From April to September 2024, YACVic travelled across Victoria to speak and listen to young people, the youth sector and other stakeholders. We heard their stories, gathering insights about their needs, priorities, aspirations and challenges.
We heard from 256 people - young people, youth workers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, youth-led groups, and other values-aligned individuals and organisations - across regional, rural, and metropolitan Victoria. These conversations shaped three key areas of our work: our 2025–26 Budget Submission, our new Strategic Plan, and the refresh of our advocacy agenda.
Key challenges and themes were raised repeatedly across communities, these issues are deeply interconnected and often compound one another. Common concerns included:
- Mental health challenges, social isolation, climate anxiety, and rising substance use
- Discrimination and a lack of safe, inclusive places to connect
- Barriers to accessing specialist services due to lack of services and system complexity, workforce issues, particularly in rural areas
- Housing insecurity and limited crisis accommodation
- Transport disadvantage, especially outside metropolitan areas
- Educational barriers, teaching workforce shortages, and unclear career pathways
- Financial instability driven by cost-of-living pressures and insecure employment and inadequate support payments
- Sector-wide challenges around staffing, funding, and service continuity
We also heard clear reflections on the strengths of young people and the sector:
- Youth participation; a strong culture of youth voice and co-design
- Deep collaboration and resilience across the sector
- Dedication; deeply rooted passion and commitment from young people as well as the tireless dedication of youth workers despite significant structural challenges
Communities shared a clear call to action for YACVic. Young people and youth workers told us they want YACVic to:
- Be a stronger voice for young people and the youth sector to government for systemic change
- Create more platforms for youth participation and leadership
- Convene networks, build sector capacity, and lead knowledge-sharing
- Support youth work as a profession, via raising the profile of youth work as well as via training and development
- Be more visible, accountable, and connected across the state
A note of thanks; acknowledging our contributors
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every young person, youth worker, community member and organisation who welcomed us, shared their time, and contributed so generously to the YACVic Listening Tour.
Your stories, reflections, and insights helped shape this wrap-up and, more importantly, continue to guide our work each day. Whether you joined us in person or online, at a community event or a roundtable - we are deeply grateful.
We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Youth and the staff from the Office for Youth in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, for joining us in listening. Your presence and engagement underscored the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in shaping a brighter future for young Victorians.
This document offers a high-level summary of what we heard, not an exhaustive record. But every conversation, every insight, and every challenge raised has helped inform our strategic direction, advocacy priorities, and our 2025–26 Victorian Budget Submission.
This Listening Tour wasn’t just about gathering feedback - it was about showing up, listening with care, and working in partnership.
Thank you for your trust, your honesty, and your vision for a stronger youth sector and a better future for young people across Victoria. We’re proud to walk alongside you.
With thanks,
Mary Nega
YACVic CEO