Programs and Events

School Holidays Programs

Council empowers local young people to organise school holiday programs that meet their needs and interests. Get in touch with us if you have an idea and we can help you bring it to life. 

Victorian Youth Week

Victorian Youth Week is celebrated in April each year and councils can apply for funding from the State Government to run programs and events that recognise, celebrate and showcase the talents of young people. Watch this space early in the year to see what we have in store for Victorian Youth Week. 

L2P Program

The VicRoads L2P - Learner Driver Mentor Program assists learners under 21 years of age, who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence. Young people are matched with fully licensed volunteer mentors and have access to a sponsored vehicle, which they can use to get supervised driving experience. L2P is free for eligible young people and is funded by the Transport Accident Commission. For more information visit the website https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ps/get-your-ps/preparing-for-your-licence-test/l2p-learner-driver-mentor-program

Young Citizen of the Year Award

Council recognises the achievements and contributions of local young people through the annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony. Nominations are sort in November. If you know an outstanding young person nominate them for the Young Citizen of the Year Award by emailing mark.decampo@gplains.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5220 7106

Work Experience

Council provides four work experience placements for local young people each year. For more information or to apply for a week long work experience placement please email mark.decampo@gplains.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5220 7106

FReeZA programs

The FReeZA program is an innovative youth development program that provides opportunities for young Victorians aged 12-25 across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria to enjoy live band gigs, dance parties and other cultural, recreational and artistic events that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free in supervised and safe venues.

A key youth initiative under the Victorian Government’s ‘Turning the Tide’ drug and alcohol strategy, FReeZA was established in 1997 to provide affordable and accessible music and cultural events in safe venues for young people and to give local performers development and regular performance opportunities.

Through grants provided by the Victorian Government, young people have the opportunity to become a part of a FReeZA committee to make decisions and lead in the staging of events, whilst also broadening networks within the community by connecting with local businesses, schools and other organisations.

Being a part of a FReeZA committee also builds self-confidence, creates and develops professional relationships, and provides opportunities to explore various education and employment pathways in the music industry.

As well as developing new skills, the FReeZA program also provides important performance opportunities for local musicians and emerging artists to showcase their talents through state-wide competitions such as the annual FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands.

The other types of events also staged by local FReeZA committees include staging of live band gigs, BMX/Skate comps, Hip Hop showcases, art and short film competitions, DJ dance events, theatre productions and local community, music and youth festivals.

To learn more about Golden Plains Shires FReeZA program or to register please contact the Youth Development Team via mark.decampo@gplains.vic.gov.au or karl.kasbach@gplains.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5220 7106 or (03) 5220 7177

Engage! programs

Engage! is part of the Victorian Government’s vision that every young person should have the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential, including those who are faced with disadvantages.

Engage! 2018–20 offers funding of between $90,000 to $150,000 over three years to local governments and community organisations to work with young people to develop and deliver activities that engage young people in their local community.

Engage! funds organisations that support young Victorians aged 12–25 years of age to:

• have a greater connection to and active participation in their local community
• build their skills and knowledge, and pathways to employment, training and education
• improve their health and wellbeing and social connections to friends, family and the community.

Engage! supports the Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to better connect young people with their communities, as outlined in the Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement.

Golden Plains Shire has been the recipient of Engage! funding and offers the following programs:

• Secondary School Community Projects: Opportunities for young people to select projects that matter to them and volunteer in their local communities

• Youth Leadership Project: 6 month leadership project delivered by the Western Bulldogs Football Club for young people in years 8, 9 and 10

• Intergenerational Project: Short term employment program where young people teach the elderly how to use technology

• Transition and Pathways Project: Delivered in partnership with Federation University, Year 6 students across the Shire are taught how to manage the sometimes challenging transition from primary to secondary school

• Work Experience: Youth Development offers 2 work experience positions per year for local young people looking to increase their knowledge and skills in the Youth Development sector

• Innovation Hub and Training Site: Dedicated space for local young people to receive training and mentoring from business professionals

• School Holiday Projects: A variety of free initiatives are offered across the year during the school holidays including movie nights, gaming workshops and excursions

• Youth Friendly spaces: Working with community centres and groups to provide safe and inclusive places and spaces for local young people across the Shire

• Youth Communications: Encouraging and supporting local young people to develop communications platforms to better reach and connect with other young people across the Shire

To learn more about Golden Plains Shires Engage! program or to register for one of the projects please contact the Youth Development Team via mark.decampo@gplains.vic.gov.au or karl.kasbach@gplains.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5220 7106 or (03) 5220 7177