Youth Voice Peak Group
Applications are now open for the 2025 Youth Voice Peak Group.
The Department of Education and Training’s Youth Voice Peak Group provides student voice and advice on matters of policy development and program delivery to the Department of Education and Training.
About Youth Voice Peak Group
The Northern Territory (NT) Youth Voice Peak Group (YVPG) was established in 2023 to provide student voice on matters of policy development and program delivery to positively influence future education, employment, health and wellbeing outcomes for all young Territorians.
YVPG is an exciting opportunity for students in years 10-12 across the NT to contribute to policies and programs that affect them and ensure their voice is represented in decision-making processes.
Drawing on their lived experiences, members work as a group to collectively identify areas of education they would like to reform in partnership with the Department of Education and Training (DET).
YVPG meet once a school term both online and in person. Members undertake a series of professional development activities to help build their leadership skills and confidence. They have the opportunity to provide advice directly to the Minister for Education and Training, and key department executive staff to influence departmental policy and programs.
No formal experience is required to apply. NT DET is looking for members from across the NT to form a diverse group of young people that are representative of all regions.
Who can apply
To be eligible for membership of the YVPG, participants must:
- be currently enrolled and attending school in the NT between year 10 and year 12 in 2025 (government and non-government school)
- be able to attend all proposed meeting dates in 2025 (dates outlined below).
Members will be selected by a panel based on their application and their ability to represent the unique context of the NT.
Meeting dates
In 2025, there will be four face-to-face meetings and four online meetings.
2025 face-to-face meeting dates (may be subject to change)
- Term 1 – 26 and 27 Feb (Week 5)
- Term 2 – 21 and 22 May (Week 6)
- Term 3 – 26 and 27 August (Week 7)
- Term 4 – 11 and 12 November (Week 6)
2025 online meeting times (may be subject to change)
- Wednesday, 12 Feb 9.30am-11am
- Wednesday, 2 April 9.30am -11am
- Wednesday, 11 June 9.30am-11am
- Wednesday, 15 October 9.30am-11am
What you will get
Participants are not paid for their time, but all costs associated with participation in, and travel to attend meetings or other business for the YVPG is funded by the NT DET.
The skills and experiences participants gain during their time as a member of the YVPG are invaluable and can be used as evidence for student resumes and to support post-school pathway applications.
The Youth Voice Peak Group has been approved by the SACE Board as an approved Community Developed Program for 2025 program participants (Stage 1 10 credit program).
Student testimonials
“I think the best part about being part of the YVPG is meeting so many like-minded individuals from all around the Northern Territory. It has been incredible hearing about their diverse schooling experiences and comparing them with my own. I have thoroughly enjoyed our meetings every term, where we discuss issues surrounding technology, use of AI and student wellbeing.”
2024 Youth Voice Peak Group member
“During the time I've been a part of YVPG/The Crew (almost 2 years!) we have talked about so many issues regarding schooling, education and student experience and we are taking action on them! We share our ideas in an environment with like-minded people so our voices get heard. This really is an amazing opportunity!”
2024 Youth Voice Peak Group member
“I would the recommended the Youth Voice Peak Group because it gives young people across the NT a chance to have their voice heard and talk about issues in schools that the education department can help solve.”
2024 Youth Voice Peak Group member
“The best part about being in the YVPG has been meeting a group of people who share the same drive to improve student voice across the Territory.”
2024 Youth Voice Peak Group member
How to apply
If you’re in year 10 to year 12 in 2025, don’t delay applying.
Applications close on Sunday 1 December 2024 at 11.59pm.
- Step 1. Fill in the application and your talent release form:
- Step 2. Get the relevant approvals from your guardian and school principal
- Step 3. Submit your application by email or mail.
Youth Voice and Leadership Advisor
Strategic Engagement Partnerships
GPO Box 4821
Darwin NT 0801
yvpg.doe@education.nt.gov.au
When will I find out if my application is successful
You will receive a letter notifying you of the outcome of your application by 20 December 2024.
More information
For assistance, or further information please contact the youth voice and leadership advisor by email yvpg.doe@education.nt.gov.au or call 08 8999 3536.
2024 Youth Voice Peak Group
The 2024 NT YVPG members comprise 6 return members from 2023 and 12 new members from across the territory.
The members are listed below.
| Member name | Region | School |
|---|---|---|
| Abel Ganley | Big Rivers | Katherine High School |
| Amy Tinsley * | Darwin | Darwin High School |
| Billy Timbs * | Darwin | Casuarina Secondary College |
| Charles Yunupingu | East Arnhem | Laynhapuy Homelands School – Makarrata Senior School |
| Charlotte Williams* | Darwin | Haileybury Rendall |
| Doug Dupree | Top End | Good Shepherd Lutheran College |
| Hannah Ziersch | Darwin | Henbury School |
| Kate McTaggart | Big Rivers | Katherine High School |
| Lilly Bailey-Carey | Darwin | The Essington International School, Darwin |
| Megan Wunungmurra | East Arnhem | Laynhapuy Homelands School – Makarrata Senior School |
| Michael Long | Darwin | Henbury School |
| Ruhan Sun | Darwin | Darwin High School |
| Sophia Belle Rogers | East Arnhem | Nhulunbuy High School |
| Stephanie Waugh | Darwin | Haileybury Rendall |
| Suraya Van Beelen* | East Arnhem | Nhulunbuy High School |
| Tiah Lawler | Darwin | O'Loughlin Catholic College |
| Wil Gow * | Darwin | Darwin High School |
| Zoey Magnay * | Central | Centralian Senior College |
* Returning members.
For further information, including 2024 meeting dates and consultation opportunities, email the Youth Voice and Leadership Advisor, Strategic Engagement Partnerships team at yvpg.doe@education.nt.gov.au.
View the 2023 NT Youth Voice Peak Group members.
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