The South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria (SSCAV) has begun a new three-year leadership term following its 2026 General Assembly and elections in October 2026, with a new executive committee taking responsibility for the organisation’s next phase. Otor Ogwok has been elected president, while the newly appointed Secretary of Youth Affairs will lead efforts to strengthen the association’s engagement with young South Sudanese Victorians.
The leadership transition comes as Victoria’s South Sudanese community continues to have a significant young population. Victorian Government data records 13,532 people with South Sudanese ancestry in the state, including 3,121 people born in South Sudan. People aged 0–14 account for 40.2 per cent of the community, while a further 22.4 per cent are aged 15–24.
Members of the SSCAV meet to discuss strategies for youth development programs
Youth development is therefore likely to be central to the association’s ability to strengthen the community’s social and economic participation. The new Youth Affairs portfolio is expected to focus on education, employment, mentoring, sport, culture and leadership development, areas that can help young people build skills, professional networks and pathways into further study and work.
The focus on youth also builds on SSCAV’s recent engagement with Victorian government and community stakeholders. In October 2025, the association’s interim leadership team took part in discussions with the Victorian Premier and senior ministers on issues affecting the South Sudanese community, including youth development, employment and community participation.
Young South-Sudanese-Australian attending the meeting
For SSCAV, strengthening these pathways could have longer-term economic benefits for young people and the wider community. Access to education, mentoring and employment opportunities can help young South Sudanese Victorians develop qualifications, enter skilled professions, establish businesses and build leadership experience that can be carried back into community organisations and the broader Victorian economy.
The incoming Secretary of Youth Affairs said the priority would be to build a portfolio centred on “unity, representation, opportunity, connection and leadership”, with practical pathways across education, employment, mentoring, sport, culture and leadership development. The new office-holder is expected to work alongside President Otor Ogwok, the executive committee, community leaders, organisations and young people across Victoria.
The October 2026 election marks a new phase for SSCAV as it seeks to strengthen its organisational structure, visibility and connection with the South Sudanese community. The association’s challenge over the next three years will be to turn the new leadership platform into practical opportunities for young people, particularly through stronger links to education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership. The incoming Secretary summed up the transition as “A new term, a new leadership team, and plenty of work ahead.”
