Surveyors Australia has launched a national FIG Young Surveyors Network to empower next-generation spatial talent.

YSN Australia aims to support students, recent graduates and early-career surveyors under the age of 35, by providing a community for emerging spatial and surveying professionals to connect, find mentorship and build their careers.

Operated by Surveyors Australia, YSN Australia is plugged in to the global International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Young Surveyors Network, sitting within its Asia Pacific region.

This will give members direct access to an international community of peers, cross-border scholarship opportunities, and global professional development pathways.

Bridging the gap for young professionals

According to Surveyors Australia’s CEO, Michelle Blicavs, the launch of YSN Australia comes at a critical time for the industry, which is actively looking for ways to attract and retain the next generation of spatial and surveying talent.

“This is about making sure the next generation of surveyors is more connected than ever before, to each other, to mentors, and to opportunities both here at home and around the world,” she said.

“As the national body, we are giving young surveyors a permanent home to grow, lead, and help shape the profession.”

The day-to-day operations of the network will bridge the geographic divide that often isolates young professionals in the Australian spatial sector.

YSN Australia will run six national online meet-ups annually, alongside regular in-person gatherings in capital cities and regional hubs as the network matures.

And over time, the initiative will expand into dedicated state and territory chapters.

According to Blicavs, the YSN represents a pipeline of engaged, globally aware professionals ready to tackle the emerging challenges of the sector, from digital twins and smart cities to climate adaptation and sustainable land management.

“We want to see young surveyors gathering in every capital city, across our regional centres and connecting with their peers across the Asia Pacific and the globe,” said Blicavs.

“This is an invitation to every emerging surveyor to be part of it from the very beginning, and to help build something that will support young professionals for years to come.”

Those interested in joining YSN Australia can register their interest by emailing Michelle Blicavs at ceo@surveyorsaus.org.au.