What is The CREW?

The CREW is YSAS’ Youth Action and Advisory Group. It is a vibrant and diverse collective of young people who come together with the goal of taking action and making change.

The CREW is about:

  • Creating pathways for young people to participate in all areas of decision-making at YSAS

  • Having a say about issues that impact young people at YSAS and beyond

  • Playing a key role in the organisation

  • Planning and delivering CREW ideas and projects to help young people at YSAS

The CREW is an inclusive, non-judgemental space. The CREW welcomes young people of all genders, sexualities, cultural backgrounds, and abilities.

YSAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-safe organisation.

Young people are supported by the Youth Leadership Officer to be involved in The CREW.

Prerequisites of joining the CREW

  • Young people aged 16-25

  • Connection to YSAS (this is usually through lived experience of being a current or past YSAS client, but sometimes the connection is through a family member, partner or close friend).

  • All CREW activities are substance-free.

When and where does The CREW meet?

The CREW meets fortnightly at YSAS Head Office in Fitzroy (Level 1/131 Johnston Street). Or as otherwise decided by the Youth Leadership Officer and the CREW. We also work on a hybrid model to allow people to attend meetings online when necessary.

The meetings are currently Tuesday evenings fortnightly between 6pm - 8pm. The CREW will have the right to change the meeting time to a different regular timeslot if there is an articulated need within the group.

What is involved in being a part of The CREW?

  • Fortnightly meetings in Fitzroy

  • Free workshops, seminars, conferences, & training

  • Camps & recreational activities

  • CREW project as decided by the group

  • Meetings with senior YSAS leadership

  • Volunteer experience for your CV

  • Staying in touch & discussing issues on the private Facebook group

  • Volunteer payment for participation

  • ... & more

As a member of The CREW you will have the opportunity to:

  • Be a change-maker

  • Advocate for young people

  • Get involved in decision-making at YSAS

  • Bridge the gap between workers & young people

  • Raise the profile of youth

  • Reduce stigma

  • Share & develop your skills

  • Use your lived experience to help others

  • Provide feedback & advice

  • Meet other young people


All CREW activities are free, fully catered, and most include a reimbursement. 

How do I get involved?

To join The CREW:

  1. Complete this application

  2. We will be in touch with you to arrange an informal interview in Fitzroy and show you around. Or we will arrange for this to be via Zoom if COVID restrictions do not allow for us to meet in person.

  3. We will call your nominated referee

  4. You will be asked to co-sign a Support Plan and if accepted a Member Agreement which sets out expectations for your involvement.  This includes:

    • Support Plan

    • Consent & Code of Conduct form

  5. If you’re aged 18 or over you will also be required to hold a Volunteer Working with Children Check, which you will be supported to obtain.

  6. You will be asked to fill out a ‘Statement by a Supplier’ form from the Australian Tax Office which enables us to legally provide your volunteer payments

  7. We will then add you to our CREW private Facebook page