Boroondara Youth

🌈For IDAHOBIT 2026, LGBTQIA+ youth and allies aged 15 to 25 were invited to a Textile Poetry Workshop led by artist Sydney Sydney.

Participants created one-line banner artworks reflecting their identities, experiences, and self-expression. Using soft textiles and handmade techniques, they produced unique pieces celebrating who they are.

A heartfelt thank you to Boroondara staff from across the organisation who generously donated fabrics and materials to bring these creative expressions to life. 🫶

Each piece is currently being exhibited in the Gallery of Young Art (GoYA), located in the foyer and stairwell to the Youth Hub.

The exhibition runs until Friday June 26 in celebration of Pride Month - come check it out!

For more information, visit: www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/community/young-people/gallery-young-art-goya

🌟 Meet Neha, Boroondara’s 2025 Highly Commended recipient in the Youth Volunteer category. 🌟

We asked Neha a few questions about the recognition:

🙌 Why were you nominated?
“I was nominated because of my work as a student leader at my school and my volunteering at food drives throughout the years. I had consistently volunteered and helped organise school events. In 2025 I was Interact President at Balwyn High, and was recognised for my organisation of events, efforts in the Interact District meetings and organisation of the Multi-District Conference at my school.”

✨ What does this achievement mean to you?
“It was a sweet surprise to find out that I was nominated and gratifying that my efforts had made a difference and were recognised. Even if I did not win the award itself and was recognised as a highly commended recipient, it felt really good to have been noticed and appreciated. Especially because I believe volunteering and service are core to building a better world - being recognised under that portfolio was really meaningful as it reminded me that what I was doing was valued and impactful.”

💚 Why is it important to nominate a peer or encourage others to nominate someone?
“I think it's really important to recognise and empower young people who are making a difference in our community. It allows such action to continue with renewed passion and confidence and can mean a lot for those who are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.”

Nominations close 29 June. Know someone who deserves to be recognised? Nominate them at YourSay Boroondara: yoursay.boroondara.vic.gov.au/youth-awards

⭐ Meet Matisse, Boroondara’s 2025 Award recipient in the Leadership (Senior) category. ⭐
We asked Matisse a few questions about the recognition:

🏆 What were you nominated for?
“I was nominated in the Leadership (Senior) category for my involvement in community initiatives, volunteering, and youth engagement, alongside my academic and sporting commitments.”

✨ How did it feel to be recognised?
“It was incredibly meaningful. It felt like recognition of the collective impact of the initiatives I’ve been involved in and the importance of contributing to something larger than yourself.”

💬 Why is it important to nominate a peer or encourage others to nominate someone?
“Recognising peers is so important, as it highlights the work people are doing - often behind the scenes - and encourages others to step forward, get involved, and see the value of their own contributions.”

Know someone who deserves to be recognised? Nominate them at YourSay Boroondara: yoursay.boroondara.vic.gov.au/youth-awards

Do you know a young person who wants a say in who gets recognised this year?

We're looking for young people to join the 2026 Boroondara Youth Awards judging panel - reviewing nominations and voting on who takes home the wins.

🏛️ See firsthand what young people and local organisations are doing in the community
🗨️ Be part of the conversations that decide who gets the spotlight
🥳 Walk away with real experience in leadership and decision-making

No experience needed - just an interest in their community and a willingness to share their perspective.

For more information, and to get involved, visit: https://ow.ly/9bMF50Z4Zhw

🌿 Meet Erfan, Boroondara’s 2025 Highly Commended recipient in the Environment and Sustainability category. 🌿

We asked Erfan a few questions about the recognition:

✨ How did it feel to be recognised?
“It was incredibly humbling and encouraging. Recognition like this reminds me that the work we do, often quietly and over long periods, does have an impact.”

🌱 What were you nominated for?
“I was nominated for my work in environmental conservation, particularly through initiatives focused on biodiversity, human–wildlife coexistence, and youth engagement with nature.”

💚 Why is it important to nominate a peer or encourage others to nominate someone?
“I think it’s important because it creates a culture of appreciation and visibility. Many young people are doing meaningful work that often goes unseen, and nominations can empower them to continue and inspire others to take action.”

Know someone who deserves to be recognised? Nominate them at YourSay Boroondara: yoursay.boroondara.vic.gov.au/youth-awards

Heads up! Some Youth Hub opening times are changing.

We’ll be opening a little later the following dates:

🕐 Thursday 28/05/2026 - Open from 1pm
🕐 Monday 20/08/2026 - Open from 1pm
🕐 Wednesday 19/11/2026 - Open from 1pm

Thanks for your understanding. We can’t wait to see you at the Hub.

Need support while we’re away?
📞Lifeline - 13 11 14
📞Kids Helpline- 1800 551 800
For emergencies, call 000.

This National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to recognise the incredible contributions of our Council Youth Reference Group - our Youth Voice participants.

Through their volunteering, these young people play a vital role in ensuring youth perspectives are represented in local decision-making. Their insights, leadership and commitment help strengthen our community and create meaningful change.

We sincerely thank all Youth Voice volunteers for their time, dedication and ongoing contribution. Your voices are valued and your impact is significant. 💙

Do you know a young creative - this one’s for them! 🎨

Applications are now open for the 2027 Community Exhibitions Program at the Town Hall Gallery (Hawthorn Arts Centre).

✨Free to apply
📅Closes 14 June 2026
🖼️Short run exhibition in 2027

For more information, and to apply, visit: https://ow.ly/ry4h50YRxZR

Image credit: ‘The Future is Interest-spective’ by Autism Spectrum Australia, Town Hall Gallery, 2024.

One week to go!

Do you know a young person who would love to get creative and express who they are? Make sure to register them for the upcoming Textile Poetry Workshop on Saturday 16 May. 🧵

In this hands-on workshop, participants will use thrifted fabrics to create a one-line textile banner that reflects their identity, guided by artist Sydney Sydney (they/he.) 🎨

Finished artworks will be displayed in the Gallery of Young Art (GoYA) as part of Pride in June. 🏳️‍🌈

For more information, and to register, visit: www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/events/textile-poetry-workshop-sydney-sydney

Open to LGBTQIA+ young people and allies aged 15–25. 💖Delivered as part of IDAHOBIT. 🌈

Parents and guardians: this is a safe, inclusive space for young people to express themselves and connect creatively.

Image credit: Sydney Sydney, ‘Breathe In’, 2022, repurposed textile, dimensions variable, image courtesy of the artist.

🔔 Last Reminder for Carers: Join Our ‘School Can’t’ Webinar Today! 🔔

If your young person is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unable to attend school, this free online session is for you.

In this webinar delivered by Tiffany Westphal from ‘School Can’t Australia’, we’ll cover:

🔹 How to spot early signs your young person is struggling
🔹 Why the shift from School Refusal to School Can’t matters
🔹 Practical ways to support when school feels too hard
🔹 Stress triggers + how the nervous system responds
🔹 The impact of ongoing stress on wellbeing
🔹 How to look after your own wellbeing as a carer 🌿

This session is proudly delivered in partnership with, Knox City Council, Maroondah City Council and Yarra Ranges Council 🤝

For more information, visit: https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/events