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.
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.
2026 Moorabool Youth Awards Nominations
Speak Up. Stand Out.
Do you know a young person who is making a difference in the Moorabool community?
The Moorabool Youth Awards celebrate the incredible achievements, leadership, resilience and positive contributions of young people across our Shire. Whether they're making a difference through volunteering, sport, the arts, advocacy, leadership or simply showing kindness every day, we want to recognise and celebrate their impact.
The Youth Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the young people who inspire others, strengthen our community and create positive change.
Who can be nominated?
Young people who:
· Live, work, study or volunteer within the Moorabool Shire.
· Meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the nomination form.
Please note: The Influential Adult Award recognises an adult who has made an outstanding contribution to supporting and empowering young people within the Moorabool community.
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Award Categories
· Influential Adult Award
· Hard Worker Award
· Leader Award
· Will Power Award
· Trailblazer Award
· Kind Soul Award
· Change Maker Award
· Team Player Award
· Thrive Award
· Youth Action Group (YAG) Award
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Age Categories
Awards will be presented across two age groups:
· 12–17 years
· 18–25 years
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Nominations
Nominations open: 3 August 2026
Complete the online nomination form before the closing date.
Youth Awards Nomination form
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
Tap-In Thursdays - MARC Stadium
Tap-In Thursdays is a free weekly drop-in program for young people aged 11–17 at MARC Stadium.
Supervised by qualified youth workers, the space is yours to shoot hoops, try out pickleball, or just kick back and catch up with friends.
Whether you're into sport or just want to hang out and chat, Tap-In Thursdays is a relaxed and welcoming space to connect and unwind. No bookings are needed, but a Youth Services permission form must be completed.
Thursdays from 3.00pm-5.00pm during school terms.
Location: MARC Stadium - 23A Taverner St, Maddingley VIC 3340
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 Wednesday 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 Position Description(PDF, 752KB)
Any questions? Get in touch with our team!
To register your interest in joining YAG, click on the link below.
Come along to Ballan Drop In and spend some time relaxing, connecting and having fun with the Youth Services team.
Enjoy a welcoming space to play board games, hang out, meet new people and connect with other young people.
Where: Ballan Library – Ground Floor
When: Fortnightly on Tuesdays during school terms
Who: Young people aged 10–18 years
Cost: Free
Social Q is a welcoming social program for young LGBTQIA+ people and allies aged 11–20 years.
Held fortnightly on Tuesdays during the school term at Studio 22, Social Q provides a safe and inclusive space for young people to come together, make new friends, enjoy some snacks and take part in fun activities.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, get creative, play games or simply hang out in a welcoming environment, Social Q is a place where you can connect, belong and be yourself.
Where: Studio 22
When: Fortnightly on Tuesdays during school terms
Who: Young people aged 11–20 years
Cost: Free
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!
2026 Moorabool Youth Art Awards
The Moorabool Youth Art Awards celebrate the creativity, talent and unique perspectives of young artists across the Moorabool Shire.
Whether you're an emerging artist or an experienced creative, this is your opportunity to showcase your work, express your ideas and share your story through art.
Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to enter.
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Who Can Enter?
To be eligible, entrants must:
· Be aged 12–25 years.
· Live, study or work within the Moorabool Shire.
· Submit an original artwork that meets the competition guidelines.
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Award Categories
Young Artist of the Year
Awarded to the most outstanding young artist whose body of work demonstrates exceptional creativity, artistic skill and vision.
Moorabool Shire Spirit Award
Recognises artwork that captures the unique character, people, places, culture or natural beauty of the Moorabool Shire.
Perspectives of Young People Award
Celebrates the voices and experiences of young people through artwork that explores their ideas, dreams, challenges and aspirations.
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Age Categories
Awards will be presented across two age groups:
· 12–17 years
· 18–25 years
This ensures young artists are recognised alongside others at a similar stage of their artistic journey.
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How to Enter
Entries open: 3 August 2026
Complete the online entry form and delivery art work before the closing.
Youth Art Awards Nomination form
Exhibition & Awards Presentation
Selected artworks will be exhibited as part of the 2026 Moorabool Youth and Art Awards, celebrating the creativity and talent of young artists from across the Shire.
Winners will be announced at the awards celebration, where artists, families, friends and community members will come together to recognise the outstanding achievements of young creatives.
Are you a young artist, illustrator, or photographer with a story to tell? 'M' Zine Vol. 3 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.
To view 'M' Zine Volume 2, click this link for the online version: 'M' Zine Vol. 2 (2025)
3X3 Basketball Tournament
Join the Youth Team these school holidays for an exciting 3x3 Basketball Tournament at MARC Stadium in Maddingley!
Bring your friends, get active and enjoy some friendly competition on the court. There will also be fun craft activities provided by the Early Years Team, making this a great family-friendly event with something for everyone.
Date: 21 September
Location: MARC Stadium, Maddingley
Come along, get involved and enjoy a fun-filled day of basketball, creativity and community!
Register here via the link-
Click here to access a directory of services to assist young people in Moorabool: MAST Youth Directory 2026(PDF, 305KB)