Councils call for young voices on Youth Advisory Board

Published on 06 May 2026

Young people across the region are being encouraged to step forward and have their voices heard through the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a collaborative initiative with Moyne and Warrnambool City Councils running for its second year. 

Applications for YAB are now open, with anyone aged 16-25 who lives, works, studies or plays in Moyne or Warrnambool invited to apply.

Members will meet every month and receive $35 per hour to discuss upcoming Council projects, providing a platform for young people to work directly with council representatives and contribute to decisions on issues that matter to them and their communities.

Running for its second year, members of the group have an opportunity to share ideas, provide feedback and advocate for issues they are passionate about.

YAB participants build valuable personal and professional skills through training and workshops focused on leadership and advocacy, helping to build confidence and strengthen future career pathways.

Moyne Shire Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said that the continuation of the group had a positive impact on all residents across the Shires. 

“Young people are a vital part of our community, and their participation makes for better outcomes for everyone,” said Cr Lockett.

“The Moyne and Warrnambool Youth Advisory Board ensures that young voices are not only heard but actively considered in council decision-making,” he said.

“I encourage young people to give it a crack - step forward, speak up, and make your mark on our communities.” 

Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said that the first year had been a big success.

"The feedback we've had from the young people involved is that they've really valued being able to share their thoughts on a really wide range of areas to help make sure the needs of our region's youth remain front of mind," he said.

"As Councils we've gained a lot from their insights, and the young people themselves have really benefitted a lot as well from connecting with their peers and helping to shape the future of Warrnambool and Moyne, both in the short-term, as well as with some of our long-term plans and projects.”

"I'm really looking forward to working with the Youth Advisory Board in the year ahead, and if you'd like to be a part of it, we'd love to hear from you."

All the feedback from the Youth Advisory Board is taken seriously. Last year, members were invited to have their say on a range of projects, such as the Koroit Youth Space, the Moyne Aquatic Strategy, the Active Warrnambool Strategy, and even programming for this year’s Lighthouse Theatre shows.

Funding for the program is through the Victorian Government’s Engage! Program.

The program begins in June 2026, with members committing to take part for one year. 

Young people can find more information and submit an expression of interest online, at www.moyne.vic.gov.au/YAB