Knowledge Library

Meet the Youth Advisory Board: Chloe from Frankston-Mornington Peninsula

Our Youth Advisory Board brings together young people who are invested in their local community and care about improving opportunities for young people from the eight communities in which Community Investment Committees operate. YAB members provide strategic guidance on how the NYEB can work towards its mission, advice on opportunities to strengthen youth voice across the NYEB and on advocacy and policy change. Chloe Sumner hails from Frankston-Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne.

What was your first ever job?

My first ever job was a volunteer position at an Op Shop, following that I got my first paid position in retail at Target where I worked for 3 and a half years!

How did you go from there to here?

While working in retail I learned a lot about myself which lead me to lived experience advocacy. I already had a keen interest in humans and make things better as I had completed a Bachelors degree in both psychological science and criminology. So over the last 2 years I have done a lot of work in both the mental health and disability sectors to advocate and inform change as a young person. I was a youth advisor for the NCED’s inclusive pathways to work program which lead me to become even more interested in the systemic issues young people face in gaining and keeping meaningful employment.

What’s something different about your local community?

I think the inclusivity is really a growing thing in my community such as the presence of Sunflower lanyards at the different shopping centres. Frankston also has a thriving arts community with the Arts Centre and I think that’s really cool as someone who values art and theatre. One of my favourite things about my community too is the local library and the services connected for young people. I find that it is a super important pillar in the community for people to come together.

What are you working on right now?

At the moment I am working with as a youth advisor on the YAB for the NYEB here at BSL, but also at an organisation called Satellite Foundation. We are creating and about to launch some resources we’ve cocreated for young people who have family members with mental health challenges and/or identify as young carers. I am also growing my presence online in the theatre community and aim to extend my advocacy to the arts sector which is currently struggling.

What’s a tip for someone trying to do what you’re doing?

Look for opportunities! Sign up for mailing lists for youth advocacy programs etc. Apply to any no matter how short-term they are. The more you do, the more connections you make! Any opportunity has the ability to open up doors to so many others, so don’t miss out just because it seems small. If you’re interested in advocacy just go for it and trust your voice.

What do you want to learn next?

I want to learn how to use both facts and experience to inform policy. Research, policy and advocacy are super interesting to me and I think are a really important component for change. I’m excited to develop my knowledge and be able to confidently speak on all the issues I am passionate about.

About Chloe

Chloe Sumner is currently working as a youth advisor at both the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Satellite Foundation. Being a youth advisor is an important role as she believes that you cannot make decisions and change for young people without centring them in the conversation. Chloe has two Bachelors degrees in Psychological Science and Criminology and has done quite a bit of advocacy work in both the mental health and disability sectors. In the past year Chloe was a youth advisor for the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s National Collaboration on Employment and Disability with the Inclusive Pathways to Work program. She helped to inform decisions and create resources to improve accessibility and inclusion. Outside of work Chloe is a big believer in indulging in whatever brings you joy. She loves Taylor Swift, musical theatre and all sorts of tv shows and movies. Reading is one her main passions and you will often find her lost in a book. Chloe is excited to be joining the National Youth Employment Body Youth Advisory Board and looks forward to working with the team to move towards change.