Join our youth opportunities program

A training and leadership program for young people aged 15 to 24 to co-design and deliver our Youth Week in the City events.

In progress

Applications now open

Applications close 5pm Monday 4 August
Successful applicants will be notified on Friday 15 August

Apply online

Applications close 5pm Monday 4 August

Apply now

Alex Blair

Senior social programs officer

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

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

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

A group of five young adults sit on outdoor stone steps, talking and smiling in front of a historic building.

About the program

Our youth opportunities one year program empowers 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 be involved in workshops, mentoring sessions, creative planning activities and producing community events. Working closely with City of Sydney employees, you’ll design inclusive, engaging and impactful events that celebrate the diversity and abilities of young people in our communities. You'll be guided through the full event design process – including team building, ideation, budgeting, stakeholder engagement and measuring impact.

This isn’t just about event planning – you’ll gain practical experience in event management, marketing, communications and community engagement, all while developing your leadership capacity. These skills are highly valuable in various professional and personal pursuits, including future employment, volunteering and academic endeavours.

Joining the youth opportunities 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.

You’ll take part in:
- an induction day in August 2025
- monthly co-design and skill development sessions from September 2025 to June 2026
- ongoing collaboration with City of Sydney employees between sessions
- marketing campaign development with the City of Sydney’s communications team
- youth-led event production for Youth Week in April 2026
- an evaluation and outcomes measurement session following the event
- a celebration and recognition event in June 2026.
- Have a voice: Shape City of Sydney local area initiatives through peer consultation and collaboration.
- Take action: Co-design and produce events for Youth Week in the City 2026 and contribute to digital engagement with young people through our digital channels.
- 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: Influence programming that reflects young people’s needs and contributes 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 the 6-hour induction session in August, and monthly 2.5 hour workshops from September through to June 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 15 August 2025 – all successful applicants will be notified.

Saturday 30 August 2025, 10am to 4pm – a team building and induction day at a central city location.

September 2025 to June 2026 – monthly 2.5 hour co-design workshops will take place from 5pm to 7:30pm at Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street Sydney. Scheduled workshop dates:
- 22 September 2025
- 20 October 2025
- 17 November 2025
- 15 December 2025
- 12 January 2026
- 9 February 2026
- 9 March 2026
- 23 March 2026
- 4 May 2026
- 1 June 2026
Youth Week 2026 runs from 16 to 26 April. During this time there will be numerous events and programs that group participants will be involved in.
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 Youth Week in the City program. It is a valuable recognition of your efforts and can be a great inclusion for 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 or study 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 City of Sydney events, we invite you to express your interest in becoming a program participant.

Applications close 5pm Monday 4 August 2025.

Apply now