“My vision for young people in a sustainable world is that we’ll be innovators and educators. It will be wonderful to witness us taking the lead”, - Lara May, young person from regional North-east Victoria

The 2023 theme for International Youth Day is ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’.

Young people are increasingly impacted by climate change and ecological disasters. So, it's never been more important to equip them with skills to plan and prepare. Skills to care for themselves, their communities, and their environments.

That’s why our Future Proof project provides free and supported qualification pathways. Young people in eastern and north-eastern Victoria can apply, and gain free emergency management and disaster resilience skills.

What is Disaster Resilience?

Building resilience is key to communities resisting, absorbing, and recovering from natural disasters.

Disaster-impacted communities need food, first aid, Auslan interpreting, clean-up, and so much more. There’s a unique role and skillset for everyone.

Find out more.

“The Future Proof pathways are an opportunity for us to prepare ourselves. Gaining formal and accredited knowledge is an excellent way to ensure we’re ready for our future.”

How can young people access Future Proof funding?

Young people in a Future Proof region interested in getting qualified should contact their Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN).

If they can show how a certain qualification would support a community impacted by disaster, they can be funded through Future Proof.

International Youth Day

International Youth Day takes place each year on August 12.

This day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the perspectives, ideas and leadership of young people in your community.

If you’re a youth worker, you can start a conversation with the young people in your world about what they need to help them thrive.

Media contact: Policy & Advocacy Manager Lucy Demant (she/her) – 0498 730 553 or LDemant@YACVic.org.au.  

About YACVic 

Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is the peak body and leading policy advocate for young people aged 12-25 and the youth sector in Victoria. Established in 1960, YACVic advocates for the rights of young people in Victoria to ensure they are active, visible and valued in their communities. 

Future Proof is a collective impact project led by YACVic, funded under the Australian Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.