Youth Advisory Committee
Help shape the future direction of Zoos Victoria to support a future rich in wildlife.
Application timelines
Applications for the 2024 committee are now closed.
Applications for the 2025 committee will open in February 2025.
To be the first to hear when applications open and find out the latest information about the committee, sign up here.
Committee description
Young people between the ages of 12-18 years from across the state are part of Zoos Victoria’s Youth Advisory Committee.
The committee is made up of 15 members from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences to represent Victorian youth.
Meetings are held twice over each school holidays for a total of 8 meetings over a 12-month period. We also have one online catch up over each of the school terms.
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.
Working collaboratively with Zoo staff and other young people, committee members enable the Zoo to achieve its mission to fight extinction, with a particular focus on empowering the next generation of conservationists.
Committee members will:
- Have 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. Lunch will be provided.
Program sequence
Meetings will be hosted at Melbourne Zoo.
Here are the 2024/25 dates for your calendar:
|
Tuesday 9 April 2024 |
Autumn School Holidays |
|
Thursday 11 April 2024 |
Autumn School Holidays |
|
Tuesday 9 July 2024 |
Winter School Holidays |
|
Friday 12 July 2024 |
Winter School Holidays |
|
Tuesday 1 October 2024 |
Spring School Holidays |
|
Thursday 3 October 2024 |
Spring School Holidays |
|
Tuesday 21 January 2025 |
Summer School Holidays |
|
Thursday 23 January 2025 |
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.