Programs for Young People

Check out the activities and programs on offer for young people in Merri-bek this term:

Upcoming Youth Programs


All programs for young people

The following programs run regularly throughout the year. If no upcoming dates are listed please fill out our expression of interest form at the bottom of the page.

Drop-In Services

  • Drop-in at Oxygen and hang out in a safe and inclusive environment.

    We have a range of equipment that you can use including:

    • a pool table
    • an arcade machine
    • an outdoor table tennis table
    • WIFI
    • a foosball table
    • a computer lab
    • board games
    • a PlayStation and Xbox
    • a comfortable meeting space
    • a quiet study and prayer space
    • an internal courtyard
    • a multipurpose space with a basketball hoop
    • youth workers providing support and supervision

    Date, time and who can attend Drop-In

    Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm: for young people aged 12 to 18 years.

    Location of Drop-in

    Oxygen Youth Space: 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North

    Register for Drop-in

    No registration required, just drop-in. 

    Find out more about Drop-In

    You can email us at merribek@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or give us a call at 1800 My Youth (1800 699 688)

    You can also message us on the Merri-bek Youth Facebook page or on our Instagram account.

  • Looking for something to do on a Friday night?

    Join us on select Fridays for "Youth Take Over" at the Glenroy Community Hub! This is a time where young people have the whole library to themselves.

    There is lots on offer – games, free WiFi, printing and computers, a makerspace room, recording studio and special event.

    So come along with your friends, enjoy plenty of fun activities and heaps of yummy food in a safe and inclusive environment.

    Date, time & who can attend Takeover

    28 April
    19 May
    16 June
    21 July
    18 August
    15 September
    20 October

    6pm - 8pm; for young people aged 12 to 18 years.

    These events are fully supervised by Merri-bek City Council staff. Note that this is a parent-free zone.

    Location

    Glenroy Library, Glenroy Community Hub,  50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy 

    Register

    Please register at the Merri-bek Libraries eventbrite.

     

Gigs, events & festivals

Watch this space for upcoming events organised by our amazing FReeZA crew, Amped Up.

Want to get involved? Head here for more info on Amped Up.

Want to hear about upcoming youth-led gigs, events, and festivals? We recommend following Amped Up on instagram.

Jobs and training 

  • Are you ready to get your Learner driver permit but not sure where to start? This 4 day course can help! In partnership with VicRoads, the 'Changing Gears' course will teach wannabe-drivers the road rules and support them to study for the test in a fun and interactive way. All costs of the test and permit are covered. You can find out more about the Changing gears initiative on the Changing Gears website.

    The Changing Gears program boasts a 92% success rate and is particularly effective for students who struggle with literacy.

    Who

    This course is suitable for 16 to 25 year olds.

    When

    Dates TBC

    Register your interest

    Please contact Lillian by emailing ldunn@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or calling/texting 0429 268 305.

  • Get qualified and get a job as a Pool Lifeguard.

    Over three days you will be taught the skills required to supervise and respond to swimming pool users in emergency situations, and come away with the accredited SISSS00111 & First Aid HLTAID003 certificates! 

    This course is recommended for any person wishing to achieve employment within the aquatic industry. After you complete the course, we will provide you with support to find local job opportunities!

    This course is faciliated by Lifesaving Victoria and supervised by Merri-bek Youth.

    Date, time and location

    TBC

    Who

    This training is for young people aged 17 to 24 who live, work, study, or socialise in Merri-bek.

    Register your interest

    Contact Liam Walsh by emailing
    lwalsh@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or calling/ texting 0417 056 587.

Leadership and Youth Voice 

  • *Applications for the 2023 intake are now closed.  

    Interested in creating change in your local community? Then apply for a role as a Merri-bek Youth Ambassador!

    As a Merri-bek Youth Ambassador, you will work with a group of passionate young people to represent the voices of young people in Merri-bek.  The program runs for a total of 18 months, with fortnightly meetings and workshops designed to build your skills, confidence & networks, so you can create positive change in your community!

