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 Inspiring Young People is an innovative program, auspiced by the Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network in partnership with Equipsuper, schools and local youth organisations. The program began in 2005 through Inspiring Young Women, targeting young women with limited knowledge about careers and pathways available within their region.
Since 2005 the program has spread and is now an annual event for young people in Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City. In 2007 the program expanded to include Inspiring Young Koorie Women – Malle Woorcut and Straightalk and in 2008 included Inspiring Young Koorie Men – Tallamart Bramon. The programs are information and knowledge sharing events, connecting young people to the diverse Gippsland community, giving them a sense of what’s out there and inspiring them with a ‘can do attitude’.
 Inspiring Young Women targets young women from Gippsland schools and community organisations.
Young women are “matched” with an experienced women employed in a career of their interest. They are encouraged to talk and share their journeys over a meal as well as listen to guest speakers from different walks of life.
 Inspiring Young Koorie Women – Malle Woorcut, supports young Koorie women from Gippsland and is conducted in conjunction with Koorie local action groups. In a similar fashion to IYW, the young women are “matched” on tables with experienced women and encouraged to share their experiences. Local Koorie women are involved in all different aspects of the event; assisting the young ladies to prepare for the evening, ensuring they have transportation as well as hosting the event and targeting suitable speakers.
 Inspiring Young Koorie Men – Tallamart Bramon, supports young Koorie men from Gippsland and is conducted in conjunction with the Central Gippsland Wurreker Broker. In a similar fashion to IYKW, the young men share a meal with experienced men and encouraged to share their experiences. A panel of speakers’ talk to the young and experienced men about their pathways. The highlights of the 2010 event included hearing from well known local Koorie men, as well as listening to stories about growing up in the 60’s compared to now.
 The Straightalk initiative is a similar program that targets young males; it is conducted in conjunction with The Smith Family. Straightalk is aimed at a younger age group and takes place over a lunchtime meal. Experienced participants move tables every 25 minutes and speak with all of the students. As well as meeting the experienced guests, students also hear from a guest speaker about their pathway and what they remember year 8 & 9 to be like. Events have been well received by students, guests and schools.
Feedback from Inspiring Young People events shows that participants of all ages find them enjoyable and stimulating. Comments include: “It has opened my eyes and helped me a great deal”, and “A very good night, the venue and atmosphere was great.” One woman wrote: “I feel really inspired, even though I was one of the women on the table who was supposed to do the inspiring.”
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