'The Exchange' was launched in Bendigo and will act as a place for young people to share their ideas and communicate directly with the State Government.

Mr Smith said the website had been designed to give young people access to a range of information and resources and to support them to be actively involved in their local communities.

"The Exchange is a virtual meeting place where youth advisory groups from across Victoria can connect, share ideas and showcase events and plans for their local areas," he said.

"Thank you to the youth advisory groups from Benalla, Bendigo, Gannawarra, Northern Grampians, Swan Hill and Casey for your insightful contribution to help set up the fantastic new site."

Councillor Merrilee Reid said it was pleasing to see the Youth Action Council getting involved in such a broad range of projects.

"The YAC has really hit the ground running since their inception in April last year and we're continually impressed with the amount of different projects they're taking part in," she said.

"In less than 12 months they have worked with the State Government, the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, the Foundation for Young Australians, and many other organisations.

"The Exchange is going to be very beneficial for the YAC and for council as it will allow us to connect with other groups right across the state and to share ideas and resources.

"These are both things that can be difficult when you're in a rural area so we're looking forward to seeing how this website can help to bridge that gap and assist the YAC to extend its networks even further."

The YAC is being funded through the State Government's 2012-2014 Engage! Program which aims to help improve young people's support networks and strengthen their connections with family, friends and peers.

The Exchange is live now at www.theexchange.vic.gov.au. For more information on the Northern Grampians Shire Youth Action Council (YAC), visit www.facebook.com/ngYAC