The Central Coast Council Youth Services team are committed to creating opportunities for young people to develop their aspirations, skills and talents.

Central Coast Youth Strategy 

Council is investing in our young people as they represent the future of our region. Together with the Y4Y (Youth for Youth) Action Team we create opportunities for connection, creativity and inclusion ensuring the Central Coast is a place where people aged 12-24 can establish positive lifestyles, learn and develop new skills and find meaningful employment.

To help us achieve this Council has worked in collaboration with the Central Coast Y4Y Action Team, consulted with youth services, and over 1600 young people to develop the Central Coast’s first ever Youth Strategy.

The Central Coast Council Youth Strategy 2019-2024 is designed for local youth, by local youth and provides the strategic direction for the delivery of contemporary youth services, programs, activities and events that meet the needs of a diverse population. It’s a plan for Council to work alongside the local youth sector, schools, young people and the community to make the Central Coast an even better place.

Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Leadership Program

The annual Y4Y Leadership Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and develop young people on the Central Coast into effective leaders of tomorrow. It aims to equip young people with skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to lead and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Each year in October applications open for young people to apply to be part of the Y4Y Action Team who will select one of six themes identified in the Central Coast Youth Strategy to focus their work and will be responsible for delivering three actions:

-    a community project
-    an awareness campaign
-    a legacy resource.

The Y4Y Action Team will also participate in the planning of the annual Thinking Out Loud Youth Forum, engaging both young people and community stakeholders across the Central Coast to work together in improving opportunities for young people to be engaged and prosper within the community. 

To find out more contact youthservices@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Applications for the 2024 Y4Y Leadership Program are open now and close 5pm Friday 17 November 2023, with successful applicants announced in December.

Apply for the 2024 Y4Y Leadership Program here.

Youth Week

National Youth Week is held in March/April each year and showcases the talents and achievements of young people from a national, state, and local community level. 

Each year Council celebrates Youth Week by holding the annual Central Coast Youth Week Awards. The awards are dedicated to honour young people that go the extra mile for the Central Coast community and who are positive role models for other young people within the region. 

Nominations for the 2024 Central Coast Youth Week Awards are open now and close 5pm Sunday 25 February 2024, with winners announced on Thursday 11 April 2024. 

Nominate a young person here.
Terms and conditions here.

In addition, Council develops a Youth Week Calendar which highlights local activities, programs, and events for young people. 

If your organisation is holding a youth week activity and would like to have it included in the youth week calendar, submissions for the 2024 Central Coast Youth Week Calendar are now open and close 5pm Wednesday 31 January 2024. To submit an event click here.
 

Creative Engineers Program

The Creative Engineers program received a Highly Commended honour at the LGNSW 2019 Awards in acknowledgement that the program provides an opportunity for young emerging artists to explore their creativity, showcase their talents and enhance their skills. 

The program is linked to a strong community of artists, performers, and musicians in the region to improve access to industry networks and target markets. The program explores creative career and industry opportunities, enterprise development and event production through a range of youth programs, activities, and events such as:

• Discovered
• Battle of the Bands
• eMerge
• Idea to Screen
• Let Me Entertain You
• Music Pathways

To find out more contact youthservices@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 

Term and School Holiday Programs

Council offers a number of term programs which are delivered in partnership with local schools and/or youth services providers. If you are a youth service provider or you would like to discuss a partnership program with Council’s Youth Services team, please contact the Team Leader at ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. 

The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue 

The Hub Erina is a Youth Entertainment Venue that is available for hire to deliver youth programs. It is a multi-functional space for youth focused events, programs, and activities.

Click here for more information about The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue.