Australian Youth Forum

Welcome to the
Australian Youth Forum

The Australian Youth Forum (AYF) is the Australian Government’s way to engage with young Australians. The AYF gives you the opportunity to have your ideas heard. The AYF encourages young people to get involved in ongoing public discussions and then uses your input in the development of public policy.

Have a say

Get involved and share your views and opinions about the issues that matter to you.

What's been said

We hear you

The online discussions you generate are fed back into the 'machinery of government' as the voices of young people. Here we post what has happened with your discussion.

See responses

Recent Thoughts

It is essential that we enable young people to see themselves as participants in one of the most exciting eras in history, and to have a sense of purpose in relation to it. Jamie Moore – AYF Steering Committee Member
The best thing about being a young Australian is freedom. Freedom to think, to have an opinion, to speak your mind, to be yourself, to learn, to make mistakes and to make a difference. Megan
Variety is the spice of youth. Options, choices and chances! Exploring the world, gaining knowledge, inspiration, challenges. It’s a good time to be young. Ashlea
The best thing about being a young person in Australia is that I am able to voice my opinions and express my thoughts on issues freely knowing that these can actually make an impact and that there will be people willing to listen. Isabella

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AYF News

07 02 2012 | Gift cards in the Australian market
Have you ever given or received a gift card? The AYF wants to know about young Australians experiences of gift cards.
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31 01 2012 | 2012 - Young Australian of the Year
Congratulations to the 2012 Young Australian of the Year, Marita Cheng from Victoria.
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11 01 2012 | 2011 AYF Steering Committee Final Report
As 2011 has come to a close, it's now time for the current AYF Steering Committee Members to say goodbye and welcome 10 outstanding new young people to the team.
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14 12 2011 | 2011 Heywire winners announced!
Some of Australia’s most creative and passionate young people have been recognised with the announcement of the 2011 Heywire winners. See the full list of winners and view their stories here.
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14 12 2011 | AYF update on Mental Health and Workforce Participation
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent AYF discussion topic on Mental Health and Workforce Participation. Some great ideas, comments and stories were shared on mental health.
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Events

09 Dec | Youth Engagement and Participation category-National Awards for Local Government: Are you proud of your council's innovative approach to meeting your community's needs? The Youth Engagement and Participation category under the National Awards for Local Government recognise, reward and promote the innovative work of local governments across Australia. For more information visit: http://www.regional.gov.au/local/awards/index.aspx.
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23 Feb | Jean Genies launch: Jean genies Launch National Year of Reading ambassadors Christopher Cheng and Susanne Gervay will launch this national program: a Gosford Library initiative. We will commence the launch by decorating a pair of "Gosford" jeans ready to travel to 40 other public libraries around Australia with 9 other "Jean Genies" Drawing inspiration from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares the program has been operating successfully for three years in NSW with links to international libraries also. To celebrate the National Year of Reading the program will travel across the nation with public libraries hosting Young adult events to display and decorate the JEAN GENIES. Anyone interested in promoting young adult literacy is invited to attend our launch. Please RSVP as per event poster. For more info: http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/library/childrenandyoungadults/teenagers/jean-genies/jean-genies-launch
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16 Nov | Australian Training Awards: Get recognised for your achievements in your apprenticeship, traineeship, TAFE or private registered training organisation studies by entering an individual category of the 2012 training awards in your state or territory. Categories include: • Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year Award • Vocational Student of the Year Award • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award • Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award • Australian Apprentice of the Year Award And there are many more categories designed to reward businesses, registered training organisations, teachers and community organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia. Information on how to enter can be found at www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au or by calling (02) 6240 5408.
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