With 25% of the population aged between 12 and 24, Baulkham Hills has one of the highest youth populations in NSW.
To cater for the needs of its young people, Council offers a range of youth services. These aim to give local young people the opportunity to participate in and contribute to community life.
In addition, Council provides a range of information and activities that help young people avoid some of the pitfalls of modern lifestyles.
Council’s Youth Services Team has a facilitator role. It brings various youth groups together to concentrate on common goals, promote the sharing of resources and information and avoid duplication of services.
In the last 12 months, Council has employed two additional Youth Development Officers. Their role is to help forge stronger networks with the broader youth services community, and address potential problems that arise in areas of high youth concentration.
These include homelessness, youth suicide and drug and alcohol issues.
One of these Officers, Michael Cowdroy, has been specifically employed to tackle the difficult issue of drug and alcohol use.
He said that until recently the extent of such abuse in the Hills has been unknown.
Research by Big Mouth Youth Consultants, set to be released this month, details the prevalence of drug and alcohol use in Baulkham Hills.
“Even in the event that drug and alcohol abuse is low among Baulkham Hills youth, it is important to have strategies in place that can prevent drug and alcohol related harm,” Michael Cowdroy said.
“Drug and alcohol abuse does not only impact on the users themselves, there are implications for the whole community.
“Our goal is to promote a positive youth culture assisted by a supportive community.”
Working with young people, parents, schools and other relevant groups, Council is pursuing a policy of education and support to address this major social issue.
Other youth programs include the Excellence in Youth Awards held annually, and the organisation of the Main Drag Music Festival where an emphasis on prevention of youth suicide will accompany the entertainment.
