Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Leadership Program

Our 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.

Specifically, the program actively engages young people, empowering them to take initiative, advocate for their peers, and contribute valuable insights to Council initiatives from a young person’s perspective.

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

Join the team for 2026

We're looking for the next generation of leaders - passionate young people who want to create positive change on the Coast, while gaining valuable learning and development experiences.

Applications are now open to join Council’s youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (Y4Y) Action Team and be part of a group of young people, aged 15-24 who care about community challenges and want to work together to develop meaningful solutions that create positive change.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm Friday 5 December 2025.

Eligibility criteria:
o    Aged 15-24
o    Living or attending school, or tertiary education, or working on the Central Coast
o    A passion for advocating for young people

Learn more and submit your nomination

Learn about the 2025 Y4Y Action Team 

This year’s Y4Y Action Team hosted the 2025 Youth Week Awards, planned and delivered the Thinking Out Loud Youth Forum, launched the ‘Youth for You podcast series’ and helped deliver Youth Day Out community days and other youth-based events on the Central Coast.

Council is proud to invest in our young people, who represent the future of our region.  This program ensures that young people are at the forefront of shaping programs and championing ideas that matter to them and also opens doors to lifelong learning and personal growth.