YO Level Up & Overcome is officially up and going, and it is already creating positive opportunities for young people across Greater Bendigo.
The program launched with strong early participation and great feedback, beginning with a series of practical, skills-based workshops that link young people directly with real-world experiences. One of the first sessions to kick things off was a sold-out Barista Workshop, delivered in the ground-level space at Galkangu.
Participants built café-quality coffee-making skills in an environment that felt public, hands-on, and closely connected to everyday working life. For many, this was their first experience training in such a visible community setting, helping to build confidence and familiarity with workplace environments.
Soon after, an accredited Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training session was delivered, with 20 young people taking part. This provided another clear pathway into local hospitality employment and helped strengthen the link between learning new skills and accessing real job opportunities.
Momentum continued last Friday with a second Barista Workshop, which once again saw strong engagement and positive outcomes. Participants continued to refine their coffee-making skills, while parents and carers were invited to taste the results at pick-up time. With plenty of lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolates enjoyed throughout the evening, feedback from everyone in attendance was overwhelmingly positive.
During the April school holidays, YO Bendigo shifted focus to creativity and connection with a Clayful creative clay-making workshop and a Youth Chill Out Day, bringing the new office space to life as a genuine youth hub. The space was filled with laughter, conversation, and creativity as young people met new faces, spent time together, and explored what they could create.
Across the holiday week, more than 50 young people participated in the clay workshop and chill-out activities combined. The strong turnout highlighted not only demand, but also the importance of safe, welcoming spaces where young people can relax, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.
What is the YO Level Up & Overcome Program?
YO Level Up & Overcome supports young people aged 12 to 18 who are at risk of disengagement from education, employment, or community participation, or who are already disengaged. Disengagement can look different for everyone and may include inconsistent school attendance, limited access to training or extracurricular opportunities, or social barriers that impact connection and confidence.
Young people can register by completing the form linked on the YO Bendigo website. Parents, carers, and social workers are also welcome to complete the form on a young person’s behalf. Once registered, eligible participants receive a Gotix discount code, allowing them to access YO Level Up events and workshops free of charge.
Young people aged 12 to 25 are still encouraged to participate in all YO Bendigo activities. While those outside the 12 to 18 eligibility criteria are not eligible for the discount code, all sessions remain open, supportive, and inclusive.
YO Level Up - Youth Facilitation Program
As part of YO Level Up, YO Bendigo also runs a Youth Facilitation Program for young people up to 25 years of age. This program supports young people to get paid and supported to design and deliver a workshop or social activity for other young people, based on an idea, skill, passion, or hobby they enjoy. This could include crafting, skateboarding, leading a gaming social event, or anything else they are excited about. Young facilitators are supported throughout the process to build confidence, leadership skills, and real-world experience. Further information and expressions of interest can be found via the form on the YO Level Up webpage.
YO Bendigo will continue building momentum throughout the YO Level Up & Overcome Program, with more micro-credential training opportunities and barista workshops already being booked, alongside plenty of opportunities to chill out, connect, and spend time in the space.
If you enjoyed April’s school holiday Crafternoons, do not miss what’s coming up next, including a UV Keychain Workshop,prop-making craft sessions with Alyssa, Fruit Punch Pool Party on the 9th, and the July Facepainting workshop with Scribbles Facepainting artist: Angie! Plus, there are still plenty of spots available for young people to join the Wednesday Table Top Role Playing Group at YO.
The YO Level Up & Overcome Program is proudly funded through the Australian Government’s Strong and Resilient Communities Grant, supporting YO Bendigo to deliver practical opportunities, vibrant spaces, and meaningful pathways for young people across Greater Bendigo.
What's coming Up with YO Level Up?
Watch this space on yobendigo.com.au as we continue to roll out more events, workshops, and training opportunities.
To stay up to date with all things youth aged 12 to 15 across Greater Bendigo, do not forget to sign up for our e-newsletter to receive information about opportunities, workshops, events, and programs that we do, as well as many others provided by different organisations, all in one place.
