Recently appointed as a rural engagement co-ordinator with Youthrive Victoria, Ms Owen will provide information to help guide students through the critical transition beyond high school while continuing her work with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project.
Following her graduation at Greater Shepparton Secondary College in 2023, Ms Owen studied Community Services at Shepparton GOTAFE, completing her course through a traineeship with Lighthouse.
Having contributed to numerous programs during her time with the organisation, she has been seen to have brought a valuable youth perspective to the community, and consistently demonstrates strong commitment and genuine passion for creating better outcomes for young people in the region.
Lighthouse executive officer Amy Robinson said the Lighthouse team was proud to see Ms Owen step into this new role and continue to grow as a leader.
“Marnie has made a strong impression at Lighthouse,” she said.
“As an organisation dedicated to building capacity in our region’s young people, we’re delighted to have helped pave the way for this next step — one that creates a ripple effect of opportunity for others.
“Her work with Youthrive, like her work with Lighthouse, will have real and lasting positive impacts for many local youth.
“Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project is a backbone organisation that leverages opportunities and partners with like-minded organisations to ensure the region benefits from statewide and national initiatives.
“Marnie’s dual role with Youthrive and Lighthouse is a strong example of how collaboration creates meaningful pathways for rural youth.”
In her new position with Youthrive Victoria, Ms Owen will act as a peer mentor in the Branch Out Mentoring program, helping improve the skill set of Year 12 students as they navigate the challenges of completing school and preparing for what comes next.
Designed by, and for, young people, the program delivers flexible, individualised guidance across terms two and three, with sessions focused on building confidence and skills in areas such as personal budgeting, writing scholarship applications and exploring post-school pathways.
Since 2011, Youthrive Victoria has empowered thousands of young people through scholarships, mentoring, leadership development and programs such as Branch Out Mentoring.
Ms Owen is now part of a team of rural engagement co-ordinators working to foster capacity and strengthen communities for the next generation of regional change makers across Victoria.
Having undertaken extensive training for her new position, Ms Owen has already begun visiting schools across the region to connect with students and introduce them to the program.
For schools interested in learning more about the Branch Out program, contact Marnie Owen via mowen@gslp.com.au
For more information about Youthrive Victoria, visit youthrivevictoria.org.au
For more information on Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, visit gslp.com.au
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