Programs for Young People
On this page:
What's On by term
Book into these programs or find out more at the Merri-bek Youth eventbrite.
What's On by category
Drop-In Services
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Drop-in at Oxygen to hang out in a safe and inclusive environment.
Make friends, have fun, and find support!We have a range of equipment that you can use including:
- a pool table
- an arcade machine
- an outdoor table tennis table
- Free WiFi
- a foosball table
- a computer lab
- board games
- a PlayStation
- a comfortable meeting space
- a quiet study and prayer space
- an internal courtyard
- a multipurpose space with a basketball hoop
- youth workers providing support and supervision
Watch the video below to see more of the space.
Who:
For people aged 12 to 18 years. Fully supervised by council staff,
When:
Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm.
Where:
Oxygen Youth Space: 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North
Register
No registration is required, you just drop-in.
Find out more about Drop-In
You can email us at merribekyouth@merri-bek.vic.gov.auor give us a call at 1800 My Youth (1800 699 688)
You can also message us on the Merri-bek Youth Facebook page or on our Instagram account.
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Looking for something to do on a Friday night?
Join us on select Fridays for "Youth Take Over" at the Glenroy Community Hub! This is a time where young people have the whole library to themselves.
There is lots on offer – games, free WiFi, printing and computers, a makerspace room, recording studio and special event.
So come along with your friends, enjoy plenty of fun activities and heaps of yummy food in a safe and inclusive environment.
Date, time & who can attend Takeover
Friday 7 March
Friday 4 April
Friday 2 May
Friday 4 July
Friday 1 August
Friday 5 September
6pm - 8pm; for young people aged 12 to 18 years.
These events are fully supervised by Merri-bek City Council staff. Note that this is a parent-free zone.
Location
Glenroy Library, Glenroy Community Hub, 50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy
Register
Please register at the Merri-bek Libraries eventbrite.
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Looking for something to do on a Friday night?
Join us on select Fridays for "Youth Take Over" at the Brunswick Library. This is a time when young people have the whole library to themselves.
There is lots on offer – games, free WiFi, printing and computers + special activities at each session.
So come along with your friends, enjoy plenty of fun activities and heaps of yummy food in a safe and inclusive environment.
Date, time & who can attend Takeover
Dates to be confirmed.
6pm - 8pm; for young people aged 12 to 18 years.
These events are fully supervised by Merri-bek City Council staff. Note that this is a parent-free zone.
Location
Brunswick Library, Sydney Road & Dawson Street, Brunswick
Register
Please register at the Merri-bek Libraries eventbrite.
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MY Rainbow is a monthly social group for local young LGBTQIA+ people, best suited for 12 to 17-year-olds. We craft, eat, talk and hang out.
This group is fully supervised by Merri-bek Council staff and facilitated by Mim (She/Her) from Merri-bek Youth.
If you have any questions or would like to chat to someone about this program, you can email Mim on mbilander@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call Merri-bek Youth on 1800 699 688.
You'll enjoy MY Rainbow if:
🌈 You like free snacks
🌈 You want to meet and socialise with other young people in your community
🌈 You're looking for a safe, welcoming and relaxed place to hang out
Gigs, events & festivals
Watch this space for upcoming events organised by our amazing FReeZA crew, Amped Up.
Want to hear about upcoming youth-led gigs, events, and festivals? We recommend following Amped Up on instagram.
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2026 dates to be announced.
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Merri-bek Youth proudly presents the Youth Makers Market at the Glenroy Festival.
Young creators, 12 to 24 years from Merri-bek will showcase their work, with stalls offering a diverse range of items, from zines and art prints to crochet and pottery. We invite you to join us in supporting the talented young creators of Merri-bek and celebrate their creativity.”
When
Sunday 4 May from 11 am to 3 pm
Where
Glenroy Community Hub and Bridget Shortell Reserve, Glenroy
Jobs and training
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Do you want a job that saves lives, is flexible, fun, and helps people enjoy their time in the water? Then you should apply for our free Pool Lifeguard course!
On completion of the 3-day course you will be awarded the Pool Lifeguard SISSS00111 & First Aid HLTAID003 accreditations, & the Merri-bek Youth team will support you in finding local job opportunities.Who
This training is for young people aged 17 to 24 who live, work, study, or socialise in Merri-bek.
When
Monday 7 July 2025 (First Aid Level 2 Course)
9am - 2pm
Oxygen Youth SpaceTuesday 8 July 2025 (Pool Lifeguard Course)
9am - 4pm
Coburg Leisure Centre
Wednesday 9 July 2025 (Pool Lifeguard Course)
9am - 4pm
Coburg Leisure CentreRegister
Please register at the Merri-bek Youth eventbrite.
Spots are limited.
Find out more
Please email Liam Walsh at lwalsh@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or at 0417 056 587.
This course is facilitated by Lifesaving Victoria and Merri-bek Youth.
Leadership and Youth Voice
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Applications for the 2025 intake are now closed!
LGBTQIA+
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MY Rainbow is a monthly social group for local young LGBTQIA+ people, best suited for 12 to 17-year-olds. We craft, eat, talk and hang out.
This group is fully supervised by Merri-bek Council staff and facilitated by Mim (She/Her) from Merri-bek Youth.
You'll enjoy MY Rainbow if:
🌈 You like free snacks
🌈 You want to meet and socialise with other young people in your community
🌈 You're looking for a safe, welcoming and relaxed place to hang out
Who:
For people aged 12 to 17 years. Fully supervised by council staff,
When:
Friday 21 Feb 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
Friday 16 May 2025
Where:
Various locations.
Register
Please register at the Merri-bek Youth eventbrite.
Find out more
If you have any questions or would like to chat to someone about this program, you can email Mim on mbilander@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call Merri-bek Youth on 1800 699 688.
