NSW Youth Advisory Council 2024

What is the NSW Youth Advisory Council?

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.

Membership of the YAC is open to all children and young people between 12 and 24 years of age residing in NSW. Applications are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences.

The 12 member YAC provides a direct avenue of communication between young people and the NSW Government. 

The YAC meets regularly throughout the year to provide advice to the relevant Minister, and the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, on issues, policies and laws that affect children and young people in NSW.

Who is eligible to apply for the Youth Advisory Council?

All young people living in NSW from 12 to 24 years of age may apply. Applications are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences.

What is required of me?

Council members meet once every 4-6 weeks throughout the year to discuss a range of topics and monitor and evaluate polices and legislation affecting children and young people.

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.

Tips for completing your application

You will have the opportunity to submit either a written or video submission.

If you will be submitting a written application, once you start your application you will need to complete it in one go, so you might like to prepare your answers in a word document and then copy and paste them into the application when you are ready. Make sure you answer all questions. The whole application process should take no longer than 10 minutes.

The main questions to prepare for are:

• Question: What do you think are the important issues affecting children and young people in NSW? Please explain why you think these issues are important. (As a guide, your answers should be no more than 250 words.)
• Question: What life experiences have you had which will assist you in contributing to the Youth Advisory Council’s work?
• Question: Details of any current or past voluntary or community activities you have been involved in.
• We'll ask a few questions about you and your background.

If you need any assistance with completing the application, please the office on 9248 0970, or acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au

Applications closed 21 May 2023

To be invited to apply next year, please enter your email address below.

What are some things the YAC has done?

• Provided advice to Government and other agencies, including SafeWork, Women NSW, Revenue NSW, State Library of NSW, Office of Regional Youth, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Education, Disability Council NSW, NSW Health.
• Co-facilitated ACYP events including Children's Week Parliament and the Young Thinking Seminar Series.
• Met regularly with the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People to design and implement consultations with children and young people across NSW.
• Met regularly with the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services.
• Undertook training in advocacy, facilitation, media and cultural awareness.

What skills can I develop through the YAC?

• Communication
• Advocacy
• Facilitation
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Media
• Cultural awareness

Key dates

• 5 April: Applications open
• 21 May: Applications close
• Mid-June: Shortlisted and unsuccessful applicants notified 
• 29 June: Face-to-face recruitment event for shortlisted applicants. This is mandatory for all shortlisted applicants.
• Early-mid August: Successful applicants from face-t-face recruitment event notified
• Early-mid August: Unsuccessful Round 1 applicants notified
• Late August: Recommended applicants notified
• September: Final confirmation of successful applicants.

If you have any questions feel free to contact the office on 9248 0970, or acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au