The City of Casey is home to Victoria’s largest youth population with around 40,000 young people aged between ten and 25 years. Casey’s Mayor, Councillor Rob Wilson, said that providing advice, support and dynamic programs for these young people is the key focus of Casey’s Youth Services Team.
“In consultation with young people, parents, schools and youth service providers in the community, Casey created the Casey Youth Strategy 2001-2011,” Councillor Wilson said. “This ten year strategy continues to evolve to ensure that services remain relevant to young people of Casey and that new opportunities are embraced.”
Casey has four Youth Information Centres that offer young people aged ten to 25 years and their families information, support and referral on a range of issues, concerns and needs, including a mobile centre called The Seasonal Vibe. The Vibe is a colourful, converted passenger bus with youth workers and activities on board who travel to isolated communities, schools and community events.
Young leaders of the future
Twice a year Casey’s Young Leaders program provides a week long leadership workshop aimed at developing the leadership skills of participants currently studying in Year 10 or equivalent.
The program also seeks to introduce young people to Local Government and to encourage young people to get involved in the community. Participants are encouraged to interact with a variety of guest speakers, including Youth Services officers, Councillors, top sports and community people and delegates from some key organisations representing Casey’s diverse community.
Casey’s Young Leaders program is continually being enhanced to include contemporary issues facing leaders of today, such as dealing with differing attitudes and values, diversity and acceptance, in addition to the traditional training in public speaking, effective communication and goal setting.
