Shout. Share. Live. Unite.
National Youth Week (NYW) is an annual feature on Australia’s youth calendar. Youth weeks have existed in some states and territories for quite a few years, but until 2000, there wasn’t a national event that all young Australians could call their own.
National Youth Week 2009 will take place from 28 March - 5 April 2009. Grants open on 1 October 2008.
NYW receives widespread support from Australia’s young people, as well as Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local governments, community organisations, the media and the private sector. With a different theme every year, NYW is a nationwide showcase for the talents, creativity and commitment of young Australians to improving the lifestyle of future generations of young people. NYW also celebrates Australia’s vibrant youth culture with a myriad of sports, arts and cultural activities being held in local communities.
The Office of Children and Youth Affairs (OCYA) coordinates NYW events in Tasmania. A Steering Committee has been established with representatives from key stakeholder groups including the non-government youth sector, local government and the State Government. Funding to conduct events during NYW is provided by OCYA through two grants programs; one for local government, Australian Government and non-government organisations, and a small grants program for secondary schools and colleges.
Objectives
National Youth Week:
- gives young people aged 12-25 an opportunity to express their ideas and views, raise issues of concern to them, act on issues which affect their lives and create and enjoy entertainment
- gives the wider community the opportunity to listen to young people - acknowledge and celebrate the positive contributions made by their efforts and achievements
- promotes a community focus on issues of concern to young people.
2008
The theme for NYW 2008 was: Celebrate and recognise the value of all young Australians to their communities.
The theme was explored by:
- showcasing young peoples' talents, contributions and achievements
- promoting a positive image of young people
- ensuring youth participation in planning and development of all NYW activities
- acknowledging the common interests of young people as well as their diverse backgrounds and circumstances
- enabling young people to express their ideas and be heard.
The Office of Children and Youth Affairs runs two grants programs providing funding for National Youth Week events and activities:
- NYW Secondary Schools and Colleges Grants Program NYW Grants Program
- Local government and non-government organisations can receive one of two levels of grants to deliver events or activities:
- Level 1 for events and activities up to $2,000
- Level 2 for a regional super event (one per region) up to $6,000.
Download the list of successful applicants for 2008
(PDF, 141KB)
2009
National Youth Week 2009 will take place from 28 March - 5 April 2009. Grants open on 1 October 2008.
Previous years
Read the reports on previous National Youth Weeks.
Further information: