Our mission is to build a community that is respectful, inclusive and supportive of all young people. We believe through listening to and valuing the voice of young people we will encourage their independence and success.
Our youth services are aimed at young people aged 11-25 years who live, work or study in Moorabool Shire. We have a range of programs, services, and events for all young people in the community. Whether you want to meet other like-minded individuals, or gain support from our dedicated team of youth workers, explore this site to find out how to be involved.
Complete the permission form below to register enrolment at Youth Services programs and events.
The Moorabool Shire Youth Art Awards are back for 2025, offering young artists aged 11–25 the opportunity to showcase their creativity, skill and unique perspectives. Submissions are now open from 28 April to 6 June, with the highly anticipated exhibition and awards night taking place on 27 June at the West Maddingley Early Years Hub.
Entrants may submit one artwork or one cohesive series, and all works will be judged by a panel based on creativity, originality and technical skill. Awards will be presented across two age groups—11–17 years and 18–25 years—with three categories per group:
- Young Artist of the Year – For the most outstanding young artist whose body of work demonstrates exceptional talent and artistic vision.
- Moorabool Shire Spirit Award – For artworks that reflect the essence, beauty, or unique character of the Moorabool Shire community.
- Perspectives of Young People – For works that express the thoughts, dreams, and lived experiences of young people.
Each entrant is eligible to win only one award, ensuring wide recognition across participants. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Moorabool Shire to share their stories through art and gain recognition within their community.
To submit your artwork, complete the form here: Youth Art Awards Entry Form
The Moorabool Youth Art Awards 2025 are proudly supported by Rotary Bacchus Marsh.
Are you a young artist, illustrator, or photographer with a story to tell? 'M' Zine Vol. 2 is your chance to share your creativity! This exciting youth-led publication is calling for original works from Moorabool Shire’s emerging talents, giving you the opportunity to see your art published and celebrated.
Whether you create short stories, poems, paintings, drawings, digital art, or photography, we want to see what inspires you! This is more than just a collection of artworks—it's a platform for young creatives aged 11-25 to express themselves and have their voices heard.
How to submit
- Be featured in a professionally published Zine.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of 'M' Zine Vol. 2—where the creativity of our young artists takes center stage.
Submissions close 23 May, 2025. Get started on your masterpiece today!
Please see below for detailed Terms & Conditions.
Terms and Conditions
General Information and Eligibility
1. The competition is open to individuals aged 11-25 years old at the time of the entry.
2. Participants under the age of 18 must obtain parental/guardian consent before entering the competition.
3. Entrants must be Moorabool Shire Council residents, attend school or be employed in the Moorabool Shire Council municipality.
Entry Submission
1. All works and concepts must be the original and unaided work of the entrant.
2. A limit of ONE (1) entry only per exhibitor.
Self- Published Work Requirements
1. All forms of visual and written work are eligible, including but not limited to short stories, poems, paintings, drawings, digital art and photography.
2. All submissions must be submitted electronically to the email address stated.
3. Submissions must not contain any offensive, derogatory or inappropriate content.
Intellectual Property
1. By submitting an entry, participants confirm that they are the sole creators of the self-published work and hold all necessary rights to it.
2. Participants grant Moorabool Shire Council non-exclusive rights to use, reproduce and display the submitted artwork for promotional purposes related to the competition. This includes on websites and social media platforms.
3. Participants grant consent to Moorabool Shire Council Youth Services using the participant’s name, as well as photos, media, recordings, information, or quotes about their experience at the event in print, media or electronic form for marketing, public relations, fundraising, and advertising purposes.
Privacy
The Moorabool Shire Council is committed to protecting your privacy and the responsible handling of your personal information. This commitment is supported by the laws dealing with personal information that may be collected by the Council in undertaking its statutory functions and other activities. Details of our policy can be found at www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/privacy.
Moorabool Shire Council is committed to recognising and celebrating the inspiring and everyday actions young people undertake within their community. Our young people demonstrate resilience, excellence, compassion and creativity in varied and diverse ways. The opportunity to celebrate that is incredibly meaningful.
The Moorabool Youth Action Group (YAG) proudly present the 2024 Youth Awards with the aim of celebrating young people’s achievements and contributions made within their community. The Youth Awards will acknowledge the actions of young people between the ages of 12-25 that live, work or study in Moorabool Shire. This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to nominate young people who they believe have made a significant contribution within the community or have demonstrated commitment to personal growth.
The theme of ‘Keep Growing’ was identified by the YAG and Youth Services team to encourage the nurturing of young people as the future of our community. In providing the right environment, Moorabool can enable incredible growth and flourishing.
We congratulate the following recipients of the 2024 Moorabool Youth Awards!
Olivia Barwick
Hard Worker: Recognises a young person who has demonstrated a commitment as a volunteer or worker in our community. This person demonstrates dedication to their own skill development and contributes to a positive culture within their organisation or workplace.
Joel Swire
Willpower: Recognises a young person who has demonstrated commitment to their own personal growth. This person has used their actions as a foundation to write their own story.
Jay Bamford
Trailblazer: Recognises a young person who has demonstrated exceptional passion and skill in their academic, sporting, creative, or technical pursuits. This person is a determined learner in their area of interest.
Emma Seeger
Kind Soul: Recognises a young person who has contributed to creating a welcoming and safe community. This person is dedicated to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates all identities.
Grace Strang & Lucy Salmon
Change Maker: Recognises a young person who is driven to make change within their community. This person is aware and active in addressing issues that are important to them and that affect our society.
