Tobias Fenn
What we do
The Office for Youth ensures that children and young people in New South Wales are meaningfully involved in government decisions that shape their lives.
The Office for Youth:
- consults with children and young people aged 0-24 on a wide range of topics
- works with the NSW Youth Advisory Council to advise the NSW Government on issues that are relevant to young people across the state
- provides grants to organisations that provide services for children and young people
- supports improving outcomes through research, advice and collaboration across government.
The Advocate for Children and Young People leads the Office for Youth. The Advocate promotes the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in NSW.
Opportunities for children and young people
Image courtesy and copyright Salty Dingo
The NSW Youth Summit 2026 is a free, one-day event that brings your bright, bold ideas directly to NSW Government decision-makers, services and community organisations.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of 12 young leaders. They help the Government understand what matters to young people across the state.
Youth Week is an opportunity for young people across NSW to come together in their local communities. Get involved if you are aged between 12 and 24 and live in NSW.
Grants
Holiday Break grants
The Holiday Break program invites eligible councils and organisations to apply for funding to run events for young people.
Connect IRL Phase 2 grants
Connect IRL Phase 2 grants provides funding for eligible non-for-profits to support young people, through offline connection, mentoring, safe spaces, and prosocial activities.
Youth Week grants
NSW local councils are eligible to apply for funding to run events during Youth Week.
Research and reports
“Space to speak” report
We’re developing a statewide, whole-of-government plan that will reflect what is most important for children and young people across NSW.
Learn about what we heard from over 5,200 children and young people during consultations for the plan.
NSW Youth Week 2026 polling report
Every year, we ask NSW children and young people aged 10–24 about the issues that matter most to them through the NSW Youth Week poll.
Student Experiences Snapshot: School Stress
What are the key drivers of stress in young people, and how can the NSW Government better support young people to manage their mental health during their studies?
Report on the NSW Youth Summit 2024
Through the ‘Your Voice, Our Future’ consultation, the NSW Government engaged with over 4,500 young people.
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Latest news
The Advocate for Children and Young People
Katherine McKernan
On 9 January 2026, Katherine McKernan began a 5-year term as the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People.
As the Advocate, Katherine leads the NSW Office for Youth and is an independent statutory officer.
Katherine was previously the Executive Director at National Legal Aid. She has significant social justice and advocacy experience in housing and homelessness, legal assistance, disability, health, mental health and women and children’s safety.
