Being young is pretty awesome—but it can also be tricky, exciting, confusing, and even overwhelming at times. We know that figuring out how to deal with it all can be tough, so the Young People’s Committee (YPC) put this Wylak Young and Thriving resource together. It’s packed with tips, online links, and local services to help you feel more confident and ready to take on whatever comes your way. This resource was proudly gifted the name “Wylak” by Aunty Gail Smith (Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Elder) which means Youth.

Wylak Young and Thriving A Youth Resource

About this resource

We hope this helps you get to know Moonee Valley better—what makes it a great place to live, study, work, and play—and encourages you to jump in and get involved!

Keep your phone or device nearby as you’re exploring this resource, there are heaps of QR codes throughout that you can scan to find more info and connect with local services. Plus, there’s a full list of support services at the end of the booklet.

Heads up: This resource was made by young people to share general info and ideas. It’s not professional advice, but we’ve included links to reliable sources if you want to dive deeper.

About the Young People’s Committee (YPC)

Keen to join us?

Emergency directory

Services	Contact	Information
Kids helpline	1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au	A free 24/7 confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 12 - 25. The fastest way to talk with a counsellor is on the phone!
Lifeline	13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au	A 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention line. Also offers a crisis support chat support 7pm to midnight, 7 days a week.
Suicide helpline	1300 651 251	24/7 counselling and information. Available by phone and online.
The Orange Door	1800 271 151 www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au	Extra help for families and children
Safe Steps	1800 015 188 www.safesteps.org.au	24/7 family violence response phone line.
Orygen Youth Triage	1800 888 320	Specialist mental health services for young people aged 15 to 25. 24/7 emergency referrals taken by phone. Non emergency referrals wait for normal business hours (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday).

Service directory

We can help you access the organisations on this list, or you can access them yourself directly.

Aboriginal Services

Bert Williams Aboriginal Youth Services
A service provided by VAHS and YSAS, Bunjilwarra sitegr residential rehabilitation and healing units
for young people aged 16 – 25
Address: 496 High Street, Northcote 3070
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm, Friday: 9am – 4pm
Phone: 9416 4266
Email: reception@vascal.org.au
www.vacsal.org.au

The Bouverie Centre Indigenous Program (Working with Community)
Free Family Healing services offered by a team with Indigenous and non-Indigenous family therapists
Address: 8 Gardiner Street, Brunswick 3056
Email: bouverie.centre@latrobe.edu.au
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Phone: 9385 5100
www.bouverie.org.au

Bunjilwarra Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service
A service provided by VAHS and YSAS, Bunjilwarra offers residential rehabilitation and healing units
for young people aged 16 – 25
Address: Hastings 3915
Phone: 5979 2011
Email: info@bunjilwarra.org.au
bunjilwarra.org.au

Dardi Munwurro
A service for young men, includes mentoring and life skills, healing and family violence, and workplace
leadership and employment programs
Address: 8 Parkwood Rise, Mernda 3754
Phone: Free-call 1800 435 799
Email: info@dardimunwurro.com.au
dardimunwurro.com.au

Djerriwarrh Health Services
Providing quality integrated health services within available resources to the people of our community
and encouraging personal responsibility for health care
Address: Corner of Yuille and High Street, Melton 3337
Phone: 8746 1100
www.djhs.org.au

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
Victoria's lead Aboriginal child and welfare agency offer youth cultural strengthening projects,
art mentoring, youth choir groups, Koorie Youth Traineeships, as well as family support
Address: 340 Bell Street, Preston 3072
Phone: 9287 8800
Email: vacca@vacca.org
vacca.org

Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
Provides a variety of medical services for men, women and children as well as community events and
activities (please contact or refer to the website for details about these)
Address: Medical Unit – 186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Family Counselling Services – 250 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072
Phone: Medical Unit – 9419 3000
Family Counselling Services – 9403 3300
www.vahs.org.au

Wadja Aboriginal Family Place – Royal Children’s Hospital
A culturally sensitive service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families providing
support with families attending the hospital
Address: 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052
Phone: 9345 6111
www.rch.org.au/afsu

Wulumperi Support Unit (Melbourne Sexual Health Centre)
A walk-in service (no appointment needed) that provide free and confidential information, advice, testing or
treatment for sexual health as well as a Youth Sexual Health Program for males and females ages 12 – 18
Address: 580 Swanston Street, Carlton 3053
Phone: 9341 6200 to speak to a nurse for general information
9341 6200 to make an appointment for the Thursday service
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday (walk in): 8.30am – 5pm, Friday (walk in): 1pm – 5pm
Thursday (appointment only): 5pm – 7pm
https://bilang.nh.org.au/service/wulumperi-sexual-health-unit/

