Youth-led initiatives and Meetups

Meetups are safe spaces for senior students in years 10, 11 and 12 to connect, share and support one another through their lived experiences. It is a place to find community with others who understand first-hand what they’re going through.

Meetups exist to assure students that they aren’t alone and offer a sense of community through the highs and lows of their senior years. 

Who comes to Meetups? 

We offer 15 spots to senior students for each Meetup plus a group of Macquarie Uni students trained in youth mental health first aid and mentoring to connect with. Mentors commit to attend Meetups for one term, sometimes two.

Where are Meetups held, when, and how do I join? 

Chatswood Youth Centre for 8 weeks each term - Mondays 4.30-6pm.

We announce dates at the start of every term to accommodate mentor and student needs.

Register now

Willoughby City Council proudly sponsors an annual student exchange program to Bingara for their Orange Festival, located in the Gwydir Shire Council area, just 600km northwest of Sydney. As part of this partnership, Gwydir students visit our Emerge Festival a few months later, reciprocating the hospitality.

For over two decades, our sister city bond has flourished,. offering students from Willoughby and the Gwydir region a unique opportunity to foster lasting connections and create cherished memories through this exchange initiative. Youth services works with local school wellbeing teams to recruit young people in Years 9, 10 and 11 across the LGA annually.

A unique tutoring initiative spearheaded by Rebecca Ju from Willoughby Youth Action Group that benefits Macquarie university students and supports the educational needs of young people in regional NSW.

This initiative aligns with the goals of our Meetup group and provides Macquarie Uni students, who are trained in youth mental health and mentoring, with additional opportunities to get involved in meaningful projects.

If you attend Macquarie University as a student and would like to apply to be a tutor please email renee.simpson@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Are you looking to enhance your community and make a real impact? If you're aged between 12 and 24, the Willoughby Youth Action Group (WYAG) is the place for you! This dynamic group empowers local young individuals to shape the future of the Willoughby LGA. Whether you live, work, study, or play in the area, your voice matters here.

WYAG collaborates with Council staff and local organisations to understand the needs and dreams of young people across the LGA. By participating in this youth-led initiative, you can work on projects that address these issues directly. With fortnightly meetings, training sessions, and volunteer opportunities, you'll not only develop essential life and job skills but also forge new friendships and enjoy free access to Council youth events.

Currently, our vibrant group comprises of 12 members aged 15 to 21, representing various high schools, universities, and employment backgrounds. We value flexibility and understand the busy lives of young individuals. That's why our doors are always open for new members. Feel free to join us, take a break whenever needed, and leave whenever you're ready. Your voice matters, and we can't wait to welcome you to the WYAG family. Apply now to embark on this exciting journey with us!

Contact 9777 7538 or email youth@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Download flyer(PDF, 8MB)

Attention all young leaders aged 16-24!

Are you passionate about driving positive change in your community? Do you have innovative ideas to enhance support and social connections among local youth? If so, we want to hear from you! Our doors are wide open to youth-led club leaders who are eager to develop exciting initiatives, events, and opportunities for the youth in our area.

Here are some ways we can support your vision:

• Financial assistance to bring your ideas to life.
• Access to free venue hire at locations like the Library, Chatswood Youth Centre, and The Concourse outdoor space.
• Promotion of your projects on our extensive social network and mailing lists, reaching both the local youth sector and parents.
• Subsidised employment skills-based courses, such as RSA, first-aid, and barista training, at a 50% discount for students.
• Participation in the Global Leadership Program project hours and PACE work placement opportunities.
• Funding available for community youth training workshops.

No matter how big or small your ideas may be, we are here to support you every step of the way. If you have an event in mind or simply want to explore how we can collaborate, reach out to us at youth@willoughby.nsw.gov.au. Let's work together to create a brighter future for the youth in our community!

Download flyer(PDF, 238KB)