Join a youth program

Cookin’ Beets is a cooking program for young people that focuses on building life skills, social connections and wellbeing in a fun and relaxed environment. The program helps provide young people with the knowledge, education and confidence to make delicious and nutritious food with affordable ingredients, such as sushi, tacos and burgers.

The program is open to young people aged 18 to 25. No experience is necessary. Just bring an appetite and a willingness to get cooking.

Cookin’ Beets registration is currently closed.

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.

Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people? A free fitness program is available for international students aged 18 to 25. Try a variety of exercise classes in a fun and supportive environment, led by experienced instructors. It’s a great opportunity to stay active, connect with others, and explore different ways to move.

Location: Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 1 Grace St, Hawthorn VIC 3122

Time: 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Dates:

• Friday 2 May
• Friday 9 May
• Friday 16 May
• Friday 23 May
• Friday 30 May
• Friday 6 June

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

This program is delivered in partnership with The Y.

Register now.

Unleash your creativity with the Bloom Podcast crew! This program is your gateway to learning how to craft, produce, record​ and promote podcasts. Whether you're new to podcasting or have a passion for storytelling, this program offers everything you need to bring your ideas to life.

What you’ll gain:

• Hands-on experience in workshops, brainstorming​ and development sessions.
• Free access to high-quality recording equipment in the Boroondara Youth studio.
• Collaboration with the Bloom Podcast crew to create podcasts on topics you’re passionate about.

No prior experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to create!

The Bloom Podcast is proudly created by young people, for young people in Boroondara. Explore the episodes produced through this program by visiting our Bloom podcast page.

Registrations for Bloom Podcast are currently closed.

Please contact Boroondara Youth for more information on (03) 9278 4608.

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

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

Studio Skills is a 6-week music production program for young people aged 15 to 25, delivered from the sound recording studio at the Boroondara Youth Hub.

In this hands-on program, participants will create beats, layer instruments, and mix vocals with the guidance of a professional producer. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your sound, you'll have full access to our studio, computer, Ableton Live 11 software​ and recording equipment.

Our expert will support you in capturing ideas, building your sound​ and experimenting with your music in a creative and supportive environment

Registrations for Studio Skills are currently closed but the program will return later in 2025. 

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

Get creative at Craft Club – a free 8-week arts and crafts program for young people aged 12 to 17.

Each week, you’ll explore different hands-on activities like papier-mâché, painting, pottery, and more in a fun and welcoming space. No experience needed—just bring your creativity!

All materials are provided.

Registrations are essential.

Register here

Zine Club is a creative space for 16 to 25-year-olds to explore zine-making, collaborate, and express themselves. Whether you enjoy collage, writing, or DIY culture, this is a place to experiment and share ideas. All materials are provided, and everyone is welcome—just bring your creativity!

Register now

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 2024, our team successfully debated a Bill on Student Public Transport Concession, and guess what — it was passed!

Youth Parliament typically meet on Wednesday's across Term 1 and Term 2, 2025.

Expressions of interest for 2025 have now closed.

Youth Voice, Council’s youth reference group, is a program designed to engage local young people, providing them with an opportunity to advocate for a youth voice. Young people aged 12 to 17 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 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
• actively participating in local government planning and decision-making
• developing youth led initiatives and projects
• participating in activities which build their skills and knowledge.

The group meets fortnightly on Mondays, from February to November during school term. Throughout the year, young people work on various projects and initiatives relevant to young people in Boroondara. Past members have had the opportunity to:

• attend Council meetings
• meet and greet the CEO, Mayor and Councillors
• participate in consultations with Council departments to provide a young person’s perspective, including Heritage Planning, Strategic Communications​ and Volunteering
• have their say in the Boroondara Community Plan consultations, helping shape the future of Boroondara by sharing what’s most important to them and other young people
• undertake training opportunities facilitated by the Y.

Download our Youth Voice Terms of Reference (PDF).

Registrations for Youth Voice are now closed for 2025.

Join the Youth Awards Panel!

Are you aged 10 to 25 and looking to build your skills, contribute your perspective and be part of something that celebrates young people in our community?

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the 2025 Youth Awards panel and help recognise the young people and the organisations and professionals supporting them to thrive.

This is a meaningful opportunity to:

• Develop leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Gain experience in ethical evaluation and group collaboration.
• Build confidence in contributing to shared decision-making.
• Deepen your understanding of local opportunities and the people creating change.

As a panel member, you’ll review nominations, assess impact and engage in thoughtful discussions to help select the award recipients. You’ll be supported every step of the way—no prior experience needed.

Panel meeting dates:

• 1st meeting: 5 June 2025 - 4:30 pm - 6 pm @ Hub
• 2nd meeting: 12 June 2025 - 4:30 pm - 6 pm @ Hub
• 3rd meeting: 19 June 2025 - 4:30 pm - 6 pm @ Hub
• 4th meeting: 26 June 2025 - 4:30 pm - 6 pm @ Hub
• 5th meeting: 3 July 2025 - 4:30 pm - 6 pm @ Hub
• 6th meeting: 10 July 2025 - 4:30 pm - 6 pm @ Hub

Minimum attendance = 4

Register here