Glenelg Shire Youth

06/11/2026

It’s been a busy few months for our Live4Life Crew!
From school-based mental health promotion activities and community events to radio advertisements, creative projects, R U OK? Day activities and even a trip to Parliament House in Melbourne – our Crew members have been out and about making a difference across Glenelg Shire!
Our young people have been sharing positive mental health messages, encouraging conversations, promoting help-seeking and finding creative ways to make their school communities more inclusive and connected.
We recently wrapped up an incredible year with our Live4Life Glenelg 2026 Celebration at Alexandra Park, bringing together Crew members, Year 8 students, schools and community partners to celebrate a year of ideas, leadership, growth and connection.
We also took the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our graduating Year 10 Crew members, thanking them for their commitment and contributions to Live4Life over the past two years.
A huge shout-out to our amazing young people for their energy, creativity and willingness to step up and make a difference.
This year’s theme says it all: Different isn’t wrong when everyone belongs.
Here’s to young people leading the way and helping create communities where everyone feels welcome, connected and supported!

04/11/2026

🎸 Are you a young musician living in the Glenelg Shire looking for an opportunity to perform and share your music?

We're on the lookout for solo youth acoustic musicians and duo acts to perform at our upcoming Makers Market on Thursday 26 November, 5–7pm, as part of Glenelg Libraries After Dark.

With three 40-minute performance spots available at $75 per set this is a great opportunity to gain some performing experience, showcase your talent and share your music with the community in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Whether you're an emerging singer-songwriter, acoustic musician or part of a small act, we'd love to hear from you! 🎶

Expressions of interest are also still open for young people interested in having a stall at the market!

To apply, please get in touch with the Youth Team
[email protected] or call 0355222250

29/10/2026

Brophy and headspace Portland are launching Youth Social Hub tonight!

A relaxed, welcoming space for all young people aged 16–25 to catch up, meet new people, grab a snack, have a chat or simply hang out.

There’s no pressure, no expectations and you don’t need to be involved in any Brophy or headspace programs to come along. Just drop in, be yourself and get to know others in your community!

📍 Where: Brophy / headspace Portland
📅 When: Thursdays, 3:30pm – 5:00pm
🗓️ Dates: 29 October – 3 December

28/10/2026

Join Live4Life Glenelg for a special evening with adolescent health and wellbeing expert Dr Arne Rubinstein, proudly supported by Major Sponsor Portland Aluminium.
Dr Arne will share practical insights and advice for parents and carers on navigating the teenage years in a technology-driven world — from building resilience and healthy relationships to supporting young people as they grow into adulthood.
The evening will also feature a workshop from Kate at the Human Development Workshop, offering further insights into adolescent development, alongside a youth panel featuring local young people, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
📍 Richmond Henty Hotel, Blueroom, Portland
📅 Tuesday 17 November
🕠 Arrive from 5:30pm for 5:45pm start
There will also be the opportunity to check out displays and information from local youth mental health services and find out more about the support available to young people in our community.
🍽️ Tickets must be pre-purchased by 13th November. Choose your meal when purchasing your ticket. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2003043097826?aff=oddtdtcreator
A great night for parents, carers and anyone supporting young people.

19/10/2026

EOI'S NOW OPEN!

🎨 Are you a young creative living in the Glenelg Shire and ready to start selling and showing off your work?

This is your chance to showcase your creations at the Makers Market on Thursday 26 November, 5–7pm at Glenelg Libraries After Dark.

Delivered by the Glenelg Shire Council Library and Youth Team, we're looking for creative people aged 12–25 to submit an Expression of Interest for a spot at the market.

Whether you create art, jewellery, candles, crochet, prints, ceramics or something completely unique, we'd love to hear from you! ✨

Please send through all entries to Marissa: [email protected] or call 035522 2257

Art on poster created by the talented Kyra-lea Martyn

14/10/2026

As part of the 2026 Youth Fest program, 17 students from the Portland Secondary College Re-Engagement School developed individual artworks exploring issues affecting young people in contemporary society. Over the term 3, students used creative expression to communicate their perspectives on topics including housing, drug and alcohol use, transportation, environmental issues, mental health, equality, LGBTQIA+ awareness, and the limited spaces and opportunities available to young people in rural communities.

A film narrated by student Lydia showcases each artwork and explores the meaning and motivation behind its creation. The film provides insight into the experiences and concerns of young people, encouraging viewers to reflect on the challenges they face and consider how these issues affect young people within the wider community.

