The Surf Coast Shire Youth Strategy 2022-2025 will see the Council foster a safe and welcoming environment for everyone and address the needs of young people across the shire so they can thrive.
Adopted at Surf Coast Shire Council’s December meeting, the Youth Strategy provides a vision and direction on how young people in the community can be supported and empowered.
The strategy was underpinned by feedback gathered in the Youth Census 2021. Various input – including from young people aged 12 to 25 – shaped the strategy’s six focus areas: mental health support, environment, recreation, arts, culture, and alcohol and other drug support.
Councillor Gary Allen was pleased to see young people using their voice.
“The Youth Census was a great success, welcoming input from 1,084 young people which laid the foundations for the Youth Strategy,” he said.
“We also received 23 submissions on the draft strategy – 20 of which were from young people. Their feedback re-iterated what is most important to them, with mental health support and environment topping the list.”
The Youth Strategy features strategies and actions in each focus area.
“From enhancing sport and recreation participation opportunities for young people, to hosting and supporting events where young artists and performers can showcase their talent, we look forward to seeing the strategy implemented,” Cr Allen said.
“Other actions include working with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share their voice, deliver teen mental health first aid courses, and playing our role on a consistent approach to tacking drug and alcohol usage across the community.”
The strategy also emphasises the Council’s aspirations to embed inclusivity in our daily practise, making every effort to ensure Council facilities, programs and events are respectful and inclusive of everyone in the community, including LGBTQI+ people, people with disability and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
“The Council is excited to see work with local young people and key stakeholders, including service providers, take place to bring the Youth Strategy to life, working in collaboration to achieve positive outcomes for our community,” Cr Allen said.
“We’re grateful for the support from local secondary schools, highlighted by the strategy featuring messages from the Lorne P-12 and Surf Coast Secondary College principals who have shared insights about our young people.”
The Surf Coast Shire is home to around 5,200 young people aged 12 to 25 years, who make up 14% of the local population.
