YACVic is pleased to announce the launch of the revised edition of the Code of Ethical Practice for the Victorian Youth Sector and their Strategic Plan for 2025-2028.

The launch event will be held at the Multicultural Hub (Level 1, 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC), at 11AM on Wednesday 20 August. Attendees will hear from Mary Nega (YACVic CEO), Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People in Victoria and Acting Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People Meena Singh, and members of the Youth Co-Design and Steering Committee for the revised Code. 

Marking the first Strategic Plan for YACVic’s CEO, Mary Nega, since her commencement in the role in 2024. “This Strategic Plan charts a bold path forward for YACVic and the youth sector. It centres young people’s voices and rights, and sets a clear direction for a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future,” says Mary, “We’re proud to be working alongside young people and the sector to deliver real impact across Victoria.”

Following two years of consultation and co-design, the revised Code of Ethical Practice for the Victorian Youth Sector (the Code) reflects the needs of a changing youth sector. YACVic received funding from the Victorian Government to make important updates to the Code.

“We listened to young people, academics and the broader youth sector. While we’ve kept the original structure of the Youth Work Principles and Practice Responsibilities, we’ve updated the content to reflect youth work in 2025,” says Sam Champion, YACVic’s Participation and Development Manager.

The Code is underpinned by a commitment to upholding the human rights of young people. It outlines a framework of principles and practice responsibilities that guide youth work, aiming to support the safety, wellbeing and rights of young people, while promoting the professionalism and credibility of the sector.

In 2024, YACVic released the upgraded Youth Engagement Resource Platform (YERP), an online toolkit for young people, those who work with young people and those looking to enter the field. YERP sits alongside the Code to help the youth sector grow and remain safe, ethical and youth-led.

The revised Code of Ethical Practice and Strategic Plan 2025–2028 are now available on YACVic’s website. Together, they reflect YACVic’s ongoing commitment to ethical, youth-led work that strengthens the sector and supports the rights and wellbeing of young people across Victoria.

We look forward to welcoming attendees to Gather, Guide, Belong: Launching YACVic’s Strategic Plan and the Revised Edition of the Code of Ethical Practice for the Victorian Youth Sector on Wednesday 20 August 2025. 

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Media contact: Casey Dean (she/her), YACVic Media & Communications Coordinator on 0498 730 553 or CDean@YACVic.org.au

About Youth Affairs Council Victoria (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.

Talent available for interview:

Mary Nega, CEO Youth Affairs Council Victoria

Sam Champion, Participation and Development Manager

Young co-designers