Youth support
The Ballarat Foundation is committed to supporting young adults increase their readiness for employment, further education and training.
Young People in Ballarat
Young people in Ballarat face a mix of opportunities and complex challenges. These include:
- Mental health concerns
- Educational disadvantage
- Youth crime
- Disengagement from education or employment
While youth engagement rates in Ballarat are higher than the Victorian average, there remains a vulnerable segment of young people who are disconnected and at risk.
Educational attainment in some Ballarat communities lags behind state averages, placing young people at a disadvantage when it comes to long-term success and wellbeing.
As Ballarat becomes increasingly culturally diverse, there is an urgent need to ensure equitable access to support, resources, and opportunities for young people from all backgrounds. With the right programs and support, these challenges can become stepping stones to brighter futures.
Ballarat Vital Signs Report 2025
The 2025 Vital Signs report highlights a mixed outlook for young people in Ballarat. Strong in employment and study participation, yet challenged by loneliness and disconnection.
Youth unemployment is lower than state and national averages, but loneliness, disconnection and offending have increased. Around one in five teenagers are not engaged in study or work, signalling a need for more inclusive pathways into education, training and community life. By investing in young people’s confidence and connection, we can build a future where every young person feels valued and supported.
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Young people need pathways
In this video, Nina FitzSimons highlights what the Vital Signs data reveals about the experiences of young people in Ballarat, and the importance of creating more pathways to opportunity.
How We’re Making a Difference
The Ballarat Foundation funds and supports initiatives that focus on:
Increasing youth engagement
Promoting mental health and wellbeing
Encouraging social inclusion
Removing barriers to education, sport, and employment
We work closely with community partners to ensure young people facing disadvantage receive the help they need to thrive. Help us empower young lives - your support can make a lasting difference in the life of a young person.
Donate today to one of our youth-focused funds:
Significant Change Stories
Joshua and Talia's Story
How obtaining their probationary licence led to work opportunities and less social isolation in Victoria's third loneliest LGA for young people.....
Goldfields Education Program
How an alternative approach to education is resulting in greater youth engagement.....
Sport as Connection
How making sport accessible and inclusive can strengthen belonging in a community......
Finding Belonging
How a safe and supportive community helped one young girl move from isolation to creating belonging for others......
Janine Owen Fund
The Janine Owen Sub Fund is dedicated to empowering young people in our community, providing opportunities, resources, and support to help them reach their full potential. Your donation directly contributes to programs that build resilience, confidence and brighter futures for local youth.
Peter Amor Sports Participation Fund
The Housing Support Fund assists local people and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. Your donation helps fund essential services, emergency accommodation and pathways to long-term housing security. Together, we can make sure everyone in Ballarat has a safe place to call home.
Young Ambition Fund
The Housing Support Fund assists local people and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. Your donation helps fund essential services, emergency accommodation and pathways to long-term housing security. Together, we can make sure everyone in Ballarat has a safe place to call home.
youth support news
We work on Wadawurrung land
The Ballarat Foundation acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the lands and waterways in our region. We recognise their diversity, resilience, and the ongoing place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold in our communities. We pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present, and commit to working together in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect and reconciliation.
The Ballarat Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, respected and empowered to thrive.