Advance in schools

What is Advance?

Advance is a school-based program for young people to volunteer in their community. It is a partnership between the Office for Youth, Victorian government secondary schools and community organisations.

Through Advance, young people, schools and community organisations develop networks of relationships while achieving shared goals. The program also encourages communities to support and recognise young people’s participation and positive role in society.

Advance gives young people a chance to do something great in their community based on their choice. Young people are able to plan projects, meet new people, build skills and make a difference in their community.

Go to the Office for Youth for more on Advance.

Victoria Walks and Advance

Victoria Walks is working with Advance to give students the opportunity to make their streets better for walking and neighbourhood a safer and better place to live.  

Because young people can’t drive and often walk more than most other people, Victoria Walks believes that they may know more than many people about what is good and bad in their neighbourhoods for walking.

Advance students can make a big difference by doing a walking audit of their streets. 

Doing a walking audit.

Victoria Walks has developed a range of resources to assist teachers and students to conduct walking audits in their communities.

It is recommended that students start by spending some time strolling around our website for ideas and tips. Check out our walking audit tool, explanatory notes and photos online. It may also be helpful  to look at walking in your neighbourhood section.

The resources below are:

• What is a walking audit. This explains what a walking audit is and why do one.
• Advance: Walking audit tool. This is our walking audit tool that students can use.
• Advance: What to look for when doing a walking audit notes. These are notes that help to explain why the questions in the walking audit tool are important.
• Advance: Writing up your walking audit. This is an template that students may wish to adapt to write up their walking audit.

Contact Victoria Walks

Teachers and students are encouraged to contact Victoria Walks if they would like to discuss their plans. Either by using the contact form below or by phoning our general contact line 03 9776 1326.

Victoira Walks staff may also be able to visit some schools interested in undertaking a walking audit as part of Advance.