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If you're 10 to 25 years old and live, work or study in the City of Boroondara, we have a range of youth programs you can get involved in.
Our youth programs are a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends, learn new skills and connect with the community.
Ready Steady Cookin’
On your marks, get set, Go!
Ready Steady Cookin’ is cooking program that focuses on working together to create fantastic food in a fun environment. There is no experience required to join the Cookin’ community and members are welcome to take home all the delicious leftovers.
For young people aged 18-25.
The program runs from 4 pm to 6pm on these dates during Term 2:
- 2 May
- 9 May
- 16 May
- 23 May
- 30 May
- 6 June
Location: Boroondara Youth Hub, Level 1, 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122.
Registrations are essential.
Submit a participation form-external site
For more information, contact Boroondara Youth on (03) 9278 4608.
Skittles Program
Looking for an inclusive space to connect with other young people aged 12 to 17 that identify with LGBQTIA+ communities?
Come and hang out with the Skittles crew for a fun, free, relaxed and supportive group and enjoy activities, chats and food.
The Skittles Program will be returning Term 2, 2023. The program will be held fortnightly on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 5:30 pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday 26 April
- Wednesday 10 May
- Wednesday 24 May
- Wednesday 7 June
- Wednesday 21 June.
You do not need to register to attend this program.
For more information, email us at [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4608.
Studio Skills
Studio Skills is a 6-week program for young people aged 13 to 25, which uses the sound recording studio at the Boroondara Youth Hub.
Whether you are a beginner or keen to work on your material, you will have complete access to our studio, computer, software (Ableton Live 11) and recording equipment. Our experts will support you to capture your ideas, build your sound and experiment with your work.
The program runs from 4 pm to 6pm on these dates during term 2:
- 5 May
- 12 May
- 19 May
- 26 May
- 2 June
- 9 June
Submit a participation form-external site
For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by emailing [email protected] or calling (03) 9278 4608.
Recording sessions
Recording Sessions are 2-hour sessions with a music expert, designed to help young people aged 13 to 25 to record music.
Whether you’re recording music for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll have complete access to our studio, equipment and support to share your sound with the world.
The program runs from 4 pm to 6pm on these dates during Term 2:
- 10 May
- 24 May
- 7 June
Submit a participation form-external site
For more information, contact Boroondara Youth by emailing [email protected] or calling (03) 9278 4608.
Cookin’ International Beets with Swinburne University
Cookin’ International Beets is a cooking program for Swinburne University international students that focuses on good times, great music and connecting with one another while creating fantastic food.
Available for international students aged 18 to 25.
This program will be returning in Term 4.
Location: Boroondara Youth Hub, Level 1, 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122.
For more information, contact Boroondara Youth on (03) 9278 4608.
Boroondara Youth Voice
The Youth Reference Group, known as Boroondara Youth Voice, is a program designed to engage local young people, providing them with an opportunity to advocate for a youth voice. Young people aged 10 to 25 years old are invited to apply to participate.
The purpose of the group is to ensure that young people in Boroondara are heard and valued. It also provides them with opportunities to develop leadership skills and take part in community and civic events.
Objectives of the group include:
- Providing young people with the opportunity to actively contribute to, participate in and benefit from civic and social activities in the community
- Actively participating in local government planning and decision-making
- Organising events and other opportunities for young people in the City of Boroondara as outlined in the Children and Young People’s Action Plan.
Applications have closed for 2023.
For more information, contact our Youth Engagement Officer by emailing [email protected], or calling us on (03) 9278 4608.
Victorian Youth Parliament 2023
Do you have an interest in politics? Do you want to have your voice heard at the highest levels of the Victorian Government?
Youth Parliament is a program run by YMCA Youth Services that gives young people a chance to be heard at the highest levels of the Victorian Government. Through this program, young people between the ages of 16 and 25 can share their views on a wide range of issues relevant to their lives.
Youth Parliamentarians are supported in writing a bill which addresses a state-based issue that they would like to see changed or added into Victorian legislation. Bills are introduced into the Youth Parliament, debated, and voted upon during the sitting week held in the chambers of Parliament House, Victoria.
In 2022, our team successfully debated a Bill on Effective E-Waste Management.
Applications have closed for 2023.
Solar Productions
Solar Productions enables young peoples’ participation in community life through leading the planning, development and delivery of music and cultural events.
Designed for young people aged 12 to 25, the Solar Productions Committee plan and runs music, art and cultural events in the City of Boroondara that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free. The Solar Productions Committee meets every Monday afternoon at the Boroondara Youth Hub to discuss and plan Solar Productions events.
To get involved:
- Join the Solar Productions Committee to help plan events.
- Attend a Solar Productions event and help support our young artists and event organisers. Check out our youth events and activities for current Solar Productions events or visit the Boroondara Youth Facebook page-external site.
The program is currently open for expression of interest and is planned to resume in early 2022. If you'd like to join the program, email [email protected] to let us know you are interested.
Submit a participation form-external site
Solar Productions is funded by the City of Boroondara and FReeZA. FReeZA is a Victorian Government initiative that supports young Victorians to get involved in their community by planning and running drug, alcohol and smoke-free events for other young people. You can learn more about this initiative on the Youth Central Victoria website-external site.
Play at a Solar Productions event
We are always looking for new acts of all genres, including acoustic and solo performers.
Submit a gig expression of interest form
For more information, email [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4608.
Employment support
Do you need support with education, training and employment? Boroondara Youth, JobCo and Job Advocates are here to help you.
JobCo-external site is available every Tuesday from 2–5 pm at the Youth Hub.
Job Advocates-external site is available the first and third Thursday of every month from 3–5 pm.
Individual participation grants
Individual participation grants help disadvantaged community members participate in sport and recreation.
You can apply for up to 75% of annual sports club fees (capped at $200), subject to availability.
Funding is paid directly to your sports club, which will then reduce your registration fee.
Apply for an Individual Participation Grant
For more information, contact Boroondara Youth at [email protected] or on (03) 9278 4608.