Ararat Youth Activators Initiative Continues in 2025
Ararat Rural City Council, in partnership with Crazy Ideas College (CIC), is pleased to continue its commitment to the Ararat Youth Activators (AYA) initiative in 2025.
Now entering its third year, AYA has created new opportunities for local young people to develop their skills, explore future pathways and contribute to civic and economic life in the region.
In 2024, nearly 600 young people participated in AYA programs, engaging with local schools, businesses and community members to generate ideas, build confidence and explore meaningful career opportunities.
The 2025 program will extend the reach of AYA and continue to build on its strong foundations. With delivery led by CIC and support from schools, local businesses, community groups and Council staff, the program will engage young people from upper primary through to Year 11.
Key elements of Ararat Youth Activators 2025 include:
- Access to hands-on learning experiences that build skills such as problem solving, creativity and collaboration
- Opportunities for young people to develop and pitch their own ideas for programs, projects and products that strengthen community wellbeing and environmental sustainability
- A focus on helping students explore future career pathways and prepare for part-time work locally
- Continued delivery of CIC programs including Social Innovators and Ideas2Life Lab, Lead for Impact, Values in Action and Future Ready.
Participating young people will also gain access to relevant micro-credentials, and increased awareness about how these can support their learning and vocational development.
This year, AYA will also see young people contribute ideas and perspectives to local initiatives that aim to strengthen the liveability, sustainability and future of the region.
Through this initiative, local businesses will continue to gain access to a pool of emerging young talent, and new meaningful and advantageous connections will be formed between young people, schools, businesses and community organisations.
About Crazy Ideas College (CIC)
Crazy Ideas College (CIC) leads programs and projects that transform the way young people, business, schools and community connect and create value for each other. CIC has worked with more than 30,000 young people across Australia, supporting them to build skills, grow their confidence and explore new possibilities for their future.
“Through the Ararat Youth Activators initiative (AYA), Council, local business, schools and the broader community are demonstrating what can be achieved when young people are meaningfully engaged,” says Kieran Murrihy, Co-Founder, Crazy Ideas College. “We all benefit when young people feel confident about their future and can see that their local community is invested in helping them succeed and flourish. AYA supports young people to dream big, develop key skills and lead on issues they care about. Young people build strong and authentic connections with business and community when they step into new opportunities to work locally and contribute to community life.”
“We’ve been a proud supporter of the Ararat Youth Activators program since its inception,” says Ararat Rura City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison. “This program demonstrably equips young people with the crucial leadership skills and the confidence to drive meaningful change in our community. Council remains committed to supporting Crazy Ideas College led programs that deliver positive outcomes for young people in our region.”
