Meet our new Chief Operating Officer!

Youth Projects is entering an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Mary Jankulovski as Chief Operating Officer: a newly created role that reflects the organisation’s continued growth across youth services and social enterprise. Read more

Larita Academy 2026: Connection, Courage and Opportunity in Action

This year, 23 young people from Youth Projects took part in Larita Academy, a four-day immersive experience bringing together 11 youth partner organisations, industry leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs to help young people explore what’s possible when they step into new environments with support behind them. Read more

The Little Social opens at Footscray Hospital - turning every coffee into opportunity

After years of planning, partnership and shared commitment, Youth Projects is proud to officially open The Little Social at Footscray Hospital. This is our second social enterprise café in the west in just five months, designed to create real employment opportunities for young people facing disadvantage. Read more

Empowering Women at Work

To mark International Women’s Day, we brought our Youth Projects community together to reflect on the barriers women continue to face. We hosted a panel of women leaders who explored the theme 'Balance the Scales' and shared their insights on navigating workplaces and building confidence. Read more

Supply Chain Operations Graduates Step into New Jobs

Youth Projects has celebrated the achievements of eleven young students who have completed the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations. Read more

The Little Social Goes West!

Today, we officially opened the doors to The Little Social at Wyndham Law Courts, our very first café in Melbourne’s west, powered by Youth Projects and built to create meaningful opportunities for young people facing disadvantage. Read more

"We're Not Waiting For Permission" - Young Voices Redefining Leadership

At Youth Projects, we know leadership isn't defined by age. It's defined by courage, perspective, and lived experience. Read more

YP's 2025 Youth Awards Celebrate Young Leaders

Youth Projects proudly hosted the 2025 Youth Awards, an inspiring evening celebrating Melbourne’s young leaders, creatives, and changemakers. Read more

Opportunity is cooking! Youth Projects announce Chop4Change

Youth Projects is proud to announce Chop4Change, a new inclusive hospitality pathway designed to help young people facing barriers to gain the skills, confidence and experience to thrive in meaningful employment. Read more

Redefining Inclusive Design in Melbourne's Inner West

Groundbreaking Social Enterprise Sensory Kitchen Project Set to Redefine Inclusive Design in Melbourne’s Inner West Read more

Voices From the Front Line

How Youth Projects provides holistic support to young people living below the poverty line. Read more

How Recognition Shaped Abeer's Journey as a Young Leader

When Abeer Fatima was named Young Achiever of the Year at the 2023 Youth Projects Youth Awards, it wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was just the beginning of a leadership journey that has inspired many others. Read more

Saying Yes to Holistic Care for Women at The Living Room

“Say Yes to You” is this year's theme for Women’s Health Week, and at The Living Room, it’s a timely reminder of how important it is for women experiencing homelessness to have safe, accessible and trauma-informed health care. Read more

Honouring Lives and Preventing Harm From Overdose

Every year on International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together to remember those lost to overdose, to reduce the stigma surrounding drug use, and to raise awareness of the life-saving work happening in our communities. Read more

Bridging the Hepatitis Gap for People Sleeping Rough

Youth Projects is proud to announce the launch of a new Hepatitis Point-of-Care Testing machine, The GeneXpert, at The Living Room, our primary health services supporting people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne. Read more

Youth Projects Employment Expo Proves That Young People Aren't "Too Lazy To Work"

There’s a tired narrative out there that young people don’t want to work. That they’re too lazy, too distracted, or too entitled to chase down a job. But earlier this month, we saw the complete opposite and we had a line out the door to prove it. Read more

Larita Academy x Youth Projects: Empowering Young People

Larita Academy is an initiative designed to fuel entrepreneurial drive, build confidence, skills and make real connections to help young people find their tribe. Read more

Why "move on" laws make homelessness worse

As public debate grows louder and more urgent, Melanie Raymond OAM, Youth Projects Board Chair has penned a powerful reflection on the growing crisis of homelessness, the proposed legal changes from the City of Port Phillip, and how we must respond. Read more

Introducing The Little Social at Paula Fox

Brewing Opportunity, One Cup at a Time. Read more

Youth Projects Announces Trent Miller as CEO

After an extensive and highly competitive selection process facilitated by NGO Recruitment, Youth Projects Chair, Melanie Raymond OAM, today announced Trent Miller as the organisation’s CEO. A passionate advocate for collaboration and adaptive leadership, Trent is committed to driving sustainable social change and empowering Youth Projects to break the cycle of disadvantage. Read more

Employer Partnership Updates

At Youth Projects, we're excited to announce our new partnership with TSA Group! Five young job seekers have secured stable, full-time hybrid roles, offering flexibility with both in-office and remote work. Read more

Empowering Young Futures

Our Supply Chain Course in Werribee is buzzing, with 11-12 clients gaining hands-on training every Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Childcare Course in Melton is progressing well, with students gaining key skills for their careers in early childhood education. Stay tuned for success stories and photos! Read more

Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workforce

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace unlocks strengths, fosters innovation, and enhances employee engagement. Angela Gaylard, Chief People Officer at Youth Projects, highlights the value of designing adaptable environments that support diverse ways of thinking and working. Read more

Rotary Thank You Event! Celebrating a Legacy of Generosity

On 10 February 2025, we celebrated our long-standing partnership with Rotary at a special twilight event. With representatives from Rotary Central Melbourne and Rotary Woodend, we enjoyed delicious catering, inspiring speeches, and heartfelt stories of impact. A huge thank you to Rotary for your continued generosity and support! Read more