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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:

1. NYW Secondary Schools and Colleges Grants Program NYW Grants Program
2. 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:

• Print-friendly view
• Print page
• Site A-Z

Resources

• Linkzone
• Youth Service Providers Database
• Children and Young People in Tasmania - Information
• Publications
• Useful links
• Grants