West Tamar Council, Tasmania, is supporting local young people to achieve their best and become leaders in the community.
The municipality, which is currently updating its Youth Strategy for 2020-2022, has a strong focus on shared understandings, inclusion and providing opportunities for young people to realise their potential.
The key goals of the updated strategy highlight the aim for young people to be engaged, connected, supported and ambitious, as Council continues to develop and implement new initiatives designed to promote positive youth development in those who live, work, and go to school in the area.
The Youth Strategy supports the activities of Council’s three Youth Officers, including Youth Centres run at Beaconsfield and Legana throughout the school year, four school holiday programs which include subsidised activities to keep 10 to 16-year-olds occupied over the term breaks, and January’s Lead, Inspire, Grow Leadership Camp.
The camp aims to develop leadership potential, challenge the mental and physical growth of a person, and build confidence, whilst providing an opportunity for young people to aspire to be a leader upon returning to their community.
Council is also integrated with the seven schools in the area, facilitating attendance at career expos, running engagement activities and delivering the West Tamar Party Safe program.
Schools in the West Tamar have the opportunity to utilise the skills, services and experience of inspirational speakers to encourage senior students to make positive choices, have increased awareness and to transform today’s party culture into a positive and uplifting environment.
New initiatives the 2020-2022 Youth Strategy will explore include developing a Youth Mayor program, advocating for new youth friends infrastructure in parks and playgrounds, exploring the development of a youth-focused app, and championing a holistic, community-based approach to meeting the needs of the young people.
