Shaping PAYA’s Future: Cairns Governance Workshop Sets Strategic Direction for 2026–2030

In November 2025, the PAYA Board and executive representatives came together for a Governance Workshop facilitated by Dr. Erin Watson to strengthen the organisation’s strategic direction and governance framework for the years ahead.

The workshop brought together leaders from across the Pacific, both in person (Cairns, Australia) and online, to review PAYA’s draft 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and identify priorities for sustainable growth and regional impact.

Discussions highlighted PAYA’s strengths in communication, storytelling, fundraising, diversity, and community engagement, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen governance systems, financial planning, stakeholder engagement, and internal processes. These reflections informed a clear roadmap of short, medium, and long-term priorities focused on building stronger foundations for the organisation’s future.

A key outcome of the workshop was the review of PAYA’s leadership structure. Participants explored ways to streamline executive roles, improve accountability, and ensure the organisation is well-positioned to support future growth. New leadership functions were proposed to strengthen operations, program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and regional coordination.

The workshop also focused on PAYA’s regional expansion strategy, with governance models discussed for new branches in Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and Wallis & Futuna. The agreed approach emphasises legal compliance, financial accountability, local leadership, and strong alignment with PAYA Australia’s vision and governance standards. This model will enable branches to respond to local needs while remaining connected through a unified regional network.

Most importantly, the workshop reaffirmed PAYA’s commitment to empowering young Pacific leaders through collaboration, leadership development, and meaningful opportunities for engagement. As PAYA moves forward with implementing its refined strategic direction, the organisation remains focused on strengthening systems, expanding its regional presence, and creating lasting impact for young people across the Pacific.