Get Involved

Young and Wise Series 2 Roundtables

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Join ARACY’s 2026 Young and Wise Roundtables

In partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Roundtables bring together young people and decision-makers. ARACY is inviting young people to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be part of the 2026 Young and Wise Roundtables — a series of paid, youth-led conversations designed to make sure young people’s lived experiences shape decisions that affect them.

Participants will receive a $50 honorarium for their time.

Young and Wise exists so that policy, research and systems are informed with young people, not just about them.

In Series 2 (2026), we’re centring the voices of young people who identify as being:

  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

  • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)

  • From rural, regional or remote communities

  • LGBTQIA+

  • Living with Autism

You don’t need formal qualifications or professional experience — your lived experience is the expertise.

Ready to get involved?

We’d really love to get to know you. Submitting a short video is our preferred option, as it helps us hear your voice and story more directly. Just be yourself!

If a video application doesn’t feel right for you, feel free to apply by filling in the form below. Choose whichever option feels most comfortable for you.

Deadline: 30 January 2026

Fill in the form below to express your interest

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The Nest embodies ARACY’s vision for the wellbeing, including the health, of all young Australians. It recognises every facet of a child’s life as integral to preventing diseases, intervening early, and ultimately creating the right conditions to thrive.

With six connected areas (Healthy, Valued, Loved and Safe, Material Basics, Learning, Participating, Positive Sense of Identity and Culture), The Nest ensures young Australians have everything they need for the best start in life, helping them reach their highest potential.

Watch the video to learn more.

More Information

The Roundtables bring together young people and decision-makers to talk honestly about what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. Your insights help inform national advice and reports that ARACY shares with government and sector leaders.

Find out more about series 1 of the roundtables

By submitting an EOI, you can:

  • Receive a $50 honorarium in recognition of your time if selected to participate
  • Share what matters most to you and your community

  • Help shape the questions and themes explored in Series 2

  • Contribute to national conversations that influence policy and practice

  • Be the first to receive the final Young and Wise report and insights

  • Be considered for future opportunities with ARACY, including advisory roles and partnerships

Your voice helps ensure decisions reflect real experiences, not assumptions.

You can submit an EOI if you:

  • Are a young person 8–24

  • Live in Australia

  • Identify with one or more of the priority cohorts listed above

  • Want to share your experiences to help create fairer systems for young people

We welcome young people with different communication styles and support needs.

Accessibility and cultural safety are core to how the Roundtables are designed.

Submitting an EOI doesn’t mean you’re committing to anything straight away.

After EOIs close:

  • ARACY will review submissions to ensure a diverse mix of voices

  • Selected participants will be contacted with more information

  • All applicants will be kept informed about future Young and Wise opportunities

Click here to read more about the roundtables

If you have questions or need support to apply, you can contact us at communications@aracy.org.au