The idea for the initial Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) program came from the experiences of a young girl, Isabella Franks, who lives with a severe disability. Isabella significantly influenced the personal growth and leadership qualities of fellow students and those around her. From this initial point, the All Abilities School Program was born. The aim in this program is to foster development through students with and without disabilities working together in a ‘reverse inclusion’ model.
After a successful pilot during 2017, the program was fully rolled out during 2018 in Hobart. During 2018 the program expanded to the North West Coast in Devonport, with the then Minister for Disability and Community Services, The Hon Jacquie Petrusma officially launching the program in October. During this time we were recognised as a Semi-Finalist in the Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards and a Silver Award in the Clarence Business Excellence Awards.
YLOT is an innovative organisation that focuses on building individual capacity by giving young people with disability access to social role modelling, skill development activities and the opportunity to learn from a similar-age peer buddy.
At the commencement of 2020; the All Abilities school program was ready to commence in Burnie and Launceston, making the program state-wide.
A ground-breaking initiative, our programs are transforming the lives of young Tasmanians by:
Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) is a public charitable company limited by guarantee, regulated through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
MEDIA RELEASE
17 November 2025
Young Leaders of Tasmania welcomes Patronage of Her Excellency the Governor-General of Australia
Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) is proud to announce the patronage of Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
“I first met Keren as the 2025 Tasmanian Local Hero and was delighted to accept her invitation to visit YLOT on my first official visit to Tasmania,” the Governor General said. “As Patron, I look forward to amplifying the importance of the organisation’s work, empowering young people of all abilities to reach their full potential. Through its commitment to inclusion, leadership, and community service, Young Leaders of Tasmania is fostering the values I have put at the centre of my term - care, kindness and respect.”
Known for her exceptional service to the Australian community, the Governor-General has a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors, spanning business, sport, mental health, youth, environment, the arts, policy and non-profit. Her values of inclusion, equity, and youth empowerment strongly align with YLOT’s mission to grow compassionate leaders through its unique buddying model.
“Our young leaders learn by walking alongside peers with disability,” said Founding Director and CEO Keren Franks. “This model fosters empathy, emotional intelligence, and inclusive leadership — qualities that the Governor-General champions.”
Earlier this year, the Governor-General met YLOT Buddies Matty and Murphy in Devonport, and Tayla-Maree, a YLOT alumna now employed in YLOT’s Hobart base. “Her warmth and genuine interest in our young people and their families was deeply felt,” said Keren.
YLOT Chair Mathew Blunt added, “Her Excellency’s lifelong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and the wellbeing of young people reflects everything we stand for.”
Young Leaders of Tasmania is a statewide initiative that develops leadership in neurotypical young people through inclusive, values-driven experiences. Central to the program is a peer buddy model, where young leaders are paired with peers who live with disability. These relationships foster empathy, communication, and inclusive leadership, while providing peer mentoring and social role modelling for buddies with disability. The program not only cultivates confident, compassionate leaders who champion accessibility, but also serves as a workforce development pathway into the disability sector.
Patronage from the Governor-General of Australia acknowledges organisations making a significant contribution to Australian society.
Hoping to inspire others around the country, YLOT will continue to expand its peer-led programs across Tasmania - building inclusive communities and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Mathew is currently working in the community not for profit sector, whilst bringing his specialised skills from past roles in the education sector and the Parliament of Tasmania.
In his time with the Legislative Council of Tasmania, Mathew was employed as Executive Assistant to The Hon Dr Vanessa Goodwin MLC, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Corrections, The Arts and Leader of Government in the Legislative Council.
He has worked in a variety of industries, including Education Manager of Operations, Community Liaison roles, Hospitality Management, Insurance Claims and a successful Small Business Founder and Owner (Property Maintenance).
Mathew is passionate about the community sector. He is married with two children and volunteers with Surf Life Saving Tasmania and The Tasmania Fire Service.
Ron is the parent of a child living with disability. He has extensive knowledge of the disability sector having served on the boards of several disability organisations and has consulted to various organisations regarding corporate governance, strategy and large-scale project implementation. He is a founding Director of YLOT and was the inaugural Chairperson. He is a corporate governance and strategy consultant and has established several successful businesses. Ron is regularly sought for his business and organisational competencies.
Paul is the parent of a child living with disability. He has extensive first-hand experience of the disability sector and is a staunch advocate for people with disability. Paul is a qualified accountant with high level experience serving in senior finance and accounting roles for major Tasmanian businesses. Paul is the most recent member to join the YLOT Board and brings a high level of financial acumen and a strong understanding of the needs of those living with disability.
Keren is the parent of a child living with disability. She has extensive knowledge of the disability sector having lived experience and working in the sector. Keren is a passionate advocate for inclusion and recognising people of all abilities. Keren is a founding director of YLOT and inaugural CEO, establishing, project managing and operating the organisation in a volunteer capacity before being granted state government funding in August 2018.
Keren has past employment in the disability, vocational training and medical sectors as Business Manager, Trainer & Assessor and Executive Officer. Keren has also successfully worked as a consultant within the business sector. She was a co-founder of the “Snapshot – Celebrating our community” project in 2014 and successfully managed and funded the project through crowd funding and community support.
Abbie first became involved with Young Leaders of Tasmania in Year 10 when she completed the Buddies Program. Since then, she’s continued her journey with YLOT volunteering in the school holiday program, working casually for YLOT, and representing YLOT with her Buddies in the community. Through this work, Abbie has passionately assisted to advocate for young people living with a disability and helped to amplify their voices.
Abbie’s involvement with YLOT has played a pivotal role in shaping the person she is today. It gave her a broader understanding of disability and introduced her to a sector she now feels deeply passionate about. Abbie is currently working as a teacher's assistant at Southern Support School and is proud to have been a finalist in the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards.
Abbie is joining the board with a strong sense of purpose and drive and is excited to give back to this charity, as it has had such a meaningful impact on her life. Abbie looks forward to using her voice, experiences and enthusiasm to continue championing inclusion, awareness, and connection.
