ABOUT
The Story of Gnarly Neighbours
Getting kids on board for real change.
In the heart of Seymour, Gnarly Neighbours is rewriting the narrative for young people across Victoria. What began as one local dad’s dream to give his son—and others like him—a better shot at life has become a daily lifeline for hundreds of youth.
Every Day, Free of Charge
We now run free youth programs every single day of the week — from skateboarding and art workshops to wellbeing sessions and mentoring. Rooted in prevention, our model directly aligns with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, which calls for early intervention, community-based support, lived experience leadership, and inclusion across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
No Barriers, Just Belonging
We exist to break down the barriers that hold young people back — whether it’s financial hardship, generational trauma, or feeling like they don’t belong. At Gnarly Neighbours, no one pays to participate, and no one is left out.
Positive Pathways Through The Neighbourhood
Our social enterprise, The Neighbourhood, powers a pathway to employment through the Positive Neighbourhood Employment Program — giving young people real-world skills in hospitality, retail, coaching, printing, design, and leadership. This program transforms participants from learners to leaders, helping them become the changemakers our communities need.
Built on Lived Experience
Founded by Jayden Sheridan, who grew up facing the same challenges our youth face today, Gnarly Neighbours is led by someone who’s walked the hard road. It’s why we work with—not just for—young people. Together, we co-create spaces that feel safe, empowering, and full of potential.
Gnarly Neighbours is now preparing to go nationwide. Our vision is to plant Neighbourhoods across Australia—youth-led, community-powered spaces that empower local changemakers to create change in ways that work best for their communities. It’s about sustainability, not band-aid solutions. By backing grassroots leadership and proven prevention models, we’re building a national movement driven by real voices, real relationships, and long-term impact.
Join the Movement
📍 Visit us at 1/12 Crawford St, Seymour, VIC
📬 Contact: ourcommunity@gnarlyneighbours.com.au
🌐 Support: Donate, volunteer, or visit our café, skate shop, or print studio — where every dollar helps fund another free program.
This is more than just skateboarding. It’s a movement for REAL change — one young person, one safe space, one positive neighbourhood at a time.