Michael Harvey-Storer
Team Player: Recognises a young person who has contributed to the success of a team, group, troupe, squad or crew. This person has been a part of a significant and positive outcome resulting from this group’s work.
Studio 22 - Darley
Studio 22 is a space for young people aged 11-17 years, supervised by qualified youth workers.
There is heaps to do! PS4, computers, craft, and games outside. Get your homework done, chat to a youth worker or just hang out.
There's no need to book, but a permission form is required. Complete it online or you can fill out a paper copy in person.
Studio 22 meets on Wednesday from 3.30pm-5.30pm during school terms.
Location: Studio 22, Darley Civic & Community Hub,182 Halletts Way, Darley VIC 3340
BYZ - Ballan
BYZ is a space for young people aged 11-17 years, supervised by qualified youth workers.
BYZ will return to Ballan in 2025 after a short break. Reach out to our team if you have any enquiries about this program!
Snacks, craft and good chats are always provided. Do you like UNO or origami? Perhaps the occasional footy or netball run around?
There's no need to book, but a permission form is required. Complete it online or you can fill out a paper copy in person.
Location: To be confirmed
YAG is a space for young people to express their ideas for our community. It is set up to give youth a voice and engage in the decision-making processes of Council.
The Youth Action Group (YAG) is comprised of young people between the ages of 12-25 who live, study or work in Moorabool Shire. The YAG contains young people who are driven to share their perspectives and contribute to their community. As an action group, the YAG will be a representative voice for the diverse young people in communities across Moorabool.
YAG meets fortnightly during school terms on Monday afternoons from 5-6pm in-person at the Darley Civic & Community Hub, right near Studio 22 and online!
Our Youth Services team is making a huge call-out for young people who are engaged in making a difference to their community – join our YAG!
Find out more about being a member of the YAG by checking out this position description: Youth-Action-Group-YAG-Position-Description-2025.pdf(PDF, 752KB)
Any questions? Get in touch with our team!
To register your interest in joining YAG, click on the link below.
Young & Local delivers events and learning opportunities for young people in creative arts, recreational activities, and cultural celebrations. The Youth Services and Arts and Culture team proudly partner to support the Young & Local committee in the planning and delivery of youth-friendly events that ensure 12–25 year-olds in Moorabool can watch and perform live music, celebrate days of significance, get out and active in community spaces, and flex their creative skills!
To join our Young & Local committee – get in touch with our Youth Services team, keep an eye out on our socials, or fill out the form below!
To learn more about what is in store for Young & Local committee members, check out the position description here:Young-Local-Committee-PD.pdf(PDF, 6MB)
If you are a performer, band, artist or creative and would like the opportunity to play live music, build your song-writing skills, deliver a workshop, or exhibit your art at our Young & Local events, complete the expression of interest form below.
Social Q is a health, wellbeing and social connection program for young LGBTQIA+ people. The program is made up of three main pillars, that are made of up engaging activities and important actions.
MOVE YOUR BODY: Activities that support young people to get moving! This can include come and try sport sessions, outdoor adventures or classes to build your strength.
THRIVE: Activities that support young people in their social connection, wellbeing and mental health. This can include creation of art and crafts, celebrations of significant events, and times to just spend time together.
SAFE & EMPOWERED: Activities that support young people's confidence in accessing health resources regarding sexual and reproductive health, consent, and other healthy habits.
Upcoming Events
For young people 12-17 years, activities will occur every fortnight on Tuesday afternoons from 3.30pm-5.30pm. Fill out the registration form below so we can keep you updated on all the important information.
- THRIVE Chill, Chat and Colouring In - 22 April
- MOVE YOUR BODY Come and Try Pickle Ball - 6 May
- THRIVE IDAHOBIT Rainbow Cake and Cookie Decoration - 20 May
- THRIVE Rainbow Stories at the Lerderderg Library - 3 June
- THRIVE Self-Care with headspace Melton at Studio 22 - 17 June
- MOVE YOUR BODY Walk the Werribee River - 1 July
If you want to be contacted about Social Q, fill out the form linked below! Our Youth Services team will be in touch to provide further details about upcoming activities.
Rainbow Network: Rainbow Network | Moorabool LGBTIQA+ youth
Our Youth Holiday Program runs during each school holidays and has a range of activities for young people across the 11-17 age range. The Youth Services team brings in ideas from the young people we work with to design each program with the most fun and diversity in mind.
In the past we have run events such as bushwalking, skateboard art, pool parties, and even a silent disco.
Keep an eye on our socials for the upcoming program in the next school holidays!
The creation of this project was facilitated by Parallel Wilds, where participants were guided through creative writing, digital photography and videography, 3D imagery, and sound composition.
Through this project, the young people were engaged over a 3-day workshop, where they first captured perspectives of our local environment out at Mackenzie’s Flat. Our Environment & Waste team at Council provided a thought-provoking presentation on the features of the Lerderderg bushland, threats to biodiversity and specifically, to the Powerful Owl. After their day in the field, participants created their narrative about a futuristic world.
Click on the link below to experience The Powerful Owl.
Our Year 7 Transition Program is a free program for all Grade 6s in Moorabool.
The program will go through what to expect when starting high school, building confidence in making friends, and learning about where to seek support. All while connecting with the youth services team.
Use the link here to take you straight to registration for these sessions.
View this presentation to find out more about our Year 7 Transition Program and the range of other activities, services and events for young people in Moorabool.