You can also message us on the Merri-bek Youth Facebook page or on our Instagram account.
Music
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The music rehearsal room at Oxygen Youth Space is a fully equipped music space for bands and soloists to plug in and jam. The space features a full backline, amps, and microphones.
12 - 18 year olds:
When:
The rehearsal space is available for hire Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.Cost:
No cost19 - 24 year olds
When:
The rehearsal space is available for hire Monday - Sunday, 8 am - 8 pm.Cost:
One-off practice: $6.50 per hour
A 3-month membership for $74.00: includes a weekly three-hour session.All users must fill out a booking form and attend an induction.
Location
Oxygen Youth Space: 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North
Book & find out more
You can email us at glenroystudio@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or give us a call on 1800 699 688
You can also message us on the Merri-bek Youth Facebook page or on our Instagram account.
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The Glenroy Jam Room is an ideal place for small group rehearsals, practicing with musical instruments and podcasting. An array of instruments are available as is a professional podcasting set-up for users with knowledge on how to use the set-up.
Date, time & who can use the Glenroy Hub Jam Room?
These are:
- Mondays, 9am - 8pm
- Tuesdays, 9am – 8pm
- Wednesdays, 9am – 8pm
- Thursdays, 9am – 10pm
- Fridays, 9am – 6pm
- Saturdays, 9am – 4pm
- Sundays, 1pm - 5pm
Users must be inducted into the space, and users under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an inducted person over the aged of 18.
Location
Glenroy Library, Glenroy Community Hub, 50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy
To book or find out more
Please email us at glenroystudio@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or give us a call on 1800 699 688.
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A new music program has arrived!
If you’re in year 7 - 10 and love music, this is your chance to learn, play and shine. Come along each week to play, create and collaborate alongside professional musicians!
It’s a great way to meet new friends and unleash your creativity.
No skills required, everyone’s welcome.
When
Tuesday’s, 6pm
For people in year 7 - year 10.
Location
Oxygen Youth Space: 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North
Book your place
Please book your place by filling out the registration form
School Holidays
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We run free school holiday activities for 12 -18s!
Register
Please book at the Merri-bek Youth eventbrite.
More Information
Email Vanessa at merribekyouth@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or give us a call at 1800 My Youth (1800 699 688).
Sport & health
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Our free boxing classes are back! All girls and women, including trans and femme identify folk are welcome to join these free boxing classes with professional boxing instructor Stephanie Mfongwot!
Classes are high intensity and include shadow boxing & bag work, skipping, abdominal exercises, boot camp exercises such as squats, push-ups, lunges and burpies.
No experience needed, classes will be tailored to all abilities and skill levels. Beginners welcome! Boxing gloves, boxing pads and cotton inners are provided.
Date and time
Tuesdays, 5:30pm to 6:30pm, during the school term.
Location
Oxygen Youth Space: 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North
Who
This class is for girls and women, including trans and femme identify folk, aged 12-24 years.
All sisters, aunties, mothers and all your female friends can attend too.You do not have to have any prior boxing experience to join in with us, we welcome anyone from beginners to experts.
What should I bring to the class?
Make sure to wear exercise-friendly clothing and bring a drink bottle and a towel.
Register
We will require you to register for the course. This allows us to make sure we have the right amount of equipment and space set up for everyone.
You can register for the class here at our eventbrite.
Looking for more information?
Email Miriam at mbilander@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or you can speak to a member of our team by calling 1800 699 688.
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Are you looking to improve your basketball skills, receive expert tips, learn the basics, play pick-up game, or just have fun? Then come and be a part of Fawkner Fastbreak! Fawkner Fastbreak is run by pro basketball coach & youth worker Jonni.
Date and time
Thursdays during the school term, 2.45pm - 5pm.
Location
Fawkner Community Sports Hall, 77 Jukes Road, Fawkner (Behind the library).
Who
For all people aged 12 - 18. No experience necessary.
Register & more information
Please contact Steve by email shuf@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call/text 0478 461 666 to find out more!
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Helping Hoops Power is a basketball program for girls and women aged 10 and up and is a fun way to learn skills and play basketball - no experience needed.
Date and time
Mondays, 4.30pm to 6pm, during the school term.
Location
Fawkner Community Sports Hall, 77 Jukes Road, Fawkner (Behind the library).
Who
This class is for girls and women, so we ask that only girls and women 10 years and older attend. All sisters, aunties, mothers and all your female friends can attend too.
You do not have to have any prior basketball experience to join us, we welcome anyone from beginners to experts.
What should I bring to the class?
Wear exercise-friendly clothing and bring a drink bottle and a towel.
Register & more information
Please contact Renee Clarke (Head coach) by email at info@helpinghoops.com.au or call 1300 851 810.
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Are you looking to level up your soccer game, master new skills, get some expert tips, and have an absolute blast on the field? Look no further! Our soccer program is here to make your soccer dreams a reality.
Join us for sessions that will not only sharpen your skills but also create epic memories and connect you with awesome new friends who share your love for the game.Sessions are led by soccer coach & youth worker, Jonni.
Date and time
Tuesdays during the school term, 3.15pm - 5pm.
Location
Meet at the Glenroy College Gymnasium, 120 Glenroy Road, Glenroy.
Who
For all people aged 12 - 18. No experience is necessary.
Register & more information
Please contact Steve by email shuf@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call/text 0478 461 666 to find out more!
Stay up to date
There are many ways you can keep up to date with Merri-bek Youth. We promote our programs through Eventbrite, Instagram and Facebook. We encourage you to follow us on these platforms so you'll be notified as soon as we post something new:
Merri-bek Youth Eventbrite page
Merri-bek Youth Instagram page
You can view and book into these programs at the Merri-bek Youth Eventbrite page