More Youth Led Events For More Young Victorians

The Allan Labor Government is backing more youth-led events across Victoria - helping young people come together and shape the activities that matter to them during Youth Fest 2025.

Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman today announced nearly $220,000 in grants for 110 organisations to design, plan and deliver free or low-cost events during the festival in September.

Youth Fest celebrates young Victorians by funding fun, creative and inclusive events designed and led by young people themselves. Schools, local councils and community organisations will use funding to deliver events including art exhibitions, cultural festivals, sports days and youth awards.

This year there are 66 events in metropolitan Melbourne and 44 across rural and regional Victoria.

Mordialloc College will celebrate First Nations heritage through a series of educational and cultural events which showcase First Nations art, music, dance and storytelling.

Charlton Neighbourhood House will host a colourful fun run around Lake Wooroonook to promote physical activity, community pride and inclusion.

Mount Alexander Shire will stage an upcycled youth festival that features a sustainable fashion parade where young people can express their personal style through second-hand fashion.

Victorian Youth Fest 2025 will run from Monday, 1 September to Tuesday, 30 September. The Labor Government has funded the delivery of more than 500 Victorian Youth Fest events over the past five years.

For more information on this year’s events, visit vic.gov.au/youth-fest-grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman

“Youth Fest is all about delivering more free and low-cost events that give young people and local communities a chance to enjoy themselves.”

“Youth Fest puts young people in the driver’s seat and gives them a platform to show their talents in both metro Melbourne and regional Victoria.”

List of organisations receiving grants: