Join a youth program

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.

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.

The program runs from 4 pm to 6pm on these dates during Term 1:

• 7 March
• 14 March
• 21 March
• 28 March
• 4 April
• 11 April 

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.

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.

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.

Please note: expressions of interest closed on 25 January 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.