Alcohol & Other Drugs

Drug Health Services Adolescent Community Programs
There are a range of treatment options provided from the Adolescent Community Programs site in Footscray for young people and their families
Address: 3-7 Eleanor Street, Footscray 3011
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am - 5pm
Phone: 8345 6682
www.westernhealth.org.au

headspace
Support for young people with mental health concerns or their friends and family members
Address: Site 2A/ 5 Hartington Street, Glenroy 3046
Phone: Glenroy 9304 1011 or 1300 880 218
Address 2: Visy Cares Hub: 80b Harvester Road, Sunshine 3020
Phone: 9927 6222
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9am to 5pm,
Wednesday: 9am to 7pm Thursday: 9am to 8pm
www.headspace.org.au

Odyssey House Victoria
Odyssey House Youth & Family Services provides outreach and centre-based programs and services to young people aged 12 to 24 and their families.
Phone: (03) 9420 7600
odyssey.org.au

Uniting
Offer a youth withdrawal service as well as outreach and counselling for young people.
Address: 351 Bell St, Preston 3072
Phone: 1800 700 514
www.unitingvictas.org.au

Western Health Outreach service
Address: 3-7 Eleanor Street, Footscray 3011
Opening hours: Wednesdays 9am - 3.30pm
Phone: 9689 5533
www.westernhealth.org.au

YoDDA (Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice Service)
Phone and email advice about alcohol or drugs, access to information and support. For young people aged up to 25 or families, friend, services supporting young people
Phone: 1800 458 685
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 8pm
www.yodaa.org.au

Youth Projects
Youth outreach drug counselling (YNOT) and needle syringe program
Address: 6 Hartington Street, Glenroy 3046
Phone: 9304 9100
www.youthprojects.org.au

Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS)
Outreach support, day program, rehabilitation withdrawal and residential detox for young people
aged 12 - 21
Address: Multiple sites and locations - refer to website for specific contact details
www.ysas.org.au

The Zone
Intersectional youth AOD program covering the north west region. Specialised support is provided to young people aged 12-25 and their families that identify as having intersectional and diverse needs.
Address: Multiple sites in Carlton, Coburg, Broadmeadows, Sunbury, Sunshine, Melton and Abbotsford.
Phone: 1800 161 327
thezone.org.au/

Alternative Education

The Hester Hornbrook Academy
Provides flexible, student driven and engaging education options for young people that are disengaged from the mainstream system and wanting to complete a senior secondary certificate as well as some vocational training. Incorporates a focus on well-being.
Address: Multiple campuses - Melbourne CBD, Prahran, Sunshine, South Melbourne
Phone: 1800 517 218
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 3pm
www.hhacademy.vic.edu.au/

Kensington Community High School
The welfare team comprises of one full time youth worker, one part time social worker and a school nurse
Address: 405 Racecourse Rd, Kensington VIC 3031
Phone: 9376 1953
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4.30pm
www.kchs.vic.edu.au

Les Twentyman Foundation
Offers Back to School and and Positive Futures Programs for students.
Address: Footscray
Phone: 9689 4800
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
ltfoundation.com.au

River Nile School & Learning Centre
An independent senior VCAL school for young women from refugee, migrant and asylum seeker backgrounds
Address: Level 1, 117 Capel Street, North Melbourne 3051
Phone: 9329 8425
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am - 5pm
www.rivernileschool.vic.edu.au

St Joseph's Flexible Learning Centre
An alternative education setting with social workers and youth workers to support students in completing their education
Address: 385 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne 3051
Phone: 9269 6900
stjosephs.vic.edu.au

Sydney Road Community School
In Years 11-12, students are able to negotiate a flexible program to meet their particular needs.
Address: 12-14 Glenlyon Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
Phone: 9380 9417
www.sydneyrdcs.vic.edu.au

Counselling

Beyond Blue
Support information for young people and adults. Includes 24/7 phone line and online chat
Phone: 1300 22 4636
www.youthbeyondblue.com

CoHealth - Counselling and Youth Outreach Recovery Support (YORS)
Counselling for a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, relationship issues and adjustments in life. YORS is a mental health program, offering short to medium-term outreach support to young people aged 16 – 25 experiencing mental health symptoms or psychological distress.
Address: Multiple locations including Footscray, Kensington, Braybrook, Niddrie
Phone: See website for specific contact details
www.cohealth.org.au

