Community
22 May, 2026
Youth challenges to be discussed
THE Warrnambool Hycel Hub is the place to be next month if you’re a youth and community sector worker.
YACVic Rural will host a ‘Beyond Borders: Breaking down the Silos’ two-day conference which will respond to local realities, challenges and opportunities facing the Great South Coast’s youth sector and young people.
To be held on June 9 and 10 at the Hycel Hub (Deakin University, Warrnambool), the conference program will reflect feedback from local stakeholders and focus on the strengths that come from collaborative work that places young people at the centre of our responses.
Youth sector leader and Churchill Fellow Katie Acheson will give a keynote address and lead solutions-focused workshops.
Over two days participants will hear directly from local young people and emerging youth workers about their experiences and what ongoing support, systems and collaborations are needed.
The conference will have a multi-disciplinary approach with sessions designed to spark conversation and collaboration for those working in housing, local government, education and disability support, and across diverse communities.
“Young people move across every part of our communities, from Colac to Hamilton and beyond,” YACVic rural development coordinator, Zoe Damman said.
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“Young people are telling us that they need responsive and adaptive services that can meet their needs regardless of where those young people are at, geographically, socially and culturally.
“This conference has been intentionally designed around the needs of the Great South Coast youth sector so workers can leave with stronger connections, shared language and practical solutions that make a real difference locally.”
‘Beyond Borders: Breaking down the Silos’ is a professional development forum for people who work or volunteer with young people.
There will be a limited number of free places available for young professionals under 25.
Anyone wishing to attend can contact Taline Ferreira at TFerreira@YACVic.org.au
