Greater Shepparton local Marnie Owen is stepping confidently into a new role that will see her facilitate group mentoring in schools for young people across the region. Recently appointed as a Rural Engagement Coordinator with Youthrive Victoria, Marnie will provide information to help guide students through the critical transition beyond high school while continuing her work with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project.

A 2023 graduate of Greater Shepparton Secondary College, Marnie 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 brought a valuable youth perspective and consistently demonstrated strong commitment and genuine passion for creating better outcomes for young people in the region.

Lighthouse Executive Officer Amy Robinson said the entire Lighthouse team is proud to see Marnie step into this new role and continue to grow as a leader.

“Marnie has made a strong impression at Lighthouse. 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,” said Amy. “Her work with Youthrive, like her work with Lighthouse, will have real and lasting positive impacts for many local youth.”

Amy added, “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, Marnie will act as a peer mentor in the Branch Out Mentoring program, upskilling 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 2 to 3, with sessions focused on building confidence and skills in areas such as personal budgeting, writing scholarship applications, and exploring post-school pathways. As a recent graduate of a rural school herself, Marnie brings relatable, real-life insight and encouragement to the role.

Since 2011, Youthrive Victoria has empowered thousands of young people through scholarships, mentoring, leadership development, and programs like Branch Out Mentoring. Marnie is now part of a team of Rural Engagement Coordinators working to foster capacity and strengthen communities for the next generation of regional changemakers across Victoria.

Having undertaken extensive training for her new position, Marnie has already begun visiting schools across the region to connect with students and introduce them to the program. With her local knowledge, strong values, and deep sense of service, she is well placed to help shape meaningful opportunities for young people across the Goulburn Valley.

For schools interested in learning more about the Branch Out program, please contact Marnie via mowen@gslp.com.au