What is Youth Parliament?

Youth Parliament is an annual residential program run by the Y that draws together 20 teams (each comprised of 6 young people aged 16-25) from across Victoria to advocate for issues that matter to them. Across the span of 5 months, participants will learn about the Victorian legislative system, develop advocacy and community leadership skills, and create and debate their own proposed legislation (Bill) on an issue that they are passionate about.

The program is delivered in three blocks:

OFF-CAMP (TERM ONE AND TWO): In the lead up to the residential camps, teams will meet and attend meetings with a mentor from the Taskforce. In these meetings, participants will;

• be assigned a Bill topic from their submitted preferences
• be supported in the drafting and development of their Bill
• be introduced to the parliamentary debate structure and etiquette
• gain an understanding of local, state and federal legislation

TRAINING WEEKEND (23RD – 25TH MAY):

The Training Weekend is a three (3) day residential camp at Lake Dewar Discovery Camp. It is the time for participants to learn about parliamentary debating and parliamentary etiquette, learn about and engage with media, and begin building a sense of community with other young people. Across the weekend, participants will:

• Finalise understanding in key training areas such as parliamentary etiquette and debate
• Engage in mock parliamentary debates
• Engage in media training and be interviewed on their Bill by the Youth Press Gallery
• Establish the Chambers for Sitting Week including appointment of leadership roles

            (Chamber Leaders and Youth Premier)

• Engage in skill development sessions covering topics such as confidence and leadership

THE WEEK OF YOUTH PARLIAMENT (6TH JULY - 11TH JULY)

This is it! The Week of Youth Parliament is a six (6) day residential camp, also at Lake Dewar Discovery Camp. This is when Youth Parliamentarians will debate their Bills at Parliament House in front of ministers and the public. They will also continue to develop personal and professional skills, and build connections with a group of passionate change-makers who may become important personal and professional contacts for years following participation in the program. Across the week, participants will:

• Connect with and build a community with other change-makers
• Continue to build leadership and advocacy skills while at campsite through tailor-made experiential learning sessions
• Travel by bus on the Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of camp to Parliament House to participate in the Youth Parliament sitting week
• Gain practical experience in the parliamentary debating process – participating in both the sponsor (arguing for) and refuter (arguing against) roles for debate on Youth Parliament Bills Be given the opportunity to deliver a short speech directed to a state OR federal MP on an issue they are passionate about

Commitment

The 2025 Golden Plains Youth Parliament Team requires a commitment of one to two meetings weekly, with in person meetings a possibility.
Availability for most meetings, all camp dates, and the week of Youth Parliament camp dates and sitting sessions are required (key dates listed below).

Key Dates:

• March to April – Teams write a Bill with the support of a Taskforce member
• 23^rd-25thMay – Participant Training Weekend Camp (YMCA Discovery Camp – Lake Dewar)
• 6^th-11^th July – Week of Youth Parliament Camp (YMCA Discovery Camp – Lake Dewar & Victorian Parliament House)

(Participants are required to attend the entirety of the 2 residential elements of the program).

YMCA Geelong with community partners such as Golden Plains Shire Youth Services, Bannockburn College, (Golden Plains Team 2025) will be sponsoring the team costs.

For more information about the Golden Plains Youth Parliament Team 2025, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.