Growing with Healthy Cities Australia: A Journey of Leadership and Giving Back 

At Healthy Cities Australia, we believe in the power of community, leadership, and the lasting impact of youth involvement. Our Youth Volunteering Program offers young people who have aged out of our Active In-Betweens after-school program the chance to step up as peer leaders. This program builds leadership skills, provides real-world experience, and helps make a tangible difference in the community. 

Two of our longest-standing youth volunteers, Alysse and Cooper, have been with us for four years. Their journey highlights the growth and impact that comes from staying involved in something meaningful. 

Alysse: From Participant to Mentor 

Alysse joined the Youth Volunteering Program after finishing Active In-Betweens and has spent the past four years growing into a strong, reliable mentor. She’s learned how to facilitate activities, support younger children, and communicate effectively with both peers and facilitators. Her role evolved to include providing insight into the health concerns and interests of young people (including those who are neurodiverse) an invaluable contribution to our team. 

“I really like being a youth volunteer because of all the amazing opportunities and different experiences,” Alysse says. “I also really enjoy working with the kids—it’s great to get to know each of them and their interests.” 

Cooper’s Perspective: The Joy of Giving Back 

Cooper also joined the program four years ago and has become a familiar face at our community sessions. His leadership and steady commitment have made him a role model for younger participants who look up to him. His constant energy and enthusiasm for active play encourages the kids to be physically active and have fun whilst doing it! For Cooper, volunteering is about more than just helping, it’s about purpose. 

“The feeling of knowing you are doing something helpful to the community just makes me feel great,” he says. 

 It’s this joy of giving back that drives many to continue their involvement year after year. 

The Wider Youth Volunteer Group: the power of peer support 

Alongside Alysse and Cooper, we have a vibrant group of youth volunteers, including Jayde, Braxton, Amber, and Claire, who bring unique strengths to the program. Recently, we gathered as a group for a social connection and peer mentorship day. This allowed volunteers to share experiences, build relationships, and explore ways to support each other in their roles. 

“Our youth volunteers play an incredible role,” says Michelle, Team Leader for Child Health Promotion. “They model healthy lifestyles both in the program and in their communities, and their peer connection allows those messages to truly resonate with younger children. They also help keep us adults in touch with current trends in child health and are invaluable to the success of Active In-Betweens.” 

A Bright Future Ahead 

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to shine a light on the contributions of our youth volunteers. Their commitment shows how early engagement in community programs can spark a lasting interest in community leadership and giving back. 

Programs like this aren’t just about filling volunteer roles, they’re about equipping young people with the tools to lead. We’re excited to see where this journey takes them, and the positive ripple effect their efforts will continue to have across our communities. 

If you’re interested in joining our Youth Volunteering Program or know someone who might be, we encourage you to reach out. It’s a great way to stay connected, grow as a leader, and make a lasting impact on the community.