Warrnambool | A City for Living

Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit

Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit: 

2-4th May

Are you passionate about nature, sustainability, and taking action on climate change?

The Youth Environment Summit is your chance to connect with like-minded young people, hear from inspiring speakers and take part in hands-on workshops that make a real impact.

Whether you love the outdoors, want to learn more about protecting the planet, or are ready to push for change in your community, this is the event for you.

Don’t miss out—be part of the movement for a greener future! Register your interest below.  

Cost? FREE, with food provided throughout the weekend. 

When? Friday 2nd May (5:15-8:15 pm), Saturday 3rd May (10 am to 5 pm), Sunday (10 am to 5 pm). Come to part of it or Come to ALL – whatever suits you!

Where? Hycel, Deakin University Warrnambool

Who can register? Anyone aged 12 to 25 years living in south west Victoria.

What you can expect?

Friday, 2nd May

  • Hycel Hydrogen Research Facility Tour: Explore the future of clean energy with an exclusive tour of Hycel’s innovative hydrogen tech.
  • Blue Minds Ocean Leadership Workshop: Join change-maker Kal Glanznig and surfer Cooper Chapman for tools to manage eco-anxiety and take action for the planet.

Saturday, 3rd May

  • Kayaking & Nature Exploration: Paddle along the Merri River, discover local ecosystems, and enjoy a nature adventure with Port Fairy Surf School.
  • Beach Clean-Up Workshop: Join Beach Patrol 3280 to clean our shorelines and learn about ocean pollution.
  • Youth Advocacy Workshop: Learn how to create change in your community with YACVic’s interactive advocacy session.
  • Digital Storytelling for Impact: Craft compelling stories to drive action with Michael Chew from Ecoimagine.
  • Q&A Panel: ‘Eco-Action: Young People Leading the Charge’: Hear from passionate young leaders tackling climate change.

Sunday, 4th May

  • Co-Lab: Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Brainstorm and take action on eco-solutions in this collaborative session.
  • Growing Native Trees Workshop: Gain hands-on experience in conservation with Carli Reeve from Return the Trees.
  • Creative Reuse Workshop: Learn basic sewing skills to upcycle old clothes into new creations.
  • Habitat & Aquatic Water Bug Survey: Explore river ecosystems and conduct an aquatic survey with Glenelg Hopkins CMA and Nature Glenelg Trust.
  • Hycel Hands-On Workshop: Your chance to work directly with hydrogen fuel cells, to make hydrogen and use it to power a toy car.
  • Singing for Change Workshop: Explore how music can advocate for environmental causes with Carli Reeve.
  • Q&A Panel: ‘From Passion to Profession: Environmental Careers’: Learn about sustainable careers from industry experts.
  • Making an Impact Expo: Connect with local volunteering opportunities and community projects.

Need more information?  

Contact Lauren Brown, Youth Engagement Officer [email protected]; 0409 449 556. 

The Youth Environment Summit is brought to you by the Youth Engagement team and Green Futures Now Ambassadors. Funding has been provided by the Victorian State Government’s Engage program, with kind sponsorship from Hycel Deakin, Youth Affairs Council Victoria and Brophy Family and Youth Services. Additional funding support has been provided by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA with funds through the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust program and the Victorian Government's Our Catchments Our Communities Program.

Registrations for the 2025 Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit are now open!

Please register below to be a part of the Summit.