Youth opportunities program

2026-27 application form

Before you start

We’re looking for real honest answers that show who you are. Write like you’re chatting to a friend – keep your responses short, clear in your own words. Bullet points are totally fine, and there are no right or wrong answers.

We care more about how you think than a perfect response. We can usually tell when something’s been written by AI, and those applications tend not to stand out.

These questions are meant for genuine, personal answers, so your own voice and experiences are your best chance.

Are you an international student?

The youth opportunities program is built around local knowledge and connections in the City of Sydney local area.

If you're an international student, we recommend applying for the international student leadership and ambassador program instead. It’s very similar but designed specifically for international students, including things like timing and commitments.

Both programs are competitive, so we want you to apply for the one where you'll have the best chance and get the most out of the experience.

Personal information

Name

Given nameFamily name

Date of birth

You must be aged between 15 and 24 at the start of the program on 30 August 2025.

Email

example@example.com

Phone number

How do you describe your gender?

Please specify

Suburb where you live

Postcode where you live

School, university or other educational institution you attend (if applicable)

What is your connection to the City of Sydney?

Please specify

Do you require any specific support to access or fully participate in this program?

Please specify

0/150

About you

Let's get to know you!

Who are you when you’re not studying or working? We want to know what you enjoy, how you spend your free time, and the parts of you that don't show up in school or work?

0/150

Why do you want to join the youth opportunities program? What’s genuinely pulling you towards it, and what do you hope to get from the experience? Answer like you would with a friend – not what you think we want to hear.

0/150

Your ideas and instincts

Think about an event you’ve been to or experienced in the past 12 months that really stuck with you. What was it, how did it make you feel, and why do you think it stayed with you?

0/150

What would you bring to the youth opportunities program? We're aiming to bring together a diverse group of young people. You don't need specific experience or achievements – everyone has something valuable to add. Think less about what you’ve done and more about how you naturally are with others. It could be a skill, something you care about, a way you see things, or just your vibe in a group?

0/150

What shapes how you spend your free time? And how do you usually hear about things to do or events to check out?

If you were running a free event next weekend and needed 50 people to show up, what would you do to get people there?

0/150

Before you submit

You’re almost there – a few final details!

Please tell us how you found out about this opportunity

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

I agree to these terms and conditions (select one):

Would you like to subscribe to the youth opportunities newsletter to hear about future opportunities and events for young people?

Opt in email

example@example.com

Privacy protection notice

Purpose of collection: This information is being collected for the purpose of providing a community program (youth opportunities program).

Intended recipients: City of Sydney employees.

Supply: The supply of this information is voluntary, however completion of this form is required in order to participate in the youth opportunities program.

Access/Correction: Please contact customer service on 02 9265 9333 or at council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au to access or correct your personal information.

Storage: The Social Programs team at the City of Sydney, located at 456 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, is collecting this information and the City of Sydney will store it securely.

Other uses: The City of Sydney will use your personal information for the purpose for which it was collected and may use it as is necessary for the exercise of other functions. Other uses may include:

sending you information about related topics, services or events
exchanging information with prescribed bodies relating to a child’s or young person’s safety, welfare or wellbeing if an employee suspects a child may be at risk of significant harm. This exchange of information is prescribed under Chapter 16A of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
making a child protection report to the Department of Communities and Justice.

For further details on how the City of Sydney manages personal information, refer to our privacy management plan.