Welcome
The Office for Youth leads the State Government’s commitment to working with Victoria’s diverse groups of young people, and the communities and organisations in which they are involved. This website provides information for youth workers, teachers, academics, parents and anyone with an interest in working with young Victorians and supporting them to reach their full potential.
Music Equipment Grants now open
In addition to the FReeZA and FReeZACentral programs, the Victorian Government is now supporting aspiring young musicians in Victoria through the Music Equipment Grants (MEG) funding program. This program makes $10,000 worth of musical equipment available for use by local musicians through local councils.
The Central Goldfields Shire is one the first local councils to receive the funding under the $1.3 million program announced by Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino.
Read more about the Music Equipment Grants program.
NRGize - Kickstarting and Strengthening Your Mentoring Program workshop
Melbourne, 19-21 August 2008
Are you running a mentoring program for young people? Starting a new mentoring program? Considering establishing a mentoring program for young people?
This three day workshop will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to run a successful youth mentoring program. The NRGize workshop is a comprehensive training program that has been developed and trialled by practitioners over a number of years both within Australia and internationally. The program focuses on the development of mentoring programs for youth. A resource folder full of notes and activities is included in the registration fee.
Find out
Victoria Leads the Way with Body Image Code
The Victorian Government is proudly leading the way in launching Australia's first-ever code on how the media can be encouraged to present images to promote positive self-esteem and body image in young people.
The Victorian Voluntary Media Code of Conduct on Body Image is a significant step in encouraging changes in the way images are portrayed and in improving body image in young people.
For more information visit the Positive Body Image page.
Young Victorians' time to shine!
National Youth Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of young people in Australia and runs from 5-13 April this year. For a wrap up some of the fantastic range of events held across Victoria in 2008 visit youthcentral.
Victoria Rocks Grants Announced
Minister for the Arts Lynne Kosky and Minister for Youth Affairs James Merlino launched a new $7.1 million program Victoria Rocks which is a new contemporary music grants program for young people. Victoria Rocks is a Victorian Government initiative through Arts Victoria, the Office for Youth and Tourism Victoria. Further information on Victoria Rocks.
Future Directions: An action agenda for young people
The Victorian Government’s new youth agenda, Future Directions, reflects the broad range of activity going on across government for young Victorians aged 12 to 25. It brings together five specific desired outcomes that the community, young people and their families have endorsed as priorities. The Government’s role is to provide options and services for young people, as well as ensuring their rights are respected and they have real opportunities to build meaningful careers and lives.
Taking Young People Seriously
'Taking Young People Seriously' is a series of handbooks published by the Office for Youth and Youth Affairs Council of Victoria. They provide practical advice and information to government, community organisations and young people about inspiring and achieving youth participation in the community. Visit the Publications section to read the Taking Young People Seriously series.