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Our Vision

Youth Workers Australia raises the profile of qualified youth workers through collaboration, advocacy and celebration.

Youth Work is valued and recognised as a highly skilled distinct professional discipline that is underpinned by human rights and social justice. Elevating youth work as a profession, creating better futures for young people.

Read the History of YWA  
Why youth workers need to collectively organise


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Youth Workers Australia is open to all qualified Youth Workers as well as students. Those without formal qualifications, but with extensive youth work experience are also eligible to apply.

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Check out just a selection of information about Youth Workers Australia. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

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What is the Definition of Youth Work?

The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) defines youth work as:

“Youth work is a practice that places young people and their interests first.

Youth work is a relational  practice, where the youth worker operates alongside the young person in their context.

Youth work is an empowering  practice that advocates  for and facilitates  a young person's independenceparticipation  in society, connectedness and realisation of their rights.”

Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, The AYAC Definition of Youth Work in Australia, 2013.


The YWA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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