Youth Working Group

YACSA Youth Information Hub project

Find out more about the project and submit and expression of interest to be a part of the youth working group

Project overview

The Youth Affairs Council of South Australia (YACSA) is working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a new online information hub for young people in South Australia.

This project delivers Action 1 of South Australia’s Youth Action Plan 2025–2028. The goal is simple: make it easier for young people to find reliable, relevant and youth-friendly information in one place.

The website will be co-designed with young people and will include information about:

  • Supports and opportunities available within local communities

  • Transitioning to adulthood – building independence, becoming work-ready, and developing essential life skills

  • Civics education – strengthening understanding of democratic processes, rights, political systems in practice, and how to participate in decision-making

  • Other issues that matter to young people, including climate change and mental wellbeing

A key part of making sure the site truly reflects young people’s needs is establishing a Youth Working Group.

What does participation involve?

The Youth Working Group will help shape the content and design of the website.

As a member, you will:

  • Review existing websites and resources to see if they are relevant, accessible and youth-friendly

  • Identify gaps – what’s missing?

  • Provide feedback on new content being developed

  • Share ideas about how the website should look and feel

You will be encouraged to draw on your own skills, experiences and lived experience when providing feedback. You may also choose to share insights from other young people you’re connected with (for example, youth groups, school networks, or community groups).

You will not be expected to write website content or build the website. We will work with professional writers and web developers - your role is to guide and shape the work.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for young people aged 12–25 who live in South Australia and want to make a positive difference for other young people.

We want the group to reflect the diversity of young people across SA. We strongly encourage expressions of interest from young people who are:

  • Aboriginal

  • Living with disability and/or neurodivergence

  • In out-of-home care

  • LGBTIQA+

  • Young carers

  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

  • Living in regional or remote areas

We also welcome young people who have experience of, or connections to:

  • The youth justice system

  • Homelessness or risk of homelessness

You do not need previous experience in advisory groups or leadership roles – your perspective and ideas are what matter.

What’s the commitment?

April 2026 – December 2026

The expected commitment includes:

  • 1 x four-hour induction session

  • 8 x two-hour meetings (approximately one per month)

  • Around two hours of preparation before each meeting

The induction session will help you feel confident and prepared. It will cover:

  • The project plan

  • Your role and responsibilities

  • Your rights as a participant

  • Creating a safe and respectful group environment

  • Team-building and skill development

Meetings will generally run for two hours. You will receive information to review before each meeting. Meeting dates will be set in advance, and we will try to schedule them in ways that work for the group (for example, around exam periods).

YACSA staff will provide ongoing support throughout the project.

What’s in it for you?

By joining the Youth Working Group, you will:

  • Help shape a publicly visible, state-wide initiative that will benefit young people across SA

  • Build skills in critical thinking, collaboration and leadership

  • Gain experience contributing to a government funded project

Additionally, working group members will be remunerated for the meeting times and pre-meeting preparation.

Expressions of interest

Please read the YACSA youth working group information above before completing this expression of interest form.

When completing this form, please keep in mind that we are looking for a diverse group of young people, and the questions on this form are intended to help us gather a broad range of information about the people that complete it. There are no right or wrong answers.

Questions?

Please email Doug (doug@yacsa.com.au) with any questions, comments or requests for information.