    What does it involve?

    As a Merri-bek Youth Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to:

    • Represent the views of young people in Merri-bek

    • Work with other young people on a youth-led project to create positive change

    • Build meaningful connections within your community

    • Participate in fortnightly meetings and workshops with Merri-bek Council staff

    • Discuss, debate and develop solutions to issues that are important to you

    The program runs for a total of 18 months, with a break from January - February. 

    Who can apply?

    All young people aged 12 to 24 who live, work, study or have a strong connection to the city of Merri-bek are welcome to apply. 

    How do i apply?

    Applications for the 2023 intake are now closed.  

    In this application, we ask a few demographic related questions, such as age, gender, cultural background and connection to Merri-bek. This information is kept private and is only collected to ensure we represent the diverse voices from our community in Merri-bek. 

    More information

    Please email Lillian Dunn at ldunn@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call 0429 268 305.

    Commitment to Child safety

    Merri-bek is a child safe organisation. By taking part in our opportunities, you agree to join us in our Commitment to Child Safety.

     

  • Find out more on the Amped Up page 

Music

  • Find out more on the Amped Up page 

  • The music rehearsal room at Oxygen Youth Space is a fully equipped music space for bands and soloists to plug in and jam. The space features a full backline, amps and microphones. 

    Date, time 

    The rehearsal space is available for hire Monday - Sunday.

    • 3-month membership for $70: includes a weekly three-hour session
    • One off practise: $6.20 per ho

    Location 

    Oxygen Youth Space: 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North

    Book & find out more 

    You can email us at merribekyouth@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or reach out to our Youth Services Admin Officer Vanessa at vportaro@merri-bek.vic.gov.au  or give us a call on 1800 My Youth (1800 699 688)

    You can also message us on the Merri-bek Youth Facebook page or on our Instagram account.

  • The Recording Studio at The Glenroy Hub is an ideal place for intermediate users to capture their music and work on their production skills. The Studio has all the equipment you need to record your music, podcasts, or other sound projects that require recording, editing, and mastering.

    Date, time & who can use The Recording studio

    The Recording Studio is available for use during Glenroy Library’s opening hours.

    These are:

    • Mondays, 9am - 8pm
    • Tuesdays, 9am – 8pm
    • Wednesdays, 9am – 8pm
    • Thursdays, 9am – 10pm
    • Fridays, 9am – 6pm
    • Saturdays, 9am – 4pm
    • Sundays, 1pm - 5pm

    The Recording Studio is designed to be used self-sufficiently, and users under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an inducted person over the aged of 18.

    Location 

    Glenroy Library, Glenroy Community Hub,  50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy 

    What equipment is available?

    • Our Mixing desk setup has all you need to record your projects!
    • Our Music Control Room has a Soundcraft Signature MTK 22 mixing desk with 14 tracks available to record on, an Avid Eleven effects rack, a DBX 2-Channel Compressor/Gater, Yamaha HS5 monitors, running Logic Pro on Mac.
    • Our Midi/Podcasting station has an Arturia Keylab 61 keyboard, a RØDE RødeCaster Pro podcast console, with Ableton Mac. 
    • We also have a Roland Gaia synth, A Roland Digital Drumkit, Acoustic and Electric guitars, Headphones, Microphones (vocal, instrumental, and podcasting), and plenty of stands, mounts, and cables (XLR and ¼ inch leads). 
    • If you have your own instrument, you are welcome to bring it in during your session too.

    Find out more and book

    Please email Nic at noogjes@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call 0438 832 397.

     

     

  • The Podcasting and Jam Room at The Glenroy Hub is an ideal place for small group rehearsals, practicing with musical instruments and podcasting. An array of instruments are available as is a professional podcasting set-up for users with knowledge on how to use the set-up.

    Date, time & who can use the Podcasting & Jam Room?

