YEAH Crew kicks off a new year with big plans

The YEAH Crew is back for 2026 and bigger than ever, with new members jumping on board the popular Ararat Rural City Council program.

The YEAH Crew initiative brings together young people from different backgrounds to design and deliver exciting community events, whilst building valuable personal and professional skills. 

As the first step, participants will be inducted by Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACV). Other training set out for the year will include a full-day workshop to learn how to work together as a team to successfully deliver events and cultural awareness training to help the group to create inclusive and welcoming activities for all young people.

At their first monthly meeting last week, the excited crew also discussed activities and projects for the year ahead, said YEAH Crew Facilitator Nerissa Gee, who leads the group alongside her therapy dog, Hunny.

“We talked about teaming up with Golden Plains Shire Council to organise and deliver the major Battle of the Bands Showcase, which would be really exciting” Ms Gee said. “Other plans include a Cultural Connection Party, DJ training and a basketball event.”

Council’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Outreach Officer is also involved in the program, providing additional support to ensure diverse voices are represented.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the YEAH Crew was being funded over three years by the Victorian Government’s Engage! Program.

“Last year’s inaugural program was a huge success, and it was a real pleasure to see a group of local young people come together to learn skills together to help them navigate through the next few years of professional and personal life…and for a lifetime,” said Dr Harrison. “I wish the 2026 crew all the best for a productive and, most importantly, a fun year!”

There is still time to join the YEAH Crew, so if you are interested, please contact Nerissa on 5355 0200 or [email protected]