Are you passionate about culture and community? Have you got an idea for a project that will help connect people living on the Northern Beaches?

We are excited to announce the launch of the Northern Beaches ‘We Belong: Intercultural Community Leaders Program’, designed to connect and strengthen the skills of individuals with a passion for cultural inclusion, advocacy, and community leadership. This program aims to celebrate diversity, foster intercultural understanding, and nurture the next generation of community leaders in our vibrant community.

Why apply?

• Develop leadership skills: enhance your leadership abilities through tailored workshops, mentorship, and hands-on projects.
• Cultural advocacy: play a vital role in promoting intercultural awareness and understanding within the Northern Beaches community.
• Networking opportunities: connect with like-minded individuals, local leaders, Council and community organisations.
• Community impact: initiate and lead initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster intercultural inclusion.

Who should apply?

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who:

• are interested in building bridges across different cultures and communities.
• are eager to develop their leadership skills and connect with like-minded people.
• are keen to work together with others on issues directly affecting our community.
• are 18 years or older and living, learning or working in the Northern Beaches area.
• come from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• can commit to a 6 – 9-month timeframe.
• are available for face-to-face workshops during September – October 2024 (alternating between Saturday mornings and Wednesday/ Thursday evenings).

This program aims to represent the Northern Beaches’ diversity, and is open to people of all ages, genders, abilities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, education and employment status.

Program highlights

• Interactive workshops: participate in workshops covering leadership, intercultural understanding, community development, project management, and more.
• Mentorship: gain insights and guidance from experienced community and cultural leaders.
• Community projects: plan and execute intercultural initiatives that have a lasting impact on the community.
• Network: connect and build relationships with people passionate about intercultural exchange and advocacy on the Northern Beaches.
• Recognition: receive a certificate of completion and recognition as an Intercultural Community Leader on the Northern Beaches.

Participate in a community leadership program to develop skills and leadership capabilities culminating in 4 intercultural projects on the Northern Beaches in 2025.

Key dates

• Applications open: Monday 22 July 2024
• Applications close: Sunday 18 August 2024
• Training and leadership sessions: September – October 2024 (8 sessions)
  • example sessions: intercultural awareness, ethical storytelling, anti-racism training.
  • alternating training days will be held on Saturday morning and Wednesday / Thursday evenings.
• Estimated project launch: Early 2025

We Belong Program

The program aims to strengthen connection and belonging across communities, increase awareness and knowledge of differing community experiences, and enhance social and cultural inclusion on the Northern Beaches.

Northern Beaches Council has received funding from the NSW Government to support a community leadership program for around 15 participants. The program focuses on developing the skills and abilities of participants in cultural advocacy, community engagement, and leadership, culminating in four participant-led intercultural projects in early 2025, Participants will have the opportunity to participate in 8 carefully selected training sessions to facilitate new ideas and intercultural awareness, before working together on their chosen projects. Northern Beaches Council will support the participants and provide mentorship throughout the program period.

To be selected for the program, you will need to complete application form. An independent panel will review all submissions and successful participants will be notified by the end of August 2024.

Successful applications will be notified by the end of August 2024. 

More information

Please contact Alex Doyle on 02 8495 6564 or bettertogether@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au for more information about the We Belong Program.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.