Orygen Digital Youth Advisory Group
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Orygen Digital Youth Advisory Group

Applications open: Orygen Digital is looking for 12 young people to join our Youth Advisory Group

Orygen Digital is looking for 12 young people from across Australia to join the Orygen Digital Youth Advisory Group (YAG) as members for a two-year term. Young people are experts in helping us shape our digital services, research and advocacy to be more effective and beneficial for the young people we serve. The purpose of the YAG is to advise Orygen Digital on developing and improving digital mental health tools with and for young people. 

Orygen Digital is the digital mental health division of Orygen. We’re always working to create new and better technology that genuinely helps young people who are struggling with their mental health to feel better and build the lives they want. We have a team of researchers, software engineers, psychologists, designers, artists and peer specialists who work together to develop these digital tools. The YAG plays a key strategic role in ensuring young people’s experiences of mental health and digital technology shape all levels of our work. 

There are 12 YAG positions in 2025, including up to two identified First Nations YAG positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. 

Who are we looking for?  

We’re looking for young people aged 16–25 who: 

  • have lived or living experience with mental health challenges, and/or have lived or living experience of supporting a close friend or family member with mental health challenges,

  • are passionate about youth mental health,  

  • are passionate about digital innovation and new technologies. 

We are seeking to create a YAG that reflects the diversity of young people across Australia.  This means we encourage applicants to apply from across Australia who are: 

  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young people  

  • young people living in rural, regional or remote areas 

  • neurodivergent young people 

  • young people with a disability 

  • young people with experiences of homelessness, housing instability or financial hardship 

  • young people from cultural and racial minorities 

  • young people who did not complete year 12 and/or do not have experiences of tertiary education 

  • LGBTQIA+ young people  

  • young people from a refugee or migrant background. 

Read the YAG 2025 Position Description and the First Nations Position Description for more info YAG 2025 First Nations Position Description.

What’s in it for you?  

As a YAG member, you will: 

  • receive training and ongoing support from Orygen Digital’s Lived Experience Participation Team to develop your skills and knowledge 

  • receive honorariums (monetary gift!) in recognition of your contributions 

  • have any travel costs covered for YAG activities (such as for conferences or public-speaking engagements) 

  • gain valuable experience to add to your resume 

  • have the chance to develop your leadership skills, build a network, and contribute to a more positive future for digital mental health innovation and Australian young people. 

First Nations Identified YAG Positions 

Orygen Digital is looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to apply for one of our dedicated First Nations YAG positions. This is a chance to amplify the voices of First Nations young people on our Orygen Digital YAG and collaborate with fellow YAG members to develop strategies and advice that address the challenges faced by First Nations youth, particularly in digital mental health. You will also receive cultural support and guidance from Orygen’s First Nations team and have opportunities to connect with other First Nations staff and youth.  

Am I eligible for a First Nations position? 

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young person aged 16–25 and have a strong understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues, we encourage you to apply. 

How will Orygen Digital select YAG members? 

Orygen’s selection is based on your responses to the application form, which includes questions about: 

  • your background, interests, and reasons for applying 

  • the skills, values and experiences that would make you a strong fit for the YAG 

  • your commitment to participating in the opportunity 

  • the challenges that young people in your community face. 

YAG members should be comfortable: 

  • communicating ideas and feedback in a group setting 

  • collaborating with others from diverse backgrounds 

  • provide advice to Orygen Digital teams informed by your experiences and those of your communities 

  • providing constructive input to help shape Orygen Digital’s strategic projects. 

YAG members should be ready to: 

  • commit three hours per month over the two-year term (with flexibility for more involvement as opportunities arise) 

  • join monthly virtual meetings  

  • contribute to Orygen Digital projects that are of interest to you throughout your two-year term. 

How do I apply? 

Applications only take five minutes to complete and you don’t need to provide a resume! 

You may also be asked to take part in a virtual interview (over Zoom). 

If you are looking for further information, check out our FAQs page or email Shona Louis, Lived Experience Participation Lead at [email protected] 

Applications close Wednesday 11, June 2025.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, check out our FAQs page or email [email protected].