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Thanks for your patience over the next few weeks while we clean up fallen trees after the recent storms. Find out more about free storm related waste drop offs at the Knox Transfer Station and extra bin collections.

Night Owl Program

The Knox Night Owl program is a health and wellbeing initiative that supports and connects 12 to 18 year olds of all abilities in a safe and inclusive environment.

About the program

The Knox Night Owl Program is coordinated by Knox City Council and supported by volunteers.

Sessions are held over nine weeks, usually on Friday nights.

The program is free for participants.

The program features:

  • sport
  • dance
  • arts and other activities
  • healthy meals
  • personal development
  • life-skills workshops.

Local young people get the opportunity to meet and build friendships, gain new skills and confidence.

Activities

A typical session includes:

  • different activities including:
    • basketball
    • netball
    • soccer
    • art
    • rapping
    • circus skills
    • street dance
  • a life skills workshop, where topics may include:
    • relationships
    • mental health
    • healthy eating
    • drugs and alcohol
    • online safety
    • and more
  • a hot dinner and supper
  • transport home by mini-bus provided if needed.

Join the Night Owl program

The next Night Owl program begins on Friday 12 May and runs from 6:00pm to 9:30pm for 7 weeks over term 2.

Note: the Knox Night Owl program for 2023 is no longer taking registrations.

Volunteer in the program

Volunteers support the running of the program and are a large part of its success.

Volunteers play an important role by:

  • being positive role models
  • developing strong inter-generational relationships of trust
  • contributing to a more connected community.

It can also be very rewarding for volunteers and gives you an opportunity to:

  • share skills
  • gain experience
  • meet new people
  • share a meal and have fun
  • work meaningfully with young people.

Volunteer roles include:

Assistant night manager

Provides assistance to the night manager in managing all aspects of the night’s program.

Read the position description for assistant night manager.

Catering coordinator

Coordinates provision of a healthy, nutritious dinner and supper for participants and volunteers.

Read the position description for a catering coordinator.

Transport coordinator

Manage the safe transport of participants who need transport home by minibus at the end of each evening.

Read the position description for transport coordinator.

Bus drivers

Drive the mini-bus and ensures safe transport home each evening for participants.

Read the position description for bus drivers.

Small-group activity assistants

Assist with small groups of young people rotating around 'activity stations' and participating in activities.

Read the position description for small-group activity assistant.

General helpers

Assist with program activities to ensure the night program is inclusive and fun for participants.

Read the position description for general helpers.

Application process

You must follow an application process to volunteer:

Expression of interest

If you are interested, complete the expression of interest form for any role you are interested in.

Selection and screening

You will be assessed based on your interest, experience and skills relevant to the role.

All volunteers are registered as a Knox Council Volunteer and covered by insurance.

Volunteers will need a:

  • Police Check
  • Working with Children’s Check.

These are managed by Council.

Induction and training

Induction and training is a combination of online and face to face sessions. It includes at least one two-hour compulsory face-to-face training session.

Training includes relevant policies, procedures and a code of conduct that cover things such as:

  • child safety
  • privacy
  • occupational health and safety.

There may be variations depending on the role.

Feedback

We encourage you to share any complaints, compliments or suggestions about Knox Youth Services.

Tell us how we're doing

Need help?

Email nightowl@knox.vic.gov.au and we will get back to you.

Or call our Healthy and Safe Communities team on 9298 8000.

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