Central Coast Council is recruiting for its unique youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (or Y4Y) Action Team to help build a brighter future for Central Coast community for generations to come.

Applications are now open for this once in a lifetime opportunity to join the 2024 Y4Y Action Team – a group of 12 young people, aged 15-24, connecting like-minded individuals who care about community challenges and want to work together to develop meaningful solutions that create positive change.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program engages young people, empowering them to take action, be advocates for their peers and provide advice on Council initiatives from a young person’s perspective.

“Now in its fifth year, the Y4Y Action Team has developed a thriving network in the local youth sector committed to working with Council to continue to create positive change and shape a thriving, dynamic Central Coast community guided by the Central Coast Youth Strategy,” Ms Smith said.

“The Y4Y leadership program equips young people with essential skills like communication, teamwork, project delivery and problem-solving.  Specifically, the team works together to deliver three actions based on key themes in the Central Coast Youth Strategy.”

“Last year’s Y4Y Action Team produced a series of resources to build awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community called ‘Voices of the Rainbow’, along with engaging local young people to design artwork for Kariong Skate Park, facilitated workshops educating young people on how they can turn their passion into a paycheck and played a pivotal role in the planning of Youth Week 2023.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council is committed to empowering young people by providing pathways to lifelong learning opportunities.

“Young people enrich the life of our community – and are our future leaders. Making sure they are included in community life and local decision-making creates a more vibrant Central Coast – socially, culturally and economically,” Mr Hart said.

“Council would also like to thank the local youth sector, who work hard to support young people on the Central Coast every day. We value your experience, knowledge, ideas and opinions and Council is excited to continue the strong partnerships to make the Central Coast an even better place for young people.”

Applications for the 2024 Y4Y leadership program are open now and close 5pm Friday 17 November 2023, with successful applicants announced in December.

To join the Y4Y Action Team visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and register to become a young leader of tomorrow.