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.
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.
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.
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 Tuesday 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 12-17 years, supervised by qualified youth workers.
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.
BYZ runs every second Wednesday from 4pm-6pm during school terms.
Location: Ballan Recreation Reserve, Cowie St & Atkinson St, Ballan VIC 3342
YAG, also referred to as Youth Council, 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 at Studio 22.
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!
Any questions? Get in touch with our team!
To attend one of the YAG sessions, click on the link below.
FReeZA delivers events and learning opportunities for young people in creative arts, recreational activities, and cultural celebrations. The Youth Services team support the FReeZA 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 FReeZA committee – get in touch with our Youth Services team and keep an eye out on our socials for announcements.
If you are a performer, band, artist or creative and would like the opportunity to play live music, deliver a workshop, or exhibit your art at our FReeZA events, complete the expression of interest form below.
Have you ever dreamt of being a muso playing in a rock 'n' roll band? Or perhaps just learning how to strum a few chords on a guitar?
Through our FReeZA program, we offer FREE weekly guitar lessons during the school term for young people aged 12-25 who live, work or study in Moorabool Shire.
BYO guitar or hire one for free.
Darley Guitar
Date and Time: Tuesday, weekly, 4pm-5:30pm
Location: Studio 22, Darley Civic & Community Hub,182 Halletts Way, Darley VIC 3340
To register your attendance at one of these lessons, click the link below!
Ballan Guitar
Date and Time: Wednesday, fortnightly, 4:30pm-6pm
Location: Ballan Recreation Reserve, Cowie St & Atkinson St, Ballan VIC 3342
To register your attendance at one of these lessons, click the link below!
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 register your attendance, click the link below!
The Youth Engagement Support (YES) program is facilitated by our Youth Services team and works with young people between the ages of 12-25 who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging with education and employment pathways.
A team of experienced youth workers at Moorabool Shire Council deliver the program in a fun and holistic manner, focusing on health and wellbeing, community participation, education, training and career pathways. An evidence-based approach to youth engagement, participation and wellbeing is utilised, ensuring young people are best supported through one-on-one case management and group sessions.
Young people can self-refer or be referred to the YES program by a range of service providers and community members, including but not limited to local primary and secondary schools, law enforcement, parents and carers and youth support agencies. Download the YES Program Referral Form below and email to youthservices@moorabool.vic.gov.au
YES Program Referral Form(DOCX, 76KB)
For more information or for referral support contact us.
Our Youth Holiday Program runs during each school holidays and has a range of activities for young people across the 12-25 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!
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.
Any upcoming events will be listed below.