Join our youth civic participation program

A training and mentorship opportunity for young people to help plan City of Sydney events.

Project Status: In progress

Applications now open
Applications close on Wednesday 14 August 2024

Apply online

Applications close on Wednesday 14 August 2024

Social Programs team

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

We have an exciting opportunity for young people aged 15 to 24 to build transferrable professional skills, increase confidence and make a real impact in the City of Sydney local area through program design.

If you live, work, study or play in the local area, we invite you to join our youth civic participation program.

A group of individuals standing outside a building on a sunny day. One person faces the camera, wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans, with a lanyard. Two others are seen from the side, engaged in conversation. They wear T-shirts with “Youth Xpress” written on them. Behind them, there’s a table with papers and boxes.

About the program

Our youth civic participation program aims to empower young people to have a voice, act on matters that concern them and actively contribute to shaping significant City of Sydney events.

As a participant, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact in your community. By actively participating in the co-design process of Youth Week 2025 and International Day of People with Disability 2024, you can help create inclusive, engaging and impactful events that celebrate the diversity and abilities of young people in our communities.

You’ll gain practical experience in event management, marketing, communication and community engagement. These skills are highly valuable in various professional and personal pursuits, including future employment, volunteering and academic endeavours.

Joining the youth civic participation program offers you the chance to connect and collaborate with other passionate and like-minded young people. Build lasting relationships, exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences. This network of peers will provide support, inspiration and opportunities for future collaborations.

- Have a voice: We want to ensure that your opinions and ideas are heard and taken into consideration in the City of Sydney local area.
- Take action: Make a difference by getting involved in community-based initiatives such as Youth Week, International Day of People with Disability and contributing to digital engagement with young people through our TikTok channel.
- Develop valuable skills: Enhance your teamwork, peer consultation, organisational development, media and communications, marketing and events management skills.
- Run community programs: Gain the knowledge and confidence to organise and lead community activities and programs.
- Be an advocate: Stand up for what you believe in and contribute to community involvement and acceptance, regardless of your identity, social economic standing, intellectual or physical ability.
- Participate and collaborate: Engage in community events and have a say in local government decision-making processes through improved relationships and collaboration.
The program requires a commitment to monthly workshops, training sessions and community events over a 12-month period in 2-hour meetings at a central city location.

It’s not mandatory to attend every session, although all are valuable and some crucial to complete the program and receive your certificate of recognition. You must attend a minimum of 50% of all meetings and commitments to be eligible for the certificate of recognition.

If you discover the program isn’t your thing, that’s fine, just let us know. We can then offer your spot to the next eligible applicant.
Friday 16 August 2024 – All successful applicants will be notified.

Saturday 24 August 2024, 10:30am to 3:30pm – A team building and induction day at the ideas space at Darling Square Library.

Between September 2024 and July 2025 monthly 2-hour meetings will take place from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street Sydney. There will be 2 meetings a month in February and March 2025 to allow for Youth Week planning. The monthly meetings will be held on these dates:
- 3 September 2024
- 1 October 2024
- 5 November 2024
- 3 December 2024
- 14 January 2025
- 4 February 2025
- 18 February 2025
- 4 March 2025
- 18 March 2025
- 1 April 2025
- 6 May 2025
- 3 June 2025
- 1 July 2025
Youth Week 2025 will take place from 9 to 17 April. During this time there will be numerous events and programs that group participants will be involved in.

There may also be further commitments around International Day of People with Disability (3 December 2024).
To honour your commitment and contribution you’ll receive a signed certificate by the Lord Mayor of Sydney. This will serve as a testament to your dedication and involvement in shaping the City of Sydney’s key events. It is a valuable recognition of your efforts and can be a valuable addition to your portfolio or resume. You must attend a minimum of 50% of all meetings and commitments to be eligible.

How to apply

The youth opportunities program is open to young people aged from 15 to 24 who live, work, study or play in the City of Sydney local area.

We’re looking to create a diverse group that represents a range of ages, gender identities, abilities, cultural backgrounds, life circumstances, and locations in our local area.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to actively contribute to the City of Sydney’s key events, we invite you to express your interest in becoming a program participant.

Applications close on Wednesday 14 August 2024.

There are occasional opportunities for mid-year intakes. If you have a keen interest in becoming part of the youth opportunities program after the applications have closed, please email [email protected] with more information about yourself and your interest.

Apply now