    These are:

    • Mondays, 9am - 8pm
    • Tuesdays, 9am – 8pm
    • Wednesdays, 9am – 8pm
    • Thursdays, 9am – 10pm
    • Fridays, 9am – 6pm
    • Saturdays, 9am – 4pm
    • Sundays, 1pm - 5pm

    Users must be inducted into the space, and users under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an inducted person over the aged of 18.

    Location 

    Glenroy Library, Glenroy Community Hub,  50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy 

    To book or find out more 

    You can email the studio coordinator Nicolaas Oogjes noogjes@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call him on 0438 832 397

School Holiday Program 

Sport & health

  • Activate is a fun, free, and inclusive active living program for teenage girls. The sessions will explore a range of sports and health and well-being activities, run by local sporting clubs. 

    Date and time

    Thursdays during the school term, 3.30pm - 5pm.

    Location

    5a Cromwell Street, Glenroy. 

    Who

    Girls aged 12 - 17. 

    Register & more information

    Please contact Steve by email shuf@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call/text 0478 461 666 to find out more!

  • Our free boxing classes are back! All girls and women, including trans and femme identify folk are welcome to join these free boxing classes with professional boxing instructor Stephanie Mfongwot! 

    Classes are high intensity and include shadow boxing & bag work, skipping, abdominal exercises, boot camp exercises such as squats, push-ups, lunges and burpies.

    No experience needed, classes will be tailored to all abilities and skill levels. Beginners welcome! Boxing gloves, boxing pads and cotton inners are provided.

    Date and time

    Tuesdays, 5:30pm to 6:30pm, during the school term.

    Location

    Oxygen Youth Space: 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North

    Who

    This class is for girls and women, including trans and femme identify folk, aged 12-24  years.
    All sisters, aunties, mothers and all your female friends can attend too.

    You do not have to have any prior boxing experience to join in with us, we welcome anyone from beginners to experts.

    What should I bring to the class?

    Make sure to wear exercise-friendly clothing and bring a drink bottle and a towel.

    Register

    We will require you to register for the course. This allows us to make sure we have the right amount of equipment and space set up for everyone. 

    You can register for the class here at our eventbrite.

    Looking for more information?

    Email Miriam at mbilander@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or you can speak to a member of our team by calling 1800 699 688.

  • Helping Hoops Power is a basketball program for girls and women aged 10 and up and is a fun way to learn skills and play basketball - no experience needed.

    Date and time

    Mondays, 4.30pm to 6pm, during the school term.

    Location

    Fawkner Community Sports Hall, 79 Jukes Road, (Behind the library), Fawkner, VIC, 3060

    Who

    This class is for girls and women, so we ask that only girls and women 10 years and older attend. All sisters, aunties, mothers and all your female friends can attend too.

    You do not have to have any prior basketball experience to join us, we welcome anyone from beginners to experts.

    What should I bring to the class?

    Wear exercise-friendly clothing and bring a drink bottle and a towel.

    Register & more information

    Please contact Steve by email shuf@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call/text 0478 461 666 to find out more!

  • Free self-defence classes for girls and women. No experience is needed, classes will be tailored to all abilities and skill levels. Beginners welcome!

    Date and time

    Wednesdays, during the school term.
    Beginners class: 4:30pm, Advanced class: 5:30pm, 

    Location

    Glenroy Community Hub,  50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy 

    Who

    This class is for girls and women, including trans and femme identify folk, aged 12-24  years.
    All sisters, aunties, mothers and all your female friends can attend too.

    What should I bring to the class?

    Wear exercise-friendly clothing and bring a drink bottle and a towel.

    Register & more information

    Please contact Steve by email shuf@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call/text 0478 461 666 to find out more!

Stay in touch

There are many ways you can keep up to date with Merri-bek Youth. We promote our programs through Eventbrite, Instagram and Facebook. We encourage you to follow us on these platforms so you'll be notified as soon as we post something new:

Merri-bek Youth Eventbrite page

Merri-bek Youth Facebook page

Merri-bek Youth Instagram page


Express your interest

No upcoming dates for the program you're interested in? Got a program related enquiry, or want to join our mailing list? Please fill out our programs expression of interest form.