Tobias Kennett Awarded Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations, Tobias Kennett!

We are thrilled to announce that Tobias Kennett, our Parliamentary and Education Officer from the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, has been awarded the Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award! Tobias was honored at Brisbane City Hall during National Volunteering Week for his outstanding work and dedication to our community.

Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP)

Since 1996, the Queensland government has partnered with YMCA to deliver the Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP). This program offers young people aged 15-25 from across Queensland the opportunity to represent the issues of their electorate while learning about government processes in a mock parliament setting.
QYP is an apolitical program, meaning political views do not influence its operation. No prior knowledge of parliament is necessary as participants will receive all the training they need. The program reflects our state's democratic process, encouraging people from all backgrounds to apply to ensure every voice is heard. Each Queensland electorate has one representative spot.

Program Dates and Structure

Youth Parliament runs annually from April to October. The program kicks off with a 3-day forum in April in Brisbane, where youth members meet to form committees and discuss ideas. A welcome event is held at Queensland Parliament House. After the forum, committees continue to meet in person or online to draft a Bill and develop community action plans. The Bills are debated at Queensland Parliament House during a week-long session in the September-October mid-semester break. For more information, visit the YMCA Youth Parliament website.

Volunteer at the Y

Volunteering at your local YMCA is a fantastic way to learn new skills, make new connections, and contribute to your community. It's also an excellent way to enhance your CV and job prospects for the future. The Y offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, welcoming volunteers from all walks of life who are committed to helping others and sharing their skills and expertise.
From retail and event volunteering to dynamic roles supporting local initiatives, there are numerous ways you can make a difference. Whether it's volunteering at Y op shops, participating in the Schools Breakfast Program, helping at community centers, or engaging in youth programs, there's a place for you at the Y.