Applications open in March 2025. To be invited to apply, please enter your email address below.
The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) plays an important role in advising the NSW Government on issues that are relevant to young people across the state.
12 young people aged 12-24 who live in NSW, are appointed to the YAC for a one-year term. The YAC meets regularly throughout the year to provide advice directly to relevant Ministers, and the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, on issues, policies and laws that affect children and young people in NSW.
All young people living in NSW, who are aged between 12 to 24 during the year they will be a member, may apply.
It is important the YAC represents the diverse experiences and perspectives of children and young people in NSW. Applications are sought from children and young people from all backgrounds and life experiences.
ACYP offers support and adjustments to make sure all children and young people can participate. If you have any questions about the support you might need to participate, please feel free to contact the office on 9248 0970, or acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au.
The YAC meets once every 4-6 weeks throughout the year to discuss a range of topics, get your feedback, and monitor and evaluate polices and legislation affecting children and young people in NSW.
Most of these meetings are in person at our office in Sydney, with travel costs covered by ACYP. Some of these meetings are online to progress work between meetings.
Members also consult with children and young people, community groups and government agencies on issues concerning children and young people, and conduct forums, approved by the Minister on issues relevant to children and young people.
If you are successful in progressing to the next stage, you will be notified by email and invited to attend an in-person recruitment day in Sydney. ACYP will cover travel cost for young people who are invited to attend the recruitment event.
The 2026 YAC will have their first meeting at the end of 2025. YAC meetings are scheduled on weekends, every 4-6 weeks. It is a requirement that YAC members commit to attending all scheduled meetings (to the best of their ability) during their one-year term.
You will complete an online application form. You will have the opportunity to submit either a written or video response to the application questions.
This page will be updated with more information about how to apply when applications open.
If you have any questions feel free to contact the office on 02 9248 0970, or acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au
P: 02 9248 0970
NSW Advocate for Children and Young People
Ground Floor, 219-241 Cleveland Street, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
NSW Advocate for Children and Young People
Locked Bag 5000, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
The Advocate for Children and Young People is under the DCJ ABN 36 433 875 185.
P: 02 9248 0943 or 0439 346 249
Follow the link below to register so you can receive updates and invitations from the Advocate
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future.
Informed by lessons of the past, ACYP is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.