Headspace
Support for young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study support.
Address: Site 2A/ 5 Hartington Street, Glenroy, 3046
Phone: Glenroy 9304 1011 or 1300 880 218
Address 2: Visy Cares Hub: 80b Harvester Road, Sunshine 3020
Phone: 9927 6222
Email: info@headspace.org.au
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9am to 5pm, Wednesday: 9am to 7pm, Thursday: 9am to 8pm
www.headspace.org.au

Orygen Specialist Program
Multidisciplinary teams deliver individually tailored services that comprise assessment and crisis intervention, case management, medication, psychological interventions, peer support, family support, inpatient care, group work, vocational interventions, educational assistance, and intensive outreach.
Address: 35 Poplar Road, Parkville VIC 3052
Address 2: Rushford Annexe, Mavis Street, Footscray 3011
Address 3: Visy Cares Hub, First Floor, 80B Harvester Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020
Phone: 1800 888 320
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

ReachOut
Support information for young people including tools and apps to help with managing life's challenges
(Contact details available through website)
reachout.com

Carers Support

Youth Disability Advisory Council
The Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) is an advocacy organisation that works with disabled young people who are aged 12 to 25. We work with disabled young people in Victoria to make sure you can speak up and are being treated fairly. You can access our free advocacy service if you need advice or support.
Address: Level 2, 235 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Phone: 0438 638 734
Email: For general enquires contact Natalie Voermans, YDAS Administration Officer. nvoermans@ydas.org.au
For advocacy enquiries contact Jade Maiolo, YDAS Intake Officer. jmaiolo@ydas.org.au
If you are Deaf/deaf or cannot talk on the phone, you can also text Jade on her mobile number.
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am -5pm
yacvic.org.au/ydas

Little Dreamers
We support young people who provide unpaid care for a family member with a disability, illness or addiction. Across a range of direct support programs, both in-person and online, we're working to improve the quality of life of Young Carers across five key areas of risk: education, employment, mental and physical health, socialisation and financial wellbeing.
Address: 8-12 Alma Road, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 1800 717 515
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
https://www.littledreamers.org.au

Satellite Foundation
Satellite Foundation offers online and in-person supports; and connects children and young people where a parent or family member experiences mental health challenges.
Address: 552 Victoria Street, Wurundjeri Country
(North Melbourne), Victoria, 3162
Phone: 0455 522 122
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
https://www.satellitefoundation.org.au/

Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria.
Address:1/37 Albert St, Footscray VIC 3011 (Disability access - Ramp, lift, accessible toilet)
Email: reception@carersvictoria.org.au
Phone: (03) 9396 9500 or 1800 514 845
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
https://www.carersvictoria.org.au

Disability

Employment

Maribyrnong & Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network (MMVLLEN)
Support young people who are having difficulty transitioning from school to further education or work by giving them the guidance, skills and opportunities they need to enter the next phase of their lives and career.
Address: 40 Bellair Street, Kensington 3011 VIC
Phone: 0413712268
Email: info@mmvllen.org.au

Brotherhood of St Laurence - Given the Chance Jobs Victoria
One on one support with education, training and employment assistance for young people from
migrant/refugee background
Address: Flemington Community Centre and The Huddle North Melbourne
Phone: 8080 1875
Email: jvenwest@bsl.org.au
www.giventhechance.org.au

Youth Projects – Transition to Work
Youth Projects provides health, outreach, community and employment, education and training services to
individuals experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness and alcohol and other drug issues
Address: 6 Hartington Street Glenroy VIC 3046
Phone: 9304 9100
Email: enquiries@youthprojects.net
www.youthprojects.org.au

Family / Child Abuse / Domestic Violence

1800RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling services. Open 24/7 with online chat available through their website.
Phone: 1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au

The Bouverie Centre
Bouverie is a state-wide provider of family-based therapy, funded to see a range of different families, especially those experiencing mental health issues, alcohol and other drug related problems, acquired brain injury (ABI) and/or complex and traumatic circumstances.
Address: 8 Gardiner Street, Brunswick 3056
Phone: 9385 5100
Email: bouverie.centre@latrobe.edu.au
www.bouverie.org.au

GenWest
GenWest provides services that help victim-survivors of family violence. Provides social and education programs for people who experience inequity. Partner with other organisations to advocate for equal rights and the prevention of family violence.
Address: 81 - 83 Paisley Street, Footscray 3011
Phone: 1800 936 437
genwest.org.au

Moonee Valley City Council - Family Services
A range of support services to help you and your family in times of need.
Address: 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds, 3039
Phone: 9243 8888 or 9243 1635

No To Violence - Men's Referral Service
A men's family violence telephone service provided for men by men, offering anonymous and confidential counselling, information and referral
Phone: 1300 766 491
www.ntv.org.au