The artworks have also been compiled into a scrapbook, which will remain on display at Portland Library until the end of October, coinciding with Mental Health Month. This provides an ongoing opportunity for community members to engage with the students work and reflect on the issues raised.

A sincere thank you to Powerhouse Productions for producing a film that authentically represents the students artworks, ideas and perspectives. We also extend our thanks to the Portland Secondary College Re-Engagement School and artist Karen Meredith for supporting this project and to the students for sharing their experiences, visions and ideas through their creative work. Their contributions have helped bring important issues affecting young people to the forefront and provided an opportunity for their voices to be heard within the wider community.

This project was funded by Youth Fest and Amplify and ran by the Glenelg Shire Council Youth Team.

You can also access the full film on the Glenelg Shire Youth YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he8o-G8v8C0

12/10/2026

💛 Celebrating Youth Creativity and Expression | 2026 Youth Fest

18 students from the Re-Engagement School have been busy creating individual artworks as part of this year’s 2026 Youth Fest Program!

Over the past couple of months, students have explored some of the key issues facing young people today, including housing, drug and alcohol use, transportation, environmental issues, mental health, and the limited spaces and opportunities available to young people living in rural communities.

🗓️ Wednesday 14 October 2026
⏰ 9am–3pm
📍 Large Library Room

This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for the community to see these important issues through the eyes of young people, hear their perspectives, and celebrate their creativity and hard work.

The artworks will also be compiled into a scrapbook, which will remain on display at the Library for a further two weeks.

We invite everyone to come along, show their support, and celebrate the voices and creativity of our local young people! 💛

06/10/2026

❤️ COME ALONG AND SUPPORT OUR LIVE4LIFE CREW! ❤️

Come and learn more about the incredible work our students do throughout the year to raise awareness around youth mental health and the importance of looking after one another.

The Live4Life Glenelg Crew students from Portland Secondary College are firing up the BBQ and hosting a sausage sizzle to spread the word about mental health, connection and supporting each other.

A huge thank you to Bakers Delight and IGA for their generous donations to help make this event possible and support our amazing crew.

And a very special thank you to Bunnings for kindly allowing us to run our sausage sizzle on a Friday and supporting our crew as they continue their important work in the community.

Come down, grab a snag, say hello and show your support for our incredible young people! 🔥🌭

10/09/2026

Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.

A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week. Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day.

Regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you can help prevent small things from becoming big things. By checking in regularly, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.

Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.💛💛💛

09/09/2026

Are you aged 16–25 and living in Glenelg Shire Councile, Corangamite Shire Council, Moyne Shire Council or Warrnambool City Youth?

Creative Uprising is calling for young creatives to help shape the future of arts, culture and creative opportunities across southwest Victoria.

From November, you can connect with other young people, meet local arts organisations, share what would make creative spaces more welcoming and accessible, and develop ideas for real change. Continuing into 2027, participants will also co-design and deliver creative activations together!

You can apply whether you’re into visual art, music, writing, performance, design, making, digital creativity, or just keen to make a positive change in your community. No experience is needed—just ideas, curiosity and a willingness to get involved.

Expressions of Interest close Sunday 11 October 2026.

Apply via the form online, or send us a video or voice recording, or chat with a member of the project team.

Find out more and apply via rav.net.au/creativeuprising

Image:
Artwork by 21-year-old Portland artist, Kyra-Lee Marie Martyn O’Brien
Photo: Young creatives at RAV’s Creative Exchange event, Lighthouse Theatre, Aug 2026. Photograph: André Elhay for Warrnambool City Council

Are you aged 16–25 and living in Glenelg Shire Council, Corangamite Shire Council, Moyne Shire Council or Warrnambool City Council?

Creative Uprising is calling for young creatives to help shape the future of arts, culture and creative opportunities across southwest Victoria.

From November, you can connect with other young people, meet local arts organisations, share what would make creative spaces more welcoming and accessible, and develop ideas for real change. Continuing into 2027, participants will also co-design and deliver creative activations together!

You can apply whether you’re into visual art, music, writing, performance, design, making, digital creativity, or just keen to make a positive change in your community. No experience is needed—just ideas, curiosity and a willingness to get involved.

Expressions of Interest close Sunday 11 October 2026.

Apply via the form online, or send us a video or voice recording, or chat with a member of the project team.

Find out more and apply via rav.net.au/creativeuprising

Image:
Artwork by 21-year-old Portland artist, Kyra-Lee Marie Martyn O’Brien
Photo: Young creatives at RAV’s Creative Exchange event, Lighthouse Theatre, Aug 2026. Photograph: André Elhay for Warrnambool City Council

Regional Arts Victoria: South West