FYA and YLab acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we all work and live.
We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respects to Elders past, present and those yet to come. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
Throughout this report the term ‘First Nations’ is used to refer to both Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Unless otherwise stated, the term should be understood as inclusive of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Messages from the CEO and Chair
Across the country, young people continued to organise for justice in the midst of political uncertainty, public attention, and increasing pressure on their communities. Our role has been to work alongside them in practical ways, supporting youth-led organising, advocacy, and leadership with the resources, time, and backing needed to take their work forward.
Molly Whelan
Chief Executive Officer
Jason Glanville
Wiradjuri
FYA Chair
We prioritise backing young people with lived experience of systemic injustice, recognising that those most impacted by systems are often best placed to imagine and lead meaningful change.
young people met and connected through our programs. 49% were 17 and under, 50% were 18-30 years old and 1% were 31-35 years old.
young people engaged in other types of activities such as voting in elections, or attending our webinars
youth-led campaigns and projects were backed
youth-led organisations were supported through funding and wrap around support
online training sessions
in-person multi-day gatherings
established Youth Councils
Youth Council Elections
$694,585 in grants
$16,083 was made available to Youth Councils to deliver their priority agendas
$1,442,420 was directly invested in backing young people, through FYA auspicing partner grants and youth focused organisations’ campaigns
was (re)distributed to young people
Our Work + Impact
We supported young people to make change across communities, business, and public life. We amplified their voices on the issues that matter to them, and strengthened the conditions that allow youth-led work to grow, sustain itself, and win change over time. Our work is not linear. FYA’s programs operate within an ecosystem, where connection, capability, and resources reinforce each other.
Young People
Meet + connect
Young people build relationships, and form collective power. This includes movement-building, peer connection, and creating spaces for shared strategy and solidarity.
Build skills & capacity
Young people strengthen the skills, confidence, and strategic capability needed to lead. From organising and governance, to storytelling, advocacy, and wellbeing.
Secure funding + supporting resources
Young people access the funding, tools, networks, and institutional support needed to sustain their work and reduce burnout.
Our People
Located in Melbourne, Cairns, Hepburn, Mackay, Sydney, Perth, and East Gippsland, our team represents some of the country’s top thinkers and doers when it comes to youth empowerment, policy change, co-design and programming.
We are deeply grateful to our co-investors and pro bono supporters in 2025. Your partnership enables young people to lead change in their communities and beyond.
