National Youth Advisory Council 2025 applications
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National Youth Advisory Council 2025 applications

Orygen is looking for 15 young people to join our National Youth Advisory Council (YAC) in 2025 

Orygen is looking for 15 young people from across Australia to join Orygen's national Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for a two-year term as members. Young people are experts in helping us shape our services, research and advocacy to be more effective and beneficial for young people we serve. The purpose of the YAC is to advise Orygen on implementing Orygen’s new strategic plan and provide valuable advice on services, programs and research. 

There are 15 YAC positions in 2025 including up to three identified First Nations YAC positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. 

  • APPLICATIONS EXTENDED:  Orygen is now accepting applications up until 11:59PM AEDT Tuesday 31 December, 2024. See below to apply. 

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for young people aged 18–25 who: 

  • have lived or living experience with mental ill-health, or 
  • are passionate about youth mental health, or 
  • have an interest in research related to youth mental health. 

We’re seeking to create a YAC that reflects the diversity of young people across Australia. We encourage applications from young people across Australia, particularly those who identify with the following: 

  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young people  
  • young people living in rural, regional or remote areas 
  • neurodivergent young people 
  • young people with a disability 
  • young people with experiences of homelessness, housing instability or financial hardship 
  • young people from cultural and racial minorities 
  • young people who did not complete year 12 and/or do not have experiences of tertiary education 
  • LGBTQIA+ young people  
  • young people from a refugee or migrant background. 

Click here to read the YAC member position description and here to read the First Nations YAC member position description.

What’s in it for you?

As a YAC member, you will: 

  • receive training and ongoing support from Orygen’s Youth Participation Team to develop your skills and knowledge 
  • receive honorariums (monetary gift!) in recognition of your contributions 
  • have travel costs covered for two in-person weekend meetings each year in Melbourne 
  • gain valuable experience to add to your resume 
  • have the chance to develop your leadership skills, build a network, and contribute to a more positive future for Australian young people. 

First Nations Identified YAC Positions 

Orygen is looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to apply for one of our dedicated First Nations YAC positions. This is a chance to amplify the voices of First Nations young people on our National YAC and collaborate with fellow council members to develop strategies and advice that address the challenges faced by First Nations youth, particularly in youth mental health. You will also will receive cultural support and guidance from Orygen’s First Nations team and have opportunities to connect with other First Nations staff and youth.  

Am I eligible for a First Nations position? 
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young person aged 18–25 and have a strong understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues, we encourage you to apply. 

How will Orygen select YAC members? 

Orygen’s selection is based on your responses to the application form, which includes questions about: 

  • your background, interests, and reasons for applying 
  • the skills, values and experiences that would make you a strong fit for the YAC 
  • your commitment to participating in the opportunity 
  • the challenges that young people in your community face. 

YAC members should be comfortable: 

  • communicating ideas and feedback in a group setting 
  • collaborating with others from diverse backgrounds 
  • providing constructive input to help shape Orygen’s initiatives. 

YAC members should be ready to: 

  • commit four hours per month over the two-year term (with flexibility for more involvement as opportunities arise) 
  • join monthly virtual meetings and attend two in-person weekend gatherings in Melbourne each year. 

How do I apply? 

Applications are now open!

You don’t need to provide a resumé to apply! 

You may also be asked to take part in a virtual interview (over Zoom). 

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, check out our FAQs page or email Sophia and Shenei from the Youth Participation team at [email protected].