Youth services

Overview

Our mission is to build a community that is respectful, inclusive and supportive of all young people. We believe through listening to and valuing the voice of young people we will encourage their independence and success.

Our youth services are aimed at young people aged 11-25 years who live, work or study in Moorabool Shire. We have a range of programs, services, and events for all young people in the community. Whether you want to meet other like-minded individuals, or gain support from our dedicated team of youth workers, explore this site to find out how to be involved.

Complete the permission form below to register enrolment at Youth Services programs and events.

Youth Awards

Moorabool Shire Council is committed to recognising and celebrating the inspiring and everyday actions young people undertake within their community. Our young people demonstrate resilience, excellence, compassion and creativity in varied and diverse ways. The opportunity to celebrate that is incredibly meaningful.

The Moorabool Youth Action Group (YAG) proudly present the 2024 Youth Awards with the aim of celebrating young people’s achievements and contributions made within their community. The Youth Awards will acknowledge the actions of young people between the ages of 12-25 that live, work or study in Moorabool Shire. This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to nominate young people who they believe have made a significant contribution within the community or have demonstrated commitment to personal growth.

The theme of ‘Keep Growing’ was identified by the YAG and Youth Services team to encourage the nurturing of young people as the future of our community. In providing the right environment, Moorabool can enable incredible growth and flourishing.

We congratulate the following recipients of the 2024 Moorabool Youth Awards!

Olivia Barwick

Hard Worker: Recognises a young person who has demonstrated a commitment as a volunteer or worker in our community. This person demonstrates dedication to their own skill development and contributes to a positive culture within their organisation or workplace.

Joel Swire

Willpower: Recognises a young person who has demonstrated commitment to their own personal growth. This person has used their actions as a foundation to write their own story.

Jay Bamford

Trailblazer: Recognises a young person who has demonstrated exceptional passion and skill in their academic, sporting, creative, or technical pursuits. This person is a determined learner in their area of interest.

Emma Seeger

Kind Soul: Recognises a young person who has contributed to creating a welcoming and safe community. This person is dedicated to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates all identities.

Grace Strang & Lucy Salmon

Change Maker: Recognises a young person who is driven to make change within their community. This person is aware and active in addressing issues that are important to them and that affect our society.

Michael Harvey-Storer

Team Player: Recognises a young person who has contributed to the success of a team, group, troupe, squad or crew. This person has been a part of a significant and positive outcome resulting from this group’s work.

Youth Spaces

Studio 22 - Darley 

Studio 22 is a space for young people aged 11-17 years, supervised by qualified youth workers.

There is heaps to do! PS4, computers, craft, and games outside. Get your homework done, chat to a youth worker or just hang out.

There's no need to book, but a permission form is required. Complete it online or you can fill out a paper copy in person.

Studio 22 meets on Wednesday from 3.30pm-5.30pm during school terms.

Location: Studio 22, Darley Civic & Community Hub,182 Halletts Way, Darley VIC 3340

 

BYZ - Ballan

BYZ is a space for young people aged 11-17 years, supervised by qualified youth workers. 

BYZ will return to Ballan in 2025 after a short break. Reach out to our team if you have any enquiries about this program!

Snacks, craft and good chats are always provided. Do you like UNO or origami? Perhaps the occasional footy or netball run around?

There's no need to book, but a permission form is required. Complete it online or you can fill out a paper copy in person.

Location: To be confirmed

 

Youth Action Group (YAG)

YAG is a space for young people to express their ideas for our community. It is set up to give youth a voice and engage in the decision-making processes of Council.

The Youth Action Group (YAG) is comprised of young people between the ages of 12-25 who live, study or work in Moorabool Shire. The YAG contains young people who are driven to share their perspectives and contribute to their community. As an action group, the YAG will be a representative voice for the diverse young people in communities across Moorabool.

YAG meets fortnightly during school terms on Monday afternoons from 5-6pm in-person at the Darley Civic & Community Hub, right near Studio 22 and online!

Our Youth Services team is making a huge call-out for young people who are engaged in making a difference to their community – join our YAG!

Find out more about being a member of the YAG by checking out this position description: Youth-Action-Group-YAG-Position-Description-2025.pdf(PDF, 752KB)

Any questions? Get in touch with our team!

To register your interest in joining YAG, click on the link below.

 

Young & Local 

Young & Local delivers events and learning opportunities for young people in creative arts, recreational activities, and cultural celebrations. The Youth Services and Arts and Culture team proudly partner to support the Young & Local committee in the planning and delivery of youth-friendly events that ensure 12–25 year-olds in Moorabool can watch and perform live music, celebrate days of significance, get out and active in community spaces, and flex their creative skills!

To join our Young & Local committee – get in touch with our Youth Services team, keep an eye out on our socials, or fill out the form below!

To learn more about what is in store for Young & Local committee members, check out the position description here:Young-Local-Committee-PD.pdf(PDF, 6MB)

If you are a performer, band, artist or creative and would like the opportunity to play live music, build your song-writing skills, deliver a workshop, or exhibit your art at our Young & Local events, complete the expression of interest form below. 

Social Q

Social Q is a fortnightly youth-led group for young people aged 12-25 to come together, have fun and feel empowered within themselves. Our Youth Services team facilitate an inclusive space for young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ and live, work or study in Moorabool Shire.

Rainbow Network: Rainbow Network | Moorabool LGBTIQA+ youth

To ask us about Social Q, fill out the form linked below!

 

Cooking & Financial Literacy Program

This program aims to empower participants with financial literacy and practical cooking skills to make nutritious meals on a budget. Each week, participants will work together to budget $50, and prepare four different meals.

This 8-week program will run every term this year, and will be an incredible opportunity for young people to develop skills and knowledge to support their independence. 

If you are interested in this program, get in touch with our Youth Services team!

Youth Holiday Program

Our Youth Holiday Program runs during each school holidays and has a range of activities for young people across the 11-17 age range. The Youth Services team brings in ideas from the young people we work with to design each program with the most fun and diversity in mind.

In the past we have run events such as bushwalking, skateboard art, pool parties, and even a silent disco.

Keep an eye on our socials for the upcoming program in the next school holidays!

 

Parallel Wilds

The creation of this project was facilitated by Parallel Wilds, where participants were guided through creative writing, digital photography and videography, 3D imagery, and sound composition.

Through this project, the young people were engaged over a 3-day workshop, where they first captured perspectives of our local environment out at Mackenzie’s Flat. Our Environment & Waste team at Council provided a thought-provoking presentation on the features of the Lerderderg bushland, threats to biodiversity and specifically, to the Powerful Owl. After their day in the field, participants created their narrative about a futuristic world.

Click on the link below to experience The Powerful Owl.

 

Year 7 Transition Program

Our Year 7 Transition Program is a free program for all Grade 6s in Moorabool.

The program will go through what to expect when starting high school, building confidence in making friends, and learning about where to seek support. All while connecting with the youth services team.

Use the link here to take you straight to registration for these sessions. 

View this presentation to find out more about our Year 7 Transition Program and the range of other activities, services and events for young people in Moorabool.

 

Events

Any upcoming events will be listed below.

 Studio 22 Youth Drop-In 

Badge Making

Youth Action Group (YAG)

Young & Local Committee