2026 Victorian Youth Press Gallery

2026 Victorian Youth Press Gallery, created by Y Victoria is a program for young people aged 16-25 who are interested in gaining experience and skills in political journalism, videography, photography, and social media.  Participants will act as the Press Gallery for the YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament by writing articles about the program and the issues being debated for a variety of publications.

Leading up to Youth Parliament, the Youth Press Gallery will partake in a series of workshops with professional industry stakeholders, equipping participants with the relevant industry skills to produce stories for major publications. Participants will gain a great opportunity to write about issues they are passionate about and be the voice of young Victorians.

If this opportunity aligns with your interests, apply now. 

• 📅 Key Dates

  Compulsory Full-Day Workshop: 28 February 2026 (onsite, Essendon Fields)

  Fortnightly Online Meetings (5:30–7:30pm)

  • 12 & 26 March 2026

  • 9 & 23 April 2026

  • 7 & 21 May 2026

  • 4 & 18 June 2026

  • 9 July 2026

  Training Day (Onsite): Saturday, 23 May 2026 (9:00am–8:00pm, Lake Dewar Discovery Camp)

  Youth Parliament Week: 28 June – 3 July 2026

  Parliament House Sitting Days (required)

  • Monday, 29 June 2026

  • Tuesday, 30 June 2026

  • Thursday, 2 July 2026

  Government House Reception (required): Tuesday, 30 June 2026 (after sitting day)

• 👥 Eligibility

  Availability:

  Must be able to commit to all required workshops and program dates including:

  • Compulsory full-day workshop (Feb 28, 2026)

  • Fortnightly online meetings (Mar–Jul)

  • Training Day (Sat May 23, 2026)

  • Youth Parliament Week (Jun 28 – Jul 3, 2026), including required Parliament House sitting days (Jun 29, Jun 30, Jul 2) and Government House reception (Jun 30)

  • Online participation each night during Youth Parliament week (except Wednesday)

  Application requirement: Must submit a portfolio of work + an article pitch as part of selection.

  Other Conditions:

  • Interest in journalism/media, including writing, social media, photography, or videography.

  • Must follow program policies and be part of an alcohol, drug, and weapon-free program, and respect diversity and non-partisan values.