The RSL Youth Development Program has been designed to recognise and reward the efforts of high-achieving Queensland students.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded in the following categories:

* Academic Achievement (inclusive of Arts, Drama, Dance & Media)
* Sporting Achievement
* Community Leadership and Civic Participation

Both year 10 and 11 students will be eligible for grants of up to $2,500 and the top 10 percent of the highest achieving finalists will receive greater recognition via a $5,000 grant.

To find out more check out www.rslyouth.com.au.

In a few weeks YMIS will be heading to Tamborine to take part in the Recharge Youth and Young Adult Convention.  This awesome weekend is a retreat that aims to motivate and equip young adults for the daily challenge of living a life founded on the bible and centred on Jesus Christ.   Speakers, music, electives, fellowship - you won't want to miss it.

If you're a past or present YMIS student we'd love a hand manning the stand over the weekend. In return we'll hook you up with free conference registration and accommodation valued at $140! You'll be able to attend all the sessions and stay on site for the weekend.

Even if you can't stay the whole time but would still like to help still let us know and we can arrange day tickets for you.

Let us know ASAP if you're interested. Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give us a call on 1300 478 753.

Got a Nokia Phone?

We have just launched our first mobile phone app for YMIS, it’s free to download for Nokia Phones only, 10 people have already downloaded it this morning without us even telling anybody!  Obviously a gap in the market for youth ministry apps.

Have a look and give us some feedback.  Next stop, iPhone, Android and the rest.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS - Free online PD for Chaplains and Youth Workers!

Jump online one session a week for five weeks to learn more about:

• Anxiety, Depression, Suicide, Self-harm and other mental health matters.
  

We'll also work through the positive things Chaplains, schools and youth workers can do to deal with and support young people and their families in these issues.

You don’t have to travel out to rural or remote Australia to engage cross-culturally with Indigenous Australians.  
YMIS recently took DeepEnd Gap Program and YMIS students to Logan City for a life-shaping experience.   

The two-day program included sessions on Indigenous poverty, bush tucker, cross-cultural understanding and Indigenous ministry.  
Led by Indigenous leaders such as Aunty Jean Phillips, Uncle Joey Kirk, Uncle Graham Paulson, Faith Green and SU Qld Indigenous Liaison Officer, Billy Williams, participants were exposed to realities often largely unknown or ignored by non-Indigenous Australia (often including the Church).

The highlight was a shared dinner and camp fire with local Indigenous Christians where participants were able to break down barriers and engage in conversations.

One participant said, “The cross cultural experience was a fantastic, world view expanding experience for me. I learned so much in those two short days.

We heard about Indigenous people's connection with the land, how their spirituality and Christianity interweave and about the great projects that indigenous ministry teams are doing to help the poor of every racial background in their areas.