Youth Parliament
Applications are open for the 2025 YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament.
The program will give 120 young Victorians aged 16 to 25 the opportunity to experience the parliamentary process first-hand.
Participants will draft, debate and vote on bills in a three-day intensive sitting held in the Victorian Parliament in July next year. Bills that pass Youth Parliament are presented to government for consideration.
The program also includes the YMCA Victoria Youth Press Gallery, which provides young people interested in journalism with an opportunity to develop political journalism, photography, videography and social media skills.
Applications close October 13. For more information or to apply, visit vicyouth.ymca.org.au/learning-and-leadership.
Giving young Victorians a voice
Applications are open for the 2025 Victorian Youth Congress, a group of young people aged 12 to 25 who work with the government to make sure a youth perspective is embedded in policies and decisions that affect Victoria's young people.
This highly successful program sees members appointed for a one-year term before having the option to extend for a second year.
Applications to join the 2025 Victorian Youth Congress are open until October 15.
For more information about the Victorian Youth Congress, or to apply visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/apply-2025-victorian-youth-congress.
Celebrating outstanding First Nations youth
Victorians are encouraged to celebrate inspiring young First Nations leaders by nominating them for a Ricci Marks Award, which recognise outstanding achievements in training, education, arts, sports, culture and community leadership.
Each year, two young people receive a $5000 bursary each, and one young person is awarded a $1500 Rising Star Award.
Nominations for this year's awards close on October 21.
For information on how to nominate someone in your community, visit www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/ricci-marks-award.
Regional creative events
Applications are open for the Small Regional Presenters program, with grants of up to $15,000 to help volunteers and local councils secure and present shows in 2025.
Applications close Wednesday October 23. For more information including eligibility details or how to apply, visit rav.net.au.
Support for tiny towns
Applications are open for the latest round of the Tiny Towns fund.
Grants between $5000 and $50,000 are available to boost tourism, liveability and community pride in towns with up to 5000 people.
MP for Bass Jordan Crugnale encouraged small towns in the electorate to apply, saying each had "their own stories, history, points of interest and unique character, home to communities with immense local pride who know what they need to help their town shine".
Applications close October 25.
For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund
