Elevate * Advocate * Convene * Innovate * Thrive*

Elevate * Advocate * Convene * Innovate * Thrive*

WHO WE ARE

AYAC is the national peak body for young people aged 12–25 and the sector that supports them. As a member-driven organisation, we unite a powerful coalition of young people, youth sector workers, communities, organisations, and decision-makers to create meaningful change for young Australians. 

OUR FOCUS AREAS

Research, policy and advocacy 

We lead policy and research to generate innovative ideas and evidence-based solutions. Through systemic advocacy we ensure young people, and the sector that supports them are included and represented in public dialogue, policy and decision making. 

Sector Support 

We support the Australian youth sector with representation and advocacy, support, information, and coordination. Through our sector development activities we enhance the capacity and impact of the youth sector, and increase positive outcomes for Australian young people. 

Youth engagement 

We support young people to impact policy and decision making that affects them. We do this through youth community engagement and participation, including tforums, steering committees, roundtables and advocacy. 

OUR PRIORITIES

Convene

We convene an expert and powerful coalition of young people, communities, organisations and decision-makers who work together to create change.

Advocate

We advocate for all young people to ensure they are included and represented in all public dialogue and policy.

Innovate

We deliver research in partnership with young people to generate new ideas and design evidence-based solutions.

Elevate

We prioritise and work with young people in everything we do and create a platform for young people to lead change.

Thrive

We ensure the capability of young people, the youth sector and our organisation to lead change now and into the future.

OUR VALUES

Ambition

We are committed to achieving real outcomes that benefit young people.

Inclusion

We are inclusive and accessible for all young people.

Independence

We are independent and non-partisan.

Partnership

We partner with young people and the community to create change.

Respect

We respect the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and the right to self-determination.

Take a minute to read more about our work in our Annual Report 2022–2023

You can learn more and read about our goals in our Strategic Plan 2025.

You can also read the AYAC Constitution which includes information about how our organisation is governed.