Local young people had the chance to have a say and help shape their community at the third annual Youth Summit hosted by the City of Whittlesea in partnership with Kildonan Uniting Care.
Kildonan Uniting Care is a community organisation that empowers people to improve their lives by addressing issues of social and economic hardship and providing access to community services.
Held in July, around 100 people attended this year’s summit. It involved a series of workshops and discussions, as well as fun activities including self defence, Indigenous culture, circus skills and dance.
With pockets of social disadvantage (sixth most disadvantaged on the SEIFA Index of Disadvantage) and over 50 per cent of the population from a non English speaking background, many of the City’s young people cope with a range of social and personal issues they find confusing and confronting.
Council’s Youth Services Team Leader, Vicki Cooper, said Council worked with a committee of local young people called ‘Youth Krew’ to develop the summit. Youth Krew work with Council’s Youth Services Team and help youth contribute to Local Government decision making, playing an important role in planning and shaping their municipality.
“The key to getting young people involved is providing resources and opportunities for them to develop and coordinate programs themselves,” Vicki Cooper said. “This includes Youth Workers who help young people to develop their strengths.
“We work from the basis that young people are experts in their own lives.
“After looking at several different models used by other councils, the Youth Krew decided to give the concept of a Youth Summit a try in 2006.
“We got positive feedback from all involved, including the Youth Krew, who are now responsible for organising and promoting the summit.”
She said the agenda is developed at a Youth Leadership Camp involving young people from local schools.
“At the camp, participants identify the key issues affecting young people in the municipality,” Vicki Cooper said. “The key issues identified for the 2008 summit were family, peers and bullying.
“In preparation for the summit, the Youth Krew designed a questionnaire on these issues and conducted individual interviews. They also facilitated focus groups with Youth Services staff. These results were presented at the summit by the Youth Krew.”
Vicki Cooper said the issues were workshopped by adult stakeholders who considered the findings and reported back on what capacity the Krew and audience of young people have to take action in response to the issues.
“We also use the findings to inform Council policy and strategic planning,” she said.
“The appointment of new Youth Workers who have CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) and family strengthening portfolios were informed by recommendations from earlier summits.
“Another important part of the process is inviting stakeholders to report to young people and the Krew on the progress of their actions at a follow up event during National Youth Week in April 2009.”
Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Elizabeth Nealy, said the summit is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to youth in the area and a key part of its program of consultation.
“Our young people are the future and Council is determined to support their development and personal growth,” she said. “One way to achieve this is through participation in activities like this, which improve their wellbeing, connect them to the community and develop a sense of belonging.”
