Youth Advisory Council members hit the ground running in 2021
North Central Youth Advisory Council Members have started the year with a planning day in Charlton.
Formed in November 2020 by the North Central LLEN, the Council is still in the establishment phase and spent time finalising its charter, as well as establishing behaviours to underpin their values as they work together in the future.
They also brainstormed an extensive list of projects that they could undertake during 2021 with the themes of social (connectivity, resilience, support), community (benefit young people where they live), and advocacy (representations on issues that matter).
From this project list, Council members identified two projects that they would like to begin working on straight away, forming Project Teams to work a Plan to make these a reality.
Youth Council Facilitator Julie Slater was impressed with the diversity of the projects put forward by Council Members, and to the way they responded to the challenge of choosing projects to start working on, narrowing it down to two initial projects.
“The first of these is to hold a drive-in movie night and the second is to improve mental health support services for young people living in our region.“
“Both are ambitious projects and will have great outcomes for young people,” she said.
Drive-In Movie Project Team Member Ella Darby (St Arnaud) said she was excited about working towards a social event that will connect children, young people and their families as they recover from Covid-19 by providing an event that still allows for social distancing but to enjoy being in the community again.
“I am looking forward to developing my project management and event planning skills by working as part of the team to make this project a reality” said Ella.
Jake Murphy (Wedderburn) is looking forward to being part of a project that has the potential to improve mental health services for young people living in the north central region.
“As we recover from Covid-19 it is so important that we have services available for young people in all of our communities that are confidential, easily accessible, and a safe space for youth to reach out for help and support,” he said.
Amelia Ison from Wycheproof enjoyed contributing to the diverse range of project ideas brainstormed by the group, and the fact that they were taking action – not just talking about what could be done.
“This was the first time that I have attended a Youth Advisory Council event. It was great to mix with other like-minded people and look at ways that we can work together to make a difference,” she said.
Council membership is open to all young people (15-21) living, working or studying in the north central region (Buloke Shire, Loddon Shire, and St Arnaud in the Northern Grampians Shire).
If you would like to be part of a group that aims to make a difference and create change, ensure youth voice is heard and represented, turn ideas into action, break down barriers and be inclusive of all, and to gain new skills, contact Julie Slater by email to [email protected], or call/text 0409 983 270.
