Ready to take action for the planet?
Like to know more about Green Futures Now/Youth Environment Summit?
Contact Lauren Brown at Warrnambool City Council on 5559 4800 or email youthservices@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
The Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit is a free event for young people aged 12–25 across the southwest.
It’s a space to meet other passionate legends, learn hands-on skills to care for the environment, and share your big ideas for a greener, fairer future.
Whether you're just starting your journey or already leading the charge, this is your chance to step up, speak out, and make a difference.
2026 Youth Environment Summit
This Year, We’re All About VOLUNTEERING!
Get ready! The 2026 Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit is back—and this year the spotlight is on volunteering.
We’re running a 2-day summit from 23–24 May, and it’s packed with chances to connect, learn, get involved, and make real impact. Plus, you’ll come away with real volunteering experience you can put straight on your resume!
Cost: FREE - with food provided all weekend.
When:
- Saturday 23 May, 10am - 3pm
- Sunday 24 May, 10am- 3:30pm
Come for one day or both - it’s totally up to you!
Where:
- Saturday: Emmanuel Centre
- Sunday: Various locations (bus transport provided)
Who can register?
Young people aged 12–25 living in South West Victoria.
What you can expect?
Day 1: Volunteer Expo (10am–3pm)
Team up with the 2026 Volunteer Expo and check out heaps of ways to get involved in environmental volunteering. Meet local groups, hear from young volunteers, and take part in youth focused workshops, including:
- What Is Volunteering & Why Get Involved?
- Young Volunteers Q&A Panel - real stories from young people
- Finding the Right Volunteering Role for You - connect with groups that fit your interests and schedule.
- Volunteer Expo Walk around - chat with local groups and learn how you can get involved.
- Build a Floating Wetland - help build a modular floating wetland while learning how it supports the environment. Hosted by GreenPrint Projects and Tutt Environmental.
- Design Your Ideal Volunteering Experience - create your own version of what a great volunteering experience looks like.
Day 2 – Hands-On Volunteering
Roll up your sleeves — Day 2 is all about giving volunteering a go. Try out different types of environmental volunteering, build practical, real world skills, and make a genuine impact (add it to your resume!). Volunteering includes:
- Native vs Introduced Plants (Albert Park Field Survey)
Learn how to identify native and introduced plant species and take part in a real survey. Hosted by Warrnambool Field Naturalists. - Sustainable Fishing & Protecting Wildlife
Join a sustainable fishing clinic, learn about Seal the Loop bins and see how we can all protect local wildlife. Hosted by Fishcare. - Kayaking the Lower Merri River
Kayak the river while helping collect fish data using underwater cameras (BRUVs) and removing rubbish along the way. Hosted by Friends of the Merri Marine Sanctuary and OzFish South West.
Need more information?
Contact Lauren Brown, Youth Engagement Officer lbrown@warrnambool.vic.gov.au 0409 449 556.
The 2026 Youth Environment Summit is proudly delivered by Warrnambool City Council’s Youth Engagement Team, Green Team, and Volunteer Connect, in partnership with Green Futures Now Ambassadors and Youth Affairs Council Victoria, with funding support from the Victorian State Government.
Registrations for the 2026 Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit are now open!
Please register below to be a part of the Summit.
Warrnambool Youth Summit 2025
From May 2–4, Warrnambool City Council’s youth team proudly hosted the first-ever Youth Environment Summit at Hycel Deakin. Over one inspiring weekend, 16 passionate young people (aged 13 to 27) from diverse backgrounds came together to connect, share ideas, build practical skills, and take real action for a more sustainable future.
At the heart of the summit were three incredible young changemakers—Amelia Dumesny, Edward Higgins, and Nikolas Keramaris—who not only co-designed the event but also led it as energetic MCs. Their leadership helped shape a weekend full of energy, creativity, and meaningful conversations.
Voices from the 2025 Youth Summit
“I got a lot of insight and inspiration about volunteering to protect our nature.”
“I learned about the importance of letting people know what is happening to the environment and what they can do.”
“I learnt about community organisations I can get involved with to help the environment.”
“I learnt how young people have already made change.”
The Youth Environment Summit left a lasting impact on those who took part. Here’s what some participants had to say about their experience:
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