Apply for the Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups 2025

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About Apply for the Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups

The Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups present new opportunities for you to work with Commonwealth departments and agencies to provide advice on the issues that matter to you. The Youth Advisory Groups are run by the Office for Youth.

Available groups include:

Civic Engagement Youth Advisory Group

Working with the Department of Home Affairs

Members will provide advice, insights and perspectives on the design of practical civic engagement initiatives to help young people understand:

• the role they play in a democracy
• how they can have their voices heard
• what their rights are in a democracy
• what it means to be an active community member
• how they can belong in their community
• how to engage in democracy in a digital age
• how they can create change in their community.

Initiatives will seek to educate and empower young people in the areas of:

• civic responsibility
• community service
• collective action
• driving social change.

Advice will also be sought from members on how programs can be promoted to ensure that young people are aware of opportunities to participate, including those who may be dis-interested or disregarded in civic matters.

Climate Change and Water Youth Advisory Group

Working with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Members will work with the departments on project such as:

• providing advice on the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan to address the impacts of climate change
• identifying and addressing key areas of climate risk for young people that are meaningful
• providing views and perspectives to support the Implementation of a future National Water Agreement

Creative Industries Youth Advisory Group

Working with the Office for the Arts

Culture and creativity have a transformative impact on young people. Members will help shape policy and programs that benefit them and future generations.

Members will work on key aspects of the National Cultural Policy. The policy is called Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place. It’s a whole-of-government 5-year plan:

• to renew and revive Australia’s arts, entertainment, and cultural sector
• that recognises the importance of youth representation and participation in the arts.

Members will provide advice and feedback on key initiatives that affect young people. Example of topics include:

• youth-focussed policies and investment frameworks
• specialist in-school arts education programs
• creative practice in the classroom
• building sustainable careers in the arts and creative industries
• art and mental health
• accessibility and inclusivity in the arts sector.

First Nations Youth Advisory Group

Working with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)

Members will work with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to provide advice and share experience on career information.

They will also support the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) on programs and policies administered by their agency that would benefit the input of First Nations Young People.

This includes the opportunity to provide input on the 2025 AIATSIS Youth Forum on Larrakia Country (Darwin) among other initiatives.

Prevention of Gender-Based Violence Youth Advisory Group

Working with the Department of Social Services

The Prevention of Gender Based Violence Youth Advisory Group was established in 2024 and will run until the end of 2025.

The group provides advice to the Department of Social Services (DSS) on the prevention of gender-based violence. Particularly in relation to the implementation of the First Action Plan 2023-27 of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 (National Plan).

The National Plan aims to end gender-based violence in a generation. Importantly, it acknowledges children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right.

The purpose of the group, is to provide a critical youth perspective and advice on key services, policies and initiatives that cover:

• early intervention
• response
• recovering and healing.

These services, initiatives and policies aim to support children and young people who have experienced family, domestic and sexual violence.

The group may also be consulted on:

• prevention initiatives
• support for families and communities.

DSS is looking for young people with a broad range of life experiences, including lived experience of family, domestic and sexual violence, who represent the diversity of young Australians.

• Sponsor Organisation: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Benefits of Apply for the Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups

• Make an Impact: Contribute to meaningful discussions that shape policies affecting youth.
• Network: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals in various fields.
• Develop Skills: Gain valuable experience in civic engagement, advocacy, and leadership.

Apply for the Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups Requirements

• Open to young people aged 16 to 25.
• They are looking for a diverse group of enthusiastic young people from across Australia. No experience is necessary-just a passion for making a difference!

Application Date and Process

• Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Applications for the Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups close on 17 November 2024. They will share an update about your application in January 2025.

Application Deadline

17 November, 2024

Scholarship Application Portal

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