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Introducing VFFF's Youth Advisory Group!

Following a successful inaugural Young Advisory Group (YAG) serving a two-year term, VFFF recently welcomed a new cohort of seven young people, aged 18 to 30, living in or connected to rural Australia.

Drawing on their experiences as young people from the bush, the YAG continue to play an integral role in VFFF’s work by shortlisting applicants for the Backing The Future program and providing guidance to the VFFF team on how to best back young people.

They have hit the ground running, convening in Sydney in July for their Induction Meeting and have recently undertaken the shortlisting process for Cohort 5 of Backing The Future. VFFF has been thoroughly impressed by their proactive engagement in the role, and has confidence that this group will enhance VFFF's grant-making approach.

Each member brings a diverse array of passions, experiences, and perspectives from across the social sector. Get to know more about them below.

CHARLOTTE WATSON – Townsville, QLD

Charlotte Watson is a young professional lawyer working in the not-for-profit, charitable, and philanthropic sector.

She is involved with the National Board of Y Australia’s Licensing and Member Development Committee, volunteers at a local YMCA with young people, and is an executive member of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, focusing on program development.

Charlotte was also a part of VFFF's inaugural YAG.

ELISE LANE – Newcastle, NSW

Elise is the Learning & Development Coordinator for the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.

With a valued First Nations perspective, she brings expertise in working with young people and governance. Elise started her career with Commonwealth Bank, then transitioned to the not for profit sector to support First Nations communities.

Elise was also a part of VFFF's inaugural YAG.

GABE FRANCIS – Lennox Head, NSW

Gabe is an arts facilitator and theatre maker who views art as a powerful tool for community connection.

He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and runs Playroom Drama Education, a small business offering drama incursions to public schools in Sydney. Gabe plans to expand his programs into regional NSW in the future.

HARRISON GARLICK – South Gippsland, VIC

Harrison is studying a Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness. He has experience working as a ranger with Parks Victoria and as a support worker with the NDIS.

He now volunteers as a leader with Co-Exist Hobart, combining his passion for the natural environment and building communities and connection with young people.

Harrison was also a part of VFFF's inaugural YAG.

KIERAN LONERGAN – Hobart, TAS

Kieran, a proud Aboriginal man from Tebrakunna Country, has lived in various major towns and cities across Tasmania and is currently based in Hobart.

He works in Youth Housing at Colony 47 and serves as a board member of the Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation.

SAMANTHA BARTON – Adelong, NSW

Samantha is a student at the Australian National University, where she’s pursuing degrees in History and Psychology.

She has twice been a Winner of the Lions Youth of the Year Club and Zone award and is a recipient of the 2020 Tuckwell Scholarship. She is deeply committed educational equity and volunteers as a tutor.

TAJE FOWLER – Narromine, NSW

Taje, a proud descendant of the Wurundjeri Nation, grew up in Narromine. She holds a Bachelor of Community and Social Development and has worked as a Social Worker for Leader Life.

Taje currently lives in community, in Arnhem land working on community projects that support all 12 different language groups in the area.