Giving Young Victorians Voice

VIC Premier

The Allan Labor Government is helping young Victorians have a say on what matters to them, inviting diverse and passionate young leaders to apply for the 2025 Victorian Youth Congress.

Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman today opened applications for the 2025 Victorian Youth Congress, a group of young people aged 12 to 25 who work with the Labor Government to make sure a youth perspective is embedded in policies and decisions that affect Victoria’s young people.

Congress members will have an opportunity to learn about government, influence change, develop professional skills and build networks with other young people passionate about making a difference.

Previous experience working with government is not required and young Victorians from rural, regional and metropolitan areas are encouraged to apply to join the congress.

This highly successful program sees members appointed for a one-year term before having the option to extend for a second year.

Youth Congress members have played a key role since 2020 in developing the Labor Government Our promise, Your future Youth Strategy 2022-2027 – designed to improve the health, wellbeing and future of young people in Victoria.

Congress members have also recently been involved in design and testing of YouthNav – a new online platform developed by the Labor Government with input from young people to help them navigate important aspects of life with an online platform that is fun to use and includes information about a range of topics.

Applications to join the 2025 Victorian Youth Congress are open until 15 October 2024.

For more information about the Victorian Youth Congress, or to apply visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/apply-2025-victorian-youth-congress.

As stated by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman

“We are proud to help young Victorians to be heard and influence change and decision-making on the issues that matter to them.”

“Our Youth Congress is open to young Victorians from all walks of life and parts of the state – their diverse perspectives and experiences will shape our work to support young people.”

As stated by Victorian Youth Congress Member Jiawen (Yannee) Liu

“It has been an incredibly eye-opening and empowering experience being part of the Victorian Youth Congress over the past 12 months – especially getting the chance to co-design and conduct prototype testing of the YouthNav platform.”

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