to Victorian State Government ENGAGE! Funding. You would be committing to the 10 Day WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE & the 2 Day Reunion & Graduation.

About the Program

2024 Program TBA

Reunion & Graduation

The Reunion & Graduation ceremony following the  WILDERNESS Experience is an opportunity to debrief, celebrate and welcome them back to community, an important component of any Rite of Passage. 

The  celebration will acknowledge achievements and provide participants with an opportunity to be publicly recognised. Sharing their experience of the program in front of peers, family, and school representatives is a fabulous opportunity to shine. 

Program Details

WHO

15yrs – 17yrs from North East Victoria & Surrounds *Preference will be given to those who have NOT previously participated in a Youth Albury Wodonga Program*

WHEN

 2024 Dates TBA

*Times will be advised closer to the program.

WHERE

 TBA

COST  $275 

*This is subsidised by ENGAGE! Funding & is NON-REFUNDABLE*

Inclusions | 10 Day WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE & 2 Day Reunion, experienced facilitators, all activities, food & accommodation, transport, camping gear & insurance.

COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Participants must commit to both dates. Our programs are technology, drug, vape & alcohol free. A gear list will be provided, however all camping equipment is supplied.

PLACES AVAILABLE

22

PLACES REMAINING

0

*This program is a community collaboration with Youth Albury Wodonga,  & The Mandala Project, thanks to Victorian State Government ENGAGE! Funding*