Find a place to connect, build confidence, try something new or take your next step.
Canberra is home to programs that encourage leadership, friendship, resilience, wellbeing and access to opportunity.
Some of the opportunities below are designed specifically for girls, young women, women, non-binary or gender-diverse people. Others are inclusive youth programs that welcome people of all genders. We have marked the difference so you can more easily find the right fit.
Information last checked in July 2026. Intakes, event dates, availability, costs and eligibility can change, so please check directly with the organisation.
For women and young adults
Fearless Women
Website
Best for: Girls and young women seeking mentoring, confidence, wellbeing support and leadership opportunities.
Fearless Women is a Canberra-based charity supporting girls and young women aged 10–25 to thrive through mentoring, education, counselling and community connection. Their programs are designed to build confidence, resilience and life skills while creating safe spaces where young women feel heard, supported and empowered to reach their potential.
Programs include one-on-one mentoring, school and community workshops, counselling support, leadership development and community events.
Who it’s for: Girls and young women aged 10–25.
Email: hello@fearlesswomen.org.au
Girls Leadership Network
Website
Best for: Young women interested in diplomacy, international affairs and leadership.
The Girls Leadership Network is a Canberra-based, not-for-profit leadership community equipping girls with the confidence, skills, and support to lead with courage, clarity, and impact. Through structured programs, mentorship, and collaborative experiences, we help girls step forward, speak up, and shape their future, empowering young leaders to dream, believe, achieve.
Contact: girlsruntheworld.cbr@gmail.com
CBR Gals Network
Website
Best for: Meeting new people, building friendships and connecting with Canberra’s social and professional community. Over 18s
The CBR Gals Network is a feminist community that connects and advances women and non-binary people in Canberra. Its changing events calendar has included dinners, podcast and book clubs, trivia nights, friendship-focused events and other opportunities to meet people in a relaxed setting.
Contact: Instagram @cbrgals or the CBR Gals events calendar.
For girls and young people
Bungee Youth Resilience Program
Inclusive program: Open to children and young people of all genders, aged 5–18.
Bungee is an arts-based resilience program delivered in schools and community settings across the ACT. Its small, supportive group workshops help participants connect with others, strengthen emotional wellbeing and develop new or existing artistic skills.
Contact: Bungee Team @ Belconnen Youth Centre
Email: bungee@crcs.com.au
Friday Dinners at Belconnen Youth Centre
Website
Free inclusive program: Open to young people of all genders, aged 10–25.
Friday Dinners is a free, no-registration drop-in where young people can share a meal, meet others and spend time in a safe and welcoming environment. There is no need to book—young people can simply come along.
When: Friday evenings. Check the current event listing before attending.
Where: Belconnen Youth Centre, Chandler Street and Swanson Court, Belconnen
Phone: 02 6264 0222
Email: youthteam@crcs.com.au
YWCA Canberra Youth Engagement
Website
Inclusive services: For young people of all genders, generally aged 10–25.
YWCA Canberra provides a range of youth programs focused on education, training, social and emotional development, practical support and connection to community.
Programs include a free out-of-school Clubhouse for young people aged 10–18, the A–Z social support group for LGBTQIA+ young people and allies, short-term casework, school holiday activities and youth centre drop-ins. Some services have their own age range and eligibility requirements.
Youth centre: Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre, 22 Sidney Nolan Street, Conder
Email: Youth@ywca-canberra.org.au
Main phone: 02 6185 2000
She Leads High Conference
Website
For: Young women and non-binary students in Years 9 and 10.
Held annually by YWCA Canberra, She Leads High helps students explore their leadership potential through interactive workshops, keynote presentations and conversations with young women and non-binary people leading change in their communities.
Next listed event: 18 September 2026
Where: Canberra Rex Hotel
Email: sheleads@ywca-canberra.org.au
Sapling Minds Foundations Program
Website
Inclusive program: For primary-school-aged children of all genders, generally aged 7–12, with complementary support for parents and educators.
The Sapling Minds Foundations Program helps children develop emotional awareness, resilience, confidence and a more supportive inner voice. Activities explore how children respond to stress, mistakes and challenges while building a capable sense of identity.
Sapling Minds also offers its Inner Voice Reset program for parents and educators who want to better understand how stress and self-talk influence the adults and children around them.
Based in: Canberra, with some services offered more broadly
Email: hello@saplingminds.com.au
Funding to pursue your goals: Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grant
Funding opportunity: For girls, young women, non-binary and gender-diverse young people aged 12–18 who live or attend school in the ACT.
The Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grant provides up to $2,000 for a project or activity that helps a young person pursue a goal. Funding may support areas such as education, sport, creativity, personal development or community participation.
Applicants must identify a mentor who can support them with their proposed project.
Current status: The 2026 application round closed in July 2026. Check the ACT Government page for future rounds.
Email: HCSDGrants@act.gov.au
Online mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters — OurSpace
Website
Inclusive online program: For young people of all genders across Australia.
OurSpace is a secure, monitored online mentoring platform for young people who cannot easily take part in face-to-face mentoring because of their location, a long-term illness or disability. Participants are matched for individual mentoring designed to reduce isolation and provide consistent support.
Big Brothers Big Sisters currently advises that some new mentor and young-person referral enquiries may experience significant processing delays. Families and referrers can still submit an enquiry to be contacted when a suitable opportunity becomes available.
Phone: 1300 463 686
Email: support@bbbsau.org
Love one of these programs? Share your lived wisdom
Have you taken part in one of these programs, as a participant, parent, carer, mentor, volunteer or facilitator? We would love to hear what it was really like.
Tell us what helped, what surprised you, what you wish you had known before starting, or what you would say to someone considering the program today.
Your lived wisdom could make the path clearer for another girl, young person or woman in Canberra. Email us here
