Gnarly Neighbours

Gnarly Neighbours is a not-for-profit youth group based in Seymour, Victoria, with a focus on creating a positive space for young people from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Gnarly Neighbours is a grassroots non-profit based in Seymour, in regional Victoria, dedicated to empowering local youth through mentorship, skateboarding, and creative programs. Founded by Jayden Sheridan, who experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in one of Victoria's most disadvantaged towns , Gnarly Neighbours addresses critical social issues such as youth mental health, education inequity, and the risk of youth involvement in crime.

2025 Pitch

Funds Raised: $70,500

Pitched at Thriving Young People 2025 event for support to expand Gnarly Neighbours’ Positive Neighbourhood Pathways Project, a volunteer-to-employment program offering hands-on training in hospitality, retail, printing production, and design. This funding will cover program materials, equipment for workshops, and mentor support, allowing them to onboard new youth participants and provide structured pathways from volunteer roles to paid positions.

6 Month Impact

12 Month Impact

The funding supported the implementation of the Positive Neighbourhood Pathways Project, supporting 25 young people to transition from volunteering into paid employment through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world work experience in hospitality, retail, and creative industries.

Impact stories:

One young person first came to Gnarly Neighbours a few years ago when he was beginning to head down a difficult path. He didn’t have strong male role models around him and the peer group he was spending time with was pulling him in the wrong direction. He was encouraged, somewhat reluctantly, to start volunteering with Gnarly. What began as something he didn’t really want to do slowly became a place where he found positive mentors, supportive peers and a sense of community. Through the pathway program he gained experience helping around the shop and supporting programs, and today he regularly returns to skate, help out and complete school work experience with the team. He has shared that having that positive community around him played a big role in shaping the person he is becoming.

Another powerful example is a young person living with a physical disability who joined the pathway employment program with very low confidence. At first they struggled to communicate and would often only say a few words at a time. Over time, in a supportive and inclusive environment, their confidence grew significantly. They became a valued part of the team, joking with staff and feeling comfortable connecting with others. Eventually they found their place working behind the café counter serving customers, something that once felt completely out of reach. Their family often speaks about how meaningful it has been to see that growth in independence and confidence.

A third young person first connected with Gnarly Neighbours through skate lessons before progressing into the pathway employment program. Coming from a defence family meant they had moved frequently and found it difficult to build lasting friendships and community connections. Through Gnarly they found a sense of belonging that helped their family feel more settled in Seymour. During the recent fires this young person spent several days volunteering alongside the Gnarly team supporting community relief efforts. Since being involved we have seen a real shift in their confidence and pride, not only in the workplace but also as an active contributor to the local community.

Learn more about Gnarly Neighbours

https://gnarlyneighbours.com.au/

Supporting Sustainable Development Goals: