Engaging with Young People

Engaging with Young People
Local Government in Action
A Companion document to
“Connecting Young People in Local Communities –
A Guide for the Development of a
Local Government Youth Charter”
December 2004
Moyne Shire Township Signage Project
Rob Nabben, Collaborations Inc., Richard Hill
This project was undertaken between February and December 2004. The MAV and RMIT University
were granted funding from the Victorian Office for Youth. 'Collaborations Inc.' was appointed to
undertake the research work for the case studies. Rob Nabben wrote the final document. Richard
Hill assisted in research.
© 2004
Copies of this report and the companion Youth Charter Guide are available from the Municipal
Association of Victoria.
ph: 03 9667 5555 or website: www.mav.asn.au
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Contents
1.
BACKGROUND
Links to the Youth Charter
Foreword
5
5
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1.1 What are the benefits for Government and Community?
6
1.2 Why Local Government?
6
1.3 Describing Young People
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1.4 Selecting the Case Studies
7
2.
FRAMEWORKS FOR MAKING SENSE OF
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
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2.1. Youth Participation
Participatory Environments
8
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2.2 Capacity Building
Information and resources
Skills and knowledge
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2.3 Integration and Planning Across Council
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3.
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EXAMPLES ACROSS COUNCIL FUNCTIONAL AREAS
3.1 Youth Participation
Direct involvement in decision making
Participatory environments
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12
3.2 Capacity Building
Strategies for accessing information and resources
Building the capacity of young people
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4.
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CASE STUDIES
4.1 Mansfield- ICYS Project and Coz We Can newspaper
Description
Cultures and Systems
Outcomes
Innovation/Discussion
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15
16
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4.2 Greater Dandenong - Impulse Group and Muso Network
Description
Levels of Involvement
Outcomes
Innovation/Discussion
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19
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4
4.3 Moira Shire – Thinking Globally acting Locally
Description
Levels of involvement
Outcomes
Innovation/Discussion
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4.4 City of Moreland & South West Victoria – Youth Summits
Description
Glenelg, Moyne & Warrnambool
Moreland
Innovation/Discussion
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24
4.5 Youth Initiative Program in the East
Project Theme
Project Description
Outcomes
Innovation/Discussion
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4.6 Young People in Casey – A Long Term View
Overview
Community change
Responding to these challenges and opportunities
Outcomes
Innovation/Discussion
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5.
6.
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34
SUMMARY OF CASE STUDIES NOMINATED
SOME LINKS TO FURTHER IDEAS AND RESOURCES
1. Background
Links to the Youth Charter
This document is intended for local government elected representatives, managers and
staff who are interested in practical ideas about how to give life to “Connecting Young
People in Local Communities – A Guide for the Development of a Local Government
Youth Charter” (2004). This report showcases the ways councils go about their vital
role in responding to opportunities for youