About National Youth Week

NYW is the largest celebration of young people in Australia.
Thousands of young people aged 12-25 years all across Australia get involved in NYW each year.

It aims to encourage young people to:

• share ideas
• attend live events
• have their voices heard on issues of concern to them
• showcase their talents
• celebrate their contribution to the community
• take part in competitions, and
• have fun!

High schools, universities and tafes also take part in the celebrations.  Other organisations also get involved in NYW, such as:

• community and youth organisations
• official events organisers
• sponsors
• businesses
• Australian, State, Territory and Local Governments
• the Australian community

There are lots of ways that you can get involved in NYW 2008:

• host an event
• enter the National Talent Competitions
• enter Win Free Stuff
• have your say in an online poll
• go to an event in your local area

There will be lots of things happening during NYW 2008.  No matter where you live or what you’re interested in, there are plenty of opportunities for you! 

You can get involved in NYW 2008 by organising an event, such as:

• sporting activities
• dance parties
• community projects
• conferences
• debates
• exhibitions
• festivals
• forums
• live performances

If organising an event isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. You can attend an event in your area, have your say in an online poll, or enter a competition.

You can showcase your talents through the National Talent Competitions or go in the running to Win Free Stuff.

Keep posted for more info on Win Free Stuff and the National Talent Competitions – RockIT, WriteIT, ShootIT, DesignIT and SnapIT.

NYW is a joint Australian Government, State, Territory and Local Government initiative.

The Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA), in collaboration with the Departments responsible for youth affairs in each State and Territory, coordinate NYW.

NYW 2007 was a great success!  Check out these stats:

• hundreds of thousands of young people participated in NYW events and activities across Australia.
• hundreds of people submitted their entries across the five national talent competitions – RockIT, WriteIT, ShootIT, DesignIT and SnapIT
• over 22,310 young people voted for their favourite national talent competition entry in the People’s Choice Awards
• hundreds of young people voiced their opinions with to our various online polls
• Over 2,500 young people entered Win Free Stuff competitions.

Some high profile (and very cool) people supported NYW 2007:

• Greg Inglis, National Rugby League and Melbourne Storm superstar
• Jessicah Schipper, Olympic Games Gold Medallist
• Fiona Falkiner, Media personality and The Biggest Loser contestant
• Wes Dening, Totally Wild presenter
• Faustina ‘Fuzzy’ Agolley, Video Hits presenter and media personality
• Pippa Black, Neighbours star
• Kisschasy, ARIA nominated rock band
• Operator Please, 2006 NTC Finalists and Aussie rock band
• The Hampdens, Critically acclaimed melodic rock band
• Arron Wood, Young Australian of the Year for the Environment
• Emma Butler, Disability advocate and Young Tasmanian of the Year
• Patrick Mills, Indigenous AIS basketball player

Check out last year’s winning talent comp entries.

There are NYW representatives in every State and Territory. You will need to contact them to register your event. Check out the Contact Us page for more details.