The Allan Labor Government is backing more youth-led events across Victoria - helping young people come together and shape the activities that matter to them during Youth Fest 2025.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett announced that the East Wimmera Health Service and the Committee of Management Woady Yaloak Recreation Facility Smythesdale will each receive a grant to design, plan and deliver events during Youth Fest in September 2025.

Youth Fest celebrates young Victorians by funding fun, creative and inclusive events designed and led by young people themselves. Schools, local councils and community organisations will use funding to deliver events including art exhibitions, cultural festivals, sports days and youth awards.

The East Wimmera Health Service has received the grant to host the Celebrating Youth Fest – St Arnaud – which is being driven by the newly formed Grampians Youth Events St Arnaud group.

While the Committee of Management Woady Yaloak Recreation Facility – Smythesdale will deliver a youth-led market celebrating young talent through art, music, and handmade goods. Local youth will plan and run the event, gaining skills in event management and leadership.

The market will promote community connection and offer inclusive activities, particularly supporting youth from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.

This year there are 66 events in metropolitan Melbourne and 44 across rural and regional Victoria.
Victorian Youth Fest 2025 will run from Monday, 1 September to Tuesday, 30 September.

The Labor Government has funded the delivery of more than 500 Victorian Youth Fest events over the past five years.

For more information on this year’s events, visit vic.gov.au/youth-fest-grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman

“Youth Fest is all about delivering more free and low-cost events that give young people and local
communities a chance to enjoy themselves.”

“Youth Fest puts young people in the driver’s seat and gives them a platform to show their talents in
both metro Melbourne and regional Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“These grants help communities put on affordable, inclusive events to make sure young people –
especially in regional Victoria – have access to fun activities and support close to home."

“I can’t wait to see what our local young people organise for these events in St Arnaud and
Smythesdale."