Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting young people aged 12 to 25 to express their interest in a free opportunity to build new skills, explore local issues and help shape the future of Greater Shepparton through the Youth Summit 2026.
The two-day summit will be held at La Trobe University in Shepparton on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October 2026 from 10.30am to 3.30pm each day.
Day 1: Participants will build confidence and public speaking skills while learning about building a youth-led movement and how local government works.
Day 2: Participants will work in groups to develop solutions to issues that matter to them such as career pathways, safety, mental health and wellbeing, social justice and cost of living. They will then present their ideas directly to councillors, community leaders and other decision-makers.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said the summit would ensure young people are part of conversations about the future of our community.
"Young people have first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that shape their lives, so their voices must be part of the decisions that affect them," he said.
"The Youth Summit will give participants the skills, confidence and support to turn their experiences into practical ideas and share them directly with people who can help create change.
"You do not need to be an experienced leader or public speaker to take part. We want to hear from young people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives from across Greater Shepparton."
Council's Director Healthy Communities and Liveability, Briana Baass said the summit would give young people a direct voice in conversations about their community.
"The value of Youth Summit 2026 is that it puts young people's ideas in front of people who can help turn them into action," she said.
"Participants will explore what matters to them, develop clear recommendations and present these directly to community leaders."
"The summit is also designed to show young people different approaches to addressing community challenges."
Young people aged 12 to 25 can self-nominate by submitting their own expression of interest.
Parents, grandparents, carers and other trusted adults can also nominate a young person with their knowledge and agreement. Secondary schools, colleges, TAFE, youth services, sporting clubs and community organisations are also encouraged to submit nominations.
Following the summit, key ideas and recommendations will be included in an outcomes report and shared with relevant decision-makers. While implementation outcomes cannot be guaranteed, participants will be informed about how their input has been considered.
Expressions of interest are now open and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 20 September 2026. Submitting an expression of interest does not automatically confirm a place.
To apply or nominate a young person online, visit shepp.city/youthsummit
Printed copies of the nomination and self-nomination form can also be collected from Council's Welsford Street office at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Youth Summit 2026 is delivered by Greater Shepparton City Council with support from Uniting, The Bridge Youth Service, headspace Shepparton, La Trobe University and local young leaders.