Financial Support

Anglicare Victoria - Financial Counselling
Financial counselling services available to anyone having a hard time with money — be that debt, job loss, insurance claims, fines, or just feeling out of control. Free and confidential financial information, advice and advocacy.
Book an appointment with a Financial Counsellor through their website.
www.anglicarevic.org.au

Centrelink
Address: 482-490 Racecourse Rd, Flemington, 3031
Phone: 1800 050 004
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30 – 4.30pm

Gambling Support

Grief & Loss

Housing & Accommodation

Frontyard Youth Services
Drop in service for young people aged 12-25 who have become homeless or are at risk of homelessness.
Address: 244 Flinders Street, Melbourne 3000
Phone: 9311 2411 (or free-call: 1800 800 531)
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm
frontyard.org.au

Unison
Services for homeless people or those at risk of homelessness in Melbourne’s north and west. Connecting people to safe and affordable short, medium or long-term housing combined with support to address any challenges that may have contributed to their fragile housing situation. In addition, we help people re-establish and maintain a secure home.
Address: 117 Berkeley Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9349 0250
unison.org.au

Wombat Housing and Support Services
Free support to people in West Melbourne who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Address: 191 Melrose Street, North Melbourne 3051
Phone: 8327 2222
wombat.org.au

LGBTQIA+ Supports

Switchboard
Anonymous and free telephone counselling, information and referrals for the lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transsexual and intersex communities of Victoria and Tasmania
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web-chat: www.qlife.org.au
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 3pm – Midnight

Queerspace
Queerspace provides a safe and supportive space to obtain information and support services aimed
at improving mental health and wellbeing by specialist queer and queer affirmative mental health
practitioners
Phone: 9663 6733
www.ds.org.au/queerspace

Multicultural Support Services

African Australian Inclusion Program
Provided by Jesuit Social Services
Address:120 Racecourse Road, Flemington 3031
Phone:9376 5747
Email:african@jss.org.au
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am-5pm

Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)
Non for profit organisation that works to support young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds
to build good lives in Australia
Address: 304 Drummond St, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: 9340 3700
Email: info@cmy.net.au
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm

Foundation House Sunshine
Provide services to culturally diverse clients in the form of counselling, advocacy, family support,
group work, psycho-education, information and complementary therapies
Address: 161 Harvester Road, Sunshine 3020
Phone: 9300 8670
www.foundationhouse.org.au

Women's Health West
For women who are newly arrived or from refugee background
Address: 317-319 Barkly Street, Footscray 3011
Phone: 9689 9588
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 9am – 5pm

Parenting Support Services

ChildFirst
Initial assessment of family needs and risks to determine eligibility for family services
Address: 1st Floor, SE Building, Flemington Road, Parkville 2052
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am - 5pm
(Services are also delivered outside of these times to accommodate individual needs)

Parent Line
A statewide telephone counselling service to parents and carers of children aged 0 - 18
Phone: 13 22 89
education.vic.gov.au/parentline

SHINE for Kids
Address: 247 Flinders Lane, Ross House VIC 3000
Phone: 9662 8031 or 0414 816 093 or 0408 638 423
Email: victoria@shineforkids.org.au

Young Parents

Drop in service
Young women who are pregnant or who are young parents can drop in at Frontyard Youth Services
(19 King Street). The drop-in service (dependent on worker availability) can provide information,
support and links to other parenting supports
Address: 19 King Street, Melbourne 3000
Phone: 9611 2458
For case management support or drop in service
Email: yapp@mcm.org.au
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm

Sexual Assault

CASA - Centre Against Sexual Abuse
Individual/group based sexual assault counselling support for young people Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
Address: 210 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, 3000
Phone: Counselling and Support Line: 9635 3610
Free call: 1800 806 292
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm

West CASA
Sexual assault counselling
Address: 53 Ballarat Road, Footscray 3011
Phone: 9687 5811 (office)
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm

Sexual Health

Sexual Health Victoria
Melbourne Clinic provides sexual and reproductive health services for people under 25. Website provides lots of free sexual health information and resources.
Address: Level 1, 94 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000
Phone: 9660 4700
Freecall: 1800 013 952
Email: action@fpv.org.au
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm

Victorian AIDS Council
Provides care and support for people living with HIV including health promotion and advocacy.
Address: 200 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford 3067
Phone: 9865 6700
vac.org.au

Popular topics

Popular topics

Other council sites

Support and resources

Mental Health Support

Employment/Education Pathways

Housing Support

Drug and Alcohol Support

Wylak Young and Thriving: A Moonee Valley Youth Resource