Youth engagement was an item which came out of the recent local area Members' Forums as something that many are struggling with. We thought this presentation might be of value to you. We are working on getting some more local case study examples to present too...

Sam Morris (Wombat Creative) is our guest speaker who will be making an address as part of the 'Tricks for the Toolbox' component of our Members' Forum after the AGM next Friday.

Over recent years, Sam has been working on a number of engagement programs which should have brought her into contact with Gen Y but didn't. Those young folk were nowhere to be found. Curious as to why, she began exploring the issues around engaging young people in NRM and conservation. Recently contracted to manage a campaign for Landcare Queensland specifically to engage this age group, she will share insights and frustrations about working with Gen Y and the nervousness that many older generations have about doing so...

Samantha Morris - biography

Sam has more than 17 years experience in the community sector, having worked in landcare, environmental education, youth suicide, homelessness, conservation, counselling, sporting and student representative organisations. In 2001, Samantha was recognised with Queensland's Young Australian of the Year Award for the Environment for her work in engagement with rural landholders throughout Southeast Queensland and the Burnett Mary region. In 2002 she was a national finalist for the Young Australian of the Year Awards.

Sam is passionate about conservation and has been Chair of Queensland Conservation Council; Manager for Landcare Queensland; Landcare Facilitator for the Queensland Government; and Community Liaison Coordinator for Greening Australia Queensland. She now manages her own company, Wombat Creative, and specialising in helping communities achieve sustainability goals.