Ausyouth is not a 'youth program', nor does it sponsor or conduct youth initiatives. Our role is to bring together, work with and assist collaborative interaction between governments and public and private sector organisations with a common interest in consolidating and advancing youth development as a national approach. Stakeholders in the process include youth program providers, policy-makers, practitioners in the field of youth work, youth affairs networks, government service providers, the business sector, and various other organisations and agencies. The Ausyouth project has evolved through several phases since its inception. Ausyouth believes that youth development provides all young people with experiences and opportunities which enhance their capacity and which affirm them as contributors to the community and shapers of their own future.
Youth development is a concept well advanced in various countries overseas.
It is premised on the conviction that the personal growth and advancement of all young people in our society is too important to be left to chance. Ausyouth is convinced that youth development is a community issue. Young people are an integral part of our community with a valuable contribution to make. As a community, we must consciously assist young people to reach their potential by providing opportunities which enable them to develop the skills and competencies to support them not only through adolescence, but throughout adult life. This must go beyond giving them a sound educational grounding.