National Groups and Links for Children and Youth

  • ABC kids – Rollercoaster, the Playground and ABC parents.
  • Ardoch Youth Foundation – Actively seeks resources to increase learning and welfare support for schools, early childhood centres, students and families.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia – Mentoring program for young people.
  • Boy’s Brigade Australia – Nondenominational Christian organization which focuses on training and developing boys and young men into balanced people.
  • Double Helix – The CSIRO’s club for children interested in all things scientific.
  • Enviro Craft Children’s Activities – Craft for kids and young people.
  • Girl Guides Australia
  • Girl’s Brigade Australia – Interdenominational Christian youth organisation for girls in pre-primary to Year 12.
  • HeartKids – Information and support for families of children with heart disease.
  • Itsallright – Information for young people about living with and knowing those who have mental illness.
  • Kids Help Line is Australia’s only free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between five and 18.  Call 1800 55 1800 anywhere in Australia.
  • Lawstuff – National Children’s and Youth Law Centre – know your rights.
  • Lead On – Organisation giving 12 to 25 year olds in regional areas the opportunity to work on projects with businesses and community groups.
  • Livewire – Run by the Starlight Children’s Foundation. An online community for young people, aged 10 to 21 years, living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability. Livewire aims to be a supportive place for them to hang out, connect, share experiences, creatively express themselves and realise that they are not alone in their situation.
  • Midnight Basketball Australia – For young people aged 12 to 18.
  • Millennium Kids – Young people around Australia encouraging others to be aware and active about the environment.
  • Outward Bound – Aim to offer challenging experiences and courses for Australian youth and adults to aid in personal development.
  • Playgroup Australia – Playgroups are an informal environment for babies and children up to five years to interact with one another, set up by their parents and caregivers.  Find a Playgroup association in your local area with the web site.
  • Rainbow Club Australia – Swimming clubs for children with disabilities and special needs around Australia.
  • Save the Children Australia
  • Scouts Australia – Find a local scout group
  • Siblings Australia is a national organisation committed to improving the support available for siblings of children and adults with chronic conditions including disability, chronic illness and mental health issues.
  • Social Justice in Early Childhood – Based in Sydney with Australia-wide and international membership.
  • Somazone – A resource developed by young people for young people.
  • The Oaktree Foundation organises events for young people wanting to campaign against global poverty.
  • Together For Humanity – Conducts programmes in schools which challenge misconceptions and encourage children to focus on people’s common values.
  • Vibewire – A non-profit organisation that supports young people to effectively shape their world through media, arts and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • The Wellspring – A blog about youth leadership opportunities in Australia and at the United Nations.
  • YMCA and YWCA – Young Men’s and Women’s Christian Associations.
  • Youthbeyondblue – The youth arm of the national depression initiative.
  • Youth Leadership Australia aims to be the hub for youth leadership in Australia.

Federal Government Web Sites