Every year, we look for 12 young people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about addressing the issues impacting children and young people in NSW.
Please watch the application form tutorial and read the FAQs below to learn more about the application form and process.
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.
Here are some examples of work YAC members have contributed to:
What skills can you develop through the YAC?
All young people living in NSW, who are aged between 12-24 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 02 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 on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. 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 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.
The application form is at the bottom of this page. You will have the opportunity to submit either a written or video response to the application questions below.
We ask that you don’t use AI to write your answers. Please answer questions n your own words, we want to know who you are, your personality and your experiences.
Once you start the application form, you will need to complete it in one go. We encourage you to read the advice below and prepare your responses before starting the application form. It should take you about 10 minutes to complete the rest of the application form.
Written application
Before starting the application form. We recommend you prepare your answers in a word document and then copy and paste them into the application when you are ready.
Video application
Before starting the application form, you will need to record your responses to the application questions below and upload your video to YouTube.
You will be asked to paste the link to your unlisted YouTube video clip into the application form.
YAC application questions
You must answer BOTH of the questions in your application:
Question one: Tell us about yourself.
In your answer please include the following:
Question two: What do you think is an important issue affecting children and young people in NSW? Please explain one of your ideas that would help solve this issue.
In your answer provide:
As a guide, your answer to each question should be no more than 300 words for written submissions OR no longer than 5 minutes total for video applications.
If you need any assistance with completing the application, please contact the office on 02 9248 0970, or acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au.
If you would like to be informed when applications open for the 2027 Youth Advisory Council, please subscribe to our newsletter.
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
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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.
