The partnership between Larita Academy and City of Yarra began in late 2025, built on a shared focus to support young people across the Yarra community.

From the outset, Yarra contributed strong local insight and trusted relationships with young people, while Larita brought a high-impact program that expands opportunity and access. Together, we create clearer, more supported pathways forward.

A key focus of the partnership has been strengthening how Larita supports young people safely. Through this work, Robert Stevens has contributed as both a volunteer Child Safety consultant and Larita EmPath™ trainer, delivering training and working alongside the team to review and refine child safety procedures. This forms part of an ongoing commitment to ensure a safe, considered, and well-supported environment for every young person attending Larita Academy.

As Robert Stevens, Coordinator Youth & Middle Years Family, Youth & Children’s Services from City of Yarra shared:

“The unique offering of Larita, the coaches and partners, and the fact there’s no cost to young people removes one of the biggest barriers. After speaking with our young people after the Academy, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, they had a wonderful time. Seeing it in action, you realise how much sits behind it, but it creates a space where young people can genuinely engage and get a lot out of the experience.”

City of Yarra also joined the Advisory Working Group, with Angela Morcos and Robert Stevens bringing practical insight to help guide the program as it evolves.

By April 2026, the partnership was in action, supporting 20 young people from the Yarra community to take part in the Academy. With the right support around them, they were able to step into the four days, build connections, and start thinking about what comes next. One of those young people, Warda, was recognised as Student of the Year, a reflection of the growth, commitment, and potential seen across the cohort.

Looking ahead, we will continue to build on this work through employment-focused pathways, connecting graduates into local opportunities and ongoing support within the Yarra community.