Information for families



This page is for parents, caregivers, guardians and other family members supporting a YEC member this year. It outlines some basic information about the role you can play to help them get the most from their involvement. 

What are the benefits of being a YEC member?
  • Since 1997, the YEC has provided young people with a voice and opportunities to take action on key environmental issues facing South Australia, with the aim to achieve a more environmentally sustainable future. 
  • The YEC is a joint initiative of the Department for Education and Green Adelaide and the activities are 100% funded, so there will be no direct cost to you.
  • YEC members will gain new networks, meet like-minded students from across the state, and receive ongoing support to plan and deliver their own environmental projects. This is a great opportunity to create change and make a difference.

What is involved?
  • For a full list of events and important dates, as well as what we would expect YEC members to be focusing on each term, see the YEC program.  Major events each have a member brief - a guide with photographs that describes and shows what will happen.
  • Participation in the Council involves students taking part in sustainability forums, a two-night leadership camp and online discussion forums. 
  • If your child is unable to attend all three compulsory events (Welcome Forum, Leadership Camp, Sharing & Celebration Forum) please don't apply this year.
  • Some of these events will take place during school hours in various locations in and around Adelaide. As a parent/caregiver, you will be responsible for organising transport for your child to attend these events. A transport subsidy is available to students living >100km from Adelaide. 
  • Please note that the camp in 2023 will take place in the first week of the Term 1 school holidays.
  • The major commitment of the YEC is that members are expected to undertake a project at home, school or in the community on a sustainability or environmental topic of their own interest.  They can work on their own or with others. They are guided through the planning process and provided with a YEC staff mentor throughout the year. We would hope that families and school staff are also able to offer guidance, but are not expected to do the work.
  • In addition to face-to-face events, an online discussion forum will be run and moderated by staff throughout the year. This will be a private group for members only.
  • Where physical events cannot go ahead, we will endeavour to offer an online alternative to ensure members still have opportunities to check in with others.
  • To stay in touch between face-to-face events, there are monthly online catch ups organised through Zoom that are optional to attend.
  • In order for students to take part, they must have permission from a parent or guardian as well as endorsement from a school staff member. You will indicate that you support your child's application for the YEC by filling out and signing the Parent/Guardian Permission section of the hard copy application (Word doc) or by providing your contact details if they apply via the online proforma.

Is this program Child safe?
Yes.  At YEC events, students will be supervised by staff from the Green Adelaide Education team. All staff are experienced student mentors, have Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Working with Children clearances, and have completed First Aid and Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education and Care training. You can request copies of our Child Safe Guidelines and Procedures which include the staff code of conduct, as well as our code of conduct for children and young people.

For more information, you can contact us at [email protected]