Youth

We are committed to supporting young people across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region to thrive. We do this by connecting young people with services, activities, opportunities, and support networks that help build wellbeing, confidence, and community connection.

More than 22,600 Port Macquarie-Hasting’s residents are aged 0–24, representing over one quarter of the population. Young people aged 12–24 make up around 14% of the community, while more than 13,800 children are aged 0–14. The 10–14 age group is the largest, highlighting the importance of supporting young people as they transition through adolescence and into adulthood.

Investing in young people from an early age helps build strong foundations for lifelong health, wellbeing, participation, and community connection.

Source: Port Macquarie-Hastings Demographic and Community Insights | Age, Population | REMPLAN

Services and Support

If you're a young person looking for support, information, or someone to talk to, we're here to help. Whether you have a question, concern, idea, or would like to find out more about local services, please contact Council's Community Development team at community.activation@pmhc.nsw.gov.au .

Community Directory

Looking for local services, programs, or activities? Search the Port Macquarie-Hastings Community Directory.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance, call 000. If you need support with mental health, wellbeing, hardship, or personal challenges, the following services are available:

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (ages 5–25, 24/7)
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Headspace
Lifeline

Hastings Youth Voice

We are looking for enthusiastic young people aged 12–24 who want to make a positive difference in their community and help ensure the voices of young people are heard across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. Hastings Youth Voice (HYV) provides an opportunity for young people to contribute to local decision-making, advocate for issues that matter to them, and play an active role in shaping the future of their community.

HYV members work alongside Council staff and community stakeholders to provide a youth perspective on Council plans, projects, policies, and community engagement activities. This includes contributing to initiatives such as the Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2025–2029, Cultural Plan, and other strategic plans and projects. The group helps identify the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of local young people and contributes to a range of initiatives, including Youth Week events, youth engagement activities, and community projects.

If you're passionate about your community, keen to share your ideas, and interested in helping create positive outcomes for local young people, we'd love to hear from you.

HYV meets monthly at Port Macquarie Library from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, with an online attendance option available.

Read the HYV Charter for more details.

Join HYV

Youth Week

NSW Youth Week is an annual celebration of young people, held each year in April. It showcases the talents, achievements, and contributions of young people while providing opportunities to connect, participate, and have fun. Youth Week activities cater to a wide range of interests and may include large community events, workshops, performances, creative activities, and smaller local initiatives.

Young people play a key role in planning and delivering the program. Youth Week events are developed in partnership with Council, Hastings Youth Voice, local youth services, and community organisations.

Council also supports community-led Youth Week initiatives through the Community Grants Program, which includes two funding rounds each year, as well as year-round micro-grants for eligible not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and youth support agencies.

Hasting Youth Voice are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from young people aged 15–24 to join the Youth Week Event Planning Group. No previous experience is required. As a member of the group, you'll help design and develop a Youth Week 2027 program, including ideas, activities, and budget planning to explore funding avenues for the program.

Join Youth Week Planning Group

NSW Youth Advisory Council

The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) provides young people with an opportunity to have their voices heard at the State Government level. The Council advises the Minister responsible for Youth and the Advocate for Children and Young People on issues affecting young people across New South Wales. The Mid North Coast representative for 2026 is Romone Dunlop, who is also a member of Hastings Youth Voice. This connection helps strengthen links between local and state youth perspectives and ensures the experiences of young people in our region are represented more broadly.

Learn more about the YAC

What's On

Find a local event or youth support group to help you stay connected.

Community Events Calendar

What’s On

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