Join a youth program

The Gallery of Young Art (GoYA) at the Boroondara Youth Hub is a space developed by young people, for young people and provides budding artists in our community with the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional space.

Young artists involved with the initiative have access to valuable resources such as industry mentors, materials and support to nurture and cultivate their creative talents.

To see and learn more about upcoming, current and previous GoYA exhibitions, visit our GoYA page.

Expressions of interest are currently open. 

Submit an application form for GoYA

‘Art Therapy: Horses of Power’ is a 4-week program offering young people aged 16 to 25 a unique journey of creativity, reflection and self-discovery. Inspired by the spirit of horses and the 4 elements – water, air, earth and fire - participants are invited to explore their inner world in a supportive and empowering environment.

Through storytelling, gentle guided reflection and hands-on creative practice, participants will learn how to care for their emotions, steady their thoughts, nurture their bodies and reconnect with their hearts. Drawing inspiration from horses in myth and legend, each participant will create their own horse talisman - a personal symbol of strength, intuition and resilience.

Throughout the program, participants build confidence, develop meaningful connections with others and gain tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater courage and clarity.

Themes

Week 1: Water Horse and emotions
Week 2: Air Horse and thoughts
Week 3: Earth Horse and body
Week 4: Fire Horse and heart

This program runs weekly on Thursdays from 12 August to 3 September, 4 pm to 6 pm.

For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by email [email protected] or phone (03) 9278 4608.

Registrations are now open.

Register for Horses of Power

The Craft Corner is a free 10-week arts program for young people aged 16 to 25. This hands-on program covers painting, sculpting, stamp making, and felting.

The Craft Corner is held at the Boroondara Youth Hub, from 4pm to 6pm on Friday’s during Term 4 from 9 October to 11 December 2026. 

Registrations for this program will open on September 9. 

For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by emailing [email protected] or calling (03) 9278 4608.

We’re always looking for new artists of all genres to play at events throughout the year, including solo and group performers. Previous events have included:

• Summer at the Park
• Last Days of Summer
• Swinburne Welcome Back Week. 

Use our online form to express your interest. 

Expressions of interest are currently open. 

Submit a performer expression of interest

The community-based Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program was developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers. Young people between the ages of 16 and 21 years who don’t have access to a supervising driver or an appropriate vehicle can gain the driving experience required for a probationary licence.

For more information, including how to apply, visit our TAC L2P learner driver mentor program page.

Patch, Plant & Play is a free 4-week sustainable living program for young people aged 18 to 25. This hands-on program covers balcony gardening, clothing repair, basket making, and creative reuse of textile waste. Sessions are facilitated by industry experts, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

This program has now concluded. Stay tuned for future opportunities.

For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by emailing [email protected] or calling (03) 9278 4608.

The Nook is a welcoming drop-in space for young people aged 10 to 25. Located upstairs at Balwyn Library is a relaxed place to unwind, meet others and connect with a friendly member of the youth team for a chat or support. 

Young people can enjoy light snacks, Nintendo Switch games, and a comfortable space to study, socialise or take a break.

No bookings or registrations are required.

Location: Balwyn Library 336 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn 3101

Session dates

Sessions run weekly during term from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm on the following dates throughout the year.

• Term 1: 28 January to 1 April
• Term 2: 22 April to 24 June
• Term 3: 15 July to 16 September
• Term 4: 7 October to 9 December

Extended hours

From 19 October to 13 November, The Nook will run weekly:

• Wednesdays 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm
• Thursdays 5 pm to 7:30 pm

For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by emailing [email protected] or calling (03) 9278 4608.

Baking Bits is a free baking program for young people aged 16 to 25.

This hands-on program covers essential baking skills including pastries, cakes, biscuits and creative healthier snacks, to build confidence in the kitchen. Sessions are facilitated by our team, creating a supportive and engaging environment for young people to learn, experiment and have fun.

This program has now concluded. Stay tuned for future opportunities.

For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4608.

Free fitness sessions for young people aged 18 to 25 at Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

Looking to get active, meet new people and try something new? Join weekly fitness sessions led by experienced instructors in a welcoming, supportive space - no experience needed, just show up.
Mondays, 4:30 to 5:30 pm on:

• 17 August
• 24 August
• 31 August
• 7 September
• 14 September
• 21 September.

Register now

This program is delivered in partnership with The Y.

For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4608.

Cookin' Beets is a free program for young people aged 18 to 25 located at Boroondara Youth Hub.

A hands-on program where young people build confidence in the kitchen while cooking healthy, budget-friendly meals, create a recipe base for the most awesome cooking playlist and have fun learning simple techniques and recipes to make at home.

Session dates

Sessions run for 8 weeks during term from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Tuesdays. Term 3 dates:

• 14 July 2026 
• 21 July 2026
• 28 July 2026 
• 4 August 2026 
• 11 August 2026 
• 18 August 2026
• 25 August 2026
• 1 September 2026.

Register now

For more information, email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4608.

YMCA Youth Parliament 2026 is a program run by The Y that gives young people a chance to be heard at the highest levels of the Victorian Government. Through this program, participants aged 16 to 25 can share their views on a wide range of issues that impact their lives.

Youth Parliamentarians are supported in drafting a bill that addresses a state-based issue they want to see changed, or added, to Victorian legislation. Bills are introduced in YMCA Youth Parliament, then debated and voted on during a sitting week held in the chambers of Parliament House, Victoria.

Youth Parliament sessions are typically held on Wednesdays during Terms 1 and 2, from 4:30 to 6 pm.

In 2025, our team successfully debated on the Period Product Accessibility Bill 2025.

Registrations are now closed for Youth Parliament 2026.

Youth Voice is Council’s youth reference group for young people aged 12 to 17. It's an opportunity to contribute ideas and perspectives to local projects and initiatives, engage directly with our team and councillors, and be a part of civic life in the community.

Participants will develop practical skills, build confidence and strengthen their ability to communicate and contribute meaningfully. 

Youth Voice meets fortnightly during school terms from February to December.

Whether you're passionate about your local area, curious about how Council works or simply want to connect with other young people who care about Boroondara, Youth Voice is worth considering.

Submit an expression of interest

Expressions of interest for Youth Voice 2027 are open until 12 pm Monday 12 October 2026.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4608.