About Rising Leaders

Rising Leaders is a Queensland Government-funded program delivered by the Sinhala Association of Queensland (SAQ). Designed by Sri Lankan youth for Sri Lankan youth, this two-year program addresses real challenges — geographic isolation, cultural identity stress, mental health barriers, and lack of leadership opportunities — through practical experience, peer networks, and culturally-safe wellbeing support.

Young people don't just participate — they govern the program. An elected SAQ Youth Executive Committee (8-10 positions) makes all decisions about activities, budget, and direction. Adults provide guidance and safeguarding only.

Why This Program?

Community consultation with 45 Sri Lankan youth across Queensland (August–September 2025) identified four critical, interconnected challenges:

•       Geographic isolation — 87% reported lacking peers who share their cultural background. Many are "the only Sri Lankan kid" in their school.

•       Cultural identity stress — 73% struggle balancing Sri Lankan expectations with Australian identity, causing family tension and anxiety.

•       Mental health barriers — 68% identified mental health concerns but don't know where to find culturally-responsive support.

•       Lack of leadership pathways — Only 23% feel they have meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community, despite wanting to lead.

What You Will Do

Rising Leaders offers eight streams of practical, real-world activity across the two-year program:

Leadership Workshops

8 full-day workshops over 2 years covering leadership, public speaking, event management, cultural advocacy and mental health literacy. Certificates awarded.

Radio Broadcasting

Quarterly workshops at Radio 4EB studios. Host a monthly 60-minute youth segment and podcast series Between Two Cultures, reaching 50,000+ listeners.

MC at Major Events

Six-week MC training programs. Present at Saralanga and New Year Festival to audiences of 600+, with professional coaching in stage presence and bilingual presenting.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Quarterly wellbeing workshops delivered with Buddhist Vihara of Queensland and Sri Lanka Buddhist Monastery. Trained peer Mental Health Champions and counselling pathways.

Teaching at Sinhala School

Serve as a teaching assistant at Brisbane Sinhala School, mentoring 80+ younger students. Working With Children checks provided. Professional references available.

Annual Youth Summit

One-day residential camp each year bringing together 60-80 youth from all six regions. Accommodation, meals and travel subsidies provided — location is no barrier.

Youth Governance

Elected SAQ Youth Executive Committee (8-10 positions) governs the entire program — budget, activities, and policy. Real authority, not token involvement.

Community Project Grants

In Year 2, youth design, budget, and deliver their own community initiatives — cultural workshops, art exhibitions, and more. Full project cycle experience.

Eligibility & How to Apply

Who Can Apply?

✓     Sri Lankan young people aged 16–25

✓     Living anywhere in Queensland — all six regions welcome

✓     You or your parent/guardian must be a current SAQ member

✓     Keen to develop leadership, communication, and community skills

✓     Travel subsidies available — location is no barrier

✓     Applications close midnight, Tuesday 30 June 2026

Program Timeline

July – October 2026

Program launch: recruit coordinators, form SAQ Youth Executive Committee, launch digital platform, finalise partnerships

September 2026 – June 2027

Year 1 full delivery: leadership workshops, regional meetups, Radio 4EB partnership, Saralanga MCing, first Annual Youth Summit

July – August 2027

Mid-program evaluation and refinement by Youth Committee. Progress report to Queensland Government.

September 2027 – June 2028

Year 2: expanded roles, youth-led community project grants, second Annual Youth Summit, advanced leadership development

July – August 2028

Final evaluation, youth-led celebration event, transition to ongoing SAQ Youth structure

What We Expect to Achieve

You can also gain certificates, volunteer hours, references, and real community involvement experience and recognition for your resume through these projects

80%+ ----- Report increased sense of belonging and reduced isolation. You can

85%+ ----- Demonstrate measurable leadership and communication skills

75%+ ----- Know how to access culturally-responsive mental health support

70%+ ----- Form lasting cross-regional friendships beyond the program

Our Partners

• Radio 4E B Sri Lankan Group Media training and broadcasting platform

• Brisbane Sinhala School Teaching opportunities and venue access

• Buddhist Vihara of Queensland Culturally-responsive wellbeing and counselling

• Sri Lanka Buddhist Monastery Brisbane Mental health support and cultural guidance

• Queensland Government (SCMG) Principal funder — Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants