Youth Programs

The Golden Plains Youth Council is a committed group of young people aged 12 to 25 years who provide the Youth Development team and rest of the Golden Plains Shire with valuable insights into the needs, opinions, strengths and challenges of young people across Golden Plains. 

Established in 2025 from the previously named 'Youth Activation Committee', the Youth Council is an official advisory body to Council, providing contemporary insights and consultation on what it is to be a young person across Golden Plains today.

Being part of the Youth Council provides young people with the opportunity for social connection, development of leadership skills and an avenue to advocate and influence on issues that are important to them. 

The Youth Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 5 to 7pm. 

Overview

• The Youth Council aims to maintain a diverse committee, comprised of young people from across the expanse of Golden Plains.
• The Youth Council provides a platform where young people’s voices can reach the ears of decision makers, members will do this by listening to their peers; who hold the key to issues that are important to young people in Golden Plains.
• Members meet monthly online or in person, to lead their own advocacy plans that make will make a positive difference to our Golden Plains Community.
• The Youth Council presents a report to Council twice yearly to provide Councillors with contemporary information important to young people in Golden Plains.
• Youth Council members are asked to join for a minimum of two years, with the option to extend based on places.
• The Youth Council provides a consultive service for Council and external organisations to advise a youth perspective on issues and planning documents.
• The Youth Council develops an Action Agenda each year that provides a framework for their advocacy and consultations across the year. 
• The Youth Council provides its members with leadership development and opportunities to build professional networks. 

Terms of Reference

Click here to view the Youth Council Terms of Reference 

Eligibility Criteria

• You must live, study, work, access services or have a significant connection to Golden Plains Shire. 
• Be 12 to 24 years at the time of application.
• You must be available to attend 8o% of meetings, which are held both online and in person (however we aim to be as flexible as possible to promote inclusivity).
• Submit Parent/Guardian consent if under 18.
• Have a valid working with children’s check if over 18, or obtain as soon as possible if turning 18 as a member.
• Self-nominations are encouraged.

How to Apply

• Fill out the online application form
• Email [email protected], phone 5220 7111, or drop into the Youth Hub during service hours for assistance in completing your application.

Apply Now

Operating out of the Golden Plains Youth Hub, Golden Plains Youth drop-in sessions are for young people aged 12 to 25 years. The sessions run from 3.30 to 6pm on Monday through Thursday afternoons, during the school term (except for the last week of each term).

During drop-in session, healthy snacks are provided, and young people can get involved in a range of activities including, console gaming (Mario Kart battles), art and craft, listening to music, reading, study, playing a range of available musical instruments, kicking the footy or playing giant rainbow Jenga!

2024 Term Program

With youth workers always available to support young people, the Golden Plains Youth Hub is a safe and inclusive space for all.

Participants of all Golden Plains Youth programs, including Drop-In sessions, are required to return an enrolment form completed by their parent/guardian before they attend programs.

Enrolment Form

The Golden Plains Youth Development Team offer a range of exciting and fun holiday programs designed in partnership with young people. 

There are a diverse range of programs each school holidays, catering to different interests and abilities. Some of these activities may include, pop up BBQs, skate sessions, art and craft projects, music or technology programs and other activities including pathway programs such as barista skills or Responsible Service of Alcohol training.

All programs are safe and inclusive and supervised by staff from the Youth Development team.

Learn More

FUSE (Amplify Crew) is a committee of young people aged 12–25 who lead the way in planning, designing, and running safe, fun, youth friendly events for the Golden Plains community.

Participants gain practical, hands-on experience across a range of areas including event management, marketing and promotion, and sound and lighting production. The program also offers valuable mentoring and networking opportunities. Applications are now open apply here.

Amplify Events Council officers support FUSE to help make five local youth led events happen each year by making sure each event is safe, inclusive and fun.

Amplify Mentorship We offer one on one mentoring for young people - this will be tailored to what’s happening in the Golden Plains community and what young people tell us they need. It’s about giving you the right help, at the right time.

The Golden Plains Youth Development Team are committed to providing programs and projects across Golden Plains Shire to engage young people in their local communities. 

Council understand that young people belong to vast and varied towns across the Shire and it is essential that all young people are able to participate in services and programs no matter where they live.

The Youth Development team will work with communities and their young people to develop programs across the school terms for young people aged 12 to 25 to participate in. Programs may include art workshops, sports and recreation activities, hang out spaces and will always be designed to provide opportunities for social connection.

If you have an idea for a program that you would like run in your community, or can offer young people in your area a valued and fun experience, please contact the Youth Development team. 

The Golden Plains Youth Development team recognises that pathways opportunities for young people across the Shire are limited and seek to address this by providing a range of accredited and non-accredited training, resume and job search support, life skills training and tertiary work placement to improve local young people’s pathways opportunities.

There will be an exciting new creative program starting soon. Register your interest in creative programs for young people by emailing [email protected]