Youth Advisory Committee

Application timelines

Applications for the 2023 committee are now closed.

Applications for the 2024 committee will open in March 2024.

Keep an eye on this page for any updates.

Committee description

Young people between the ages of 12-18 years from across the state are invited to join Zoos Victoria’s Youth Advisory Committee.

The committee will be made of 15 members from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences to represent Victorian youth.

Meetings will be held twice over each school holidays for a total of 8 meetings over a 12-month period.

Committee members play an important role in providing a voice for young people and support the zoo to develop its programs to appeal to youth.

Through working collaboratively with zoo staff and other young people, committee members enable the zoo to achieve its mission, with a particular focus on empowering the next generation of conservationists.

Committee members will:

• Get opportunities to give their ideas and opinions about Zoos Victoria’s plans and policies

• Discuss issues that affect young people

• Provide input into Zoos Victoria’s processes and programs that relate to young people

• Learn about Zoos Victoria and wildlife conservation

• Develop leadership skills and experience

• Be able to add this to their CV

• Meet other young people and stay socially connected

Who this committee is for

Any young person between 12-18 years old can apply to be on the committee, with parent permission where applicable.

Cost and inclusions

This is a voluntary committee and there are no costs associated with being a member. You will receive a Zoos Victoria membership, allowing unlimited visitation to all four Zoos Victoria zoos for one year: Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo, and Werribee Open Range Zoo Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Program sequence

Meetings will be hosted at Melbourne Zoo.

Here are the 2023 dates for your calendar:

Tuesday 18 April 2023	Autumn School Holidays
Thursday 20 April 2023	Autumn School Holidays
Tuesday 4 July 2023	Winter School Holidays
Thursday 6 July 2023	Winter School Holidays
Tuesday 26 September 2023	Spring School Holidays
Thursday 28 September 2023	Spring School Holidays
Tuesday 23 January 2024	Summer School Holidays
Thursday 25 January 2024	Summer School Holidays

Members are expected to attend at least 75 per cent of meetings.

Frequently asked questions 

Still have some questions? The Youth Advisory Committee FAQs document is where you will find additional information.

Please read through this document with your parent/guardian.