What We Do
Young and Wise Roundtables
At ARACY, we believe that young people should have a voice in shaping the policies and initiatives that impact them.
The Young and Wise Roundtables brings together a diverse group of young people to share their lived experiences, insights, and ideas. By working collaboratively with policymakers, researchers, and advocates, the Young and Wise roundtables ensure that youth perspectives are embedded in decision-making processes, helping to create a future where all young Australians can thrive.
Are you a young person passionate about making a difference? Apply to our current roundtables below or join our mailing list to keep updated with opportunities.
Or are you an organisation looking to collaborate to strengthen youth voices?
Get involved with the Young and Wise Roundtables—connect with us to learn more about partnering with ARACY.
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Tell us what you think about Sex Ed and Social Media
We want to hear from you!
ARACY is inviting young people aged 18–25 to participate in a Young and Wise Roundtable on sexual health, contraception, and sex education. Your insights will directly inform ARACY’s work and help shape the Australian Government policy, which aims to provide people with clear, evidence-based information to support informed conversations with healthcare providers.
The Department of Health and Aged Care is also keen to understand how social media influences young people’s perceptions of contraception, particularly hormonal methods, and how this affects decision-making. This is your chance to help shape better support and resources for young Australians.
Key Discussion Themes:
- Sex Education – Does school or other sex education prepare you for real-life decisions? What’s missing? Is it inclusive?
- Social Media Influence – How does online content shape your views on contraception and sexual health?
- Accessing Information – Where do you learn about contraception and sex education? How much do you trust these sources?
- Communication and Stigma – How comfortable are you discussing contraception and sexual health with friends, partners, trusted adults and healthcare providers?
- Understanding Sexual Health – What do you know about different contraception options and their role in sexual health?
Join the Young and Wise Roundtable!
- Who? Young people aged 18–25
- What? A 90-minute online video workshop (via Microsoft Teams)
- When? Between 12-16 May
- Why? Your insights will help shape government and ARACY’s work in sexual health, contraception, and youth wellbeing.
➡ You’ll receive a $50 payment for your time! (It will be directly transferred to your nominated Australian Bank Account—no gift cards).
Apply Now!
Applications close at midnight on 3 May 2025.
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Tell us what you think about nutrition and healthy eating
We’re looking for 15 young people aged 14–25 to share their views on nutrition and healthy eating. This is your chance to help shape policies and programs that support young Australians in making informed and healthy food choices.
Key discussion themes include:
- what influences young people’s food decisions,
- how they access and use nutrition information,
- what support is needed to promote healthy eating.
Join the Young and Wise Roundtable!
🔹 Who? Young people aged 14–25
🔹 What? A 90-minute online video workshop (recorded, via Teams)
🔹 When? Between 28 April and 2 May 2025
🔹 Why? Your insights will help shape ARACY’s advocacy, including submissions to the government and partnerships with the youth mental health sector.
➡ You’ll receive a $50 payment for your time! (It will be directly transferred to your nominated Australian Bank Account—no gift cards).
Applications for this roundtable have now closed..
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Tell us what you think about drugs and alcohol
We’re looking for 15 young people aged 14–25 to share their views on alcohol and drug use, advertising, and support systems. Your insights will help shape future policies and programs.
Key Discussion Themes:
- The Influence of Ads – How can we make sure alcohol marketing doesn’t shape our choices?
- Shifting Trends in Drinking and Drugs – What’s changing, and how are young people leading the way?
- Access and Choices – How do young people navigate decisions around alcohol and drugs?
- Getting the Right Support – What works best when young people need help?
- Empowering Young People – How can education and peer support create safer choices?
Join the Young and Wise Roundtable!
🔹 Who? Young people aged 14–25
🔹 What? A 90-minute online video workshop (recorded, via Teams)
🔹 When? Between 31 March – 4 April 2025
🔹 Why? Your insights will help shape ARACY’s advocacy, including submissions to the government and partnerships with the youth mental health sector.
➡ You’ll receive a $50 payment for your time!
Applications for this roundtable have now closed.
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Have Your Say on How Young People Can Be Supported with Social Media Age Restrictions!
Big changes are coming! Later this year, social media platforms will introduce age restrictions for those under 16, and we want to hear from you.
- How will this impact young people’s wellbeing?
- What alternatives will young people turn to for mental health support and information?
- What can government and stakeholders do to ensure a smooth transition?
Join the Young and Wise Roundtable!
🔹 Who? Young people aged 14–25
🔹 What? A 90-minute online video workshop (recorded, via Teams)
🔹 When? Between 10–14 March 2025
🔹 Why? Your insights will help shape ARACY’s advocacy, including submissions to the government and partnerships with the youth mental health sector.
➡ You’ll receive a $50 payment for your time!
Applications for this roundtable have now closed.
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Have Your Say on the Federal Budget!
Every Federal Budget is a chance for the Government to make life better and brighter for children and young people—but they need to hear from YOU!
With an election on the horizon, ARACY wants to champion what YOU want from the Government this year. That’s why we’re putting together a Young & Wise Federal Budget and Pre-Election Group—a space to break down the Budget, share your priorities on how the Government spends taxpayer money and make sure young voices are heard loud and clear.
If you’re aged between 14 and 25 we want you to have your say!
What’s in it for you?
- Help shape ARACY’s response (yep, real impact!)
- Connect with other passionate young changemakers
- You’ll be paid $50 for your time
- Your voice matters—let’s make it count! Interested? Let’s do this!
📅 When? Wednesday, 26th March at 5.30pm AEDT
📍 Where? Online (we’ll send you the link)
📝 How to apply? Just hit the button below and let us know you’re keen!
Applications for our group have now closed.
More roundtables are coming soon, join our Young and Wise group to be the first to know!
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WHAT WE DO
Looking for more?
Search through our extensive Resource Library including Research papers, Submissions, Reports and much more.
ARACY's The Nest
What's in The Nest?
With six connected areas, The Nest ensures young Australians have everything they need for the best start in life, helping them reach their highest potential.
Our Nest projects
Using The Nest, has helped ARACY to be at the forefront of disease prevention and the promotion of holistic health for young Australians.
The Nest initiatives
Here you’ll see some examples of how The Nest has been used in organisations outside of ARACY across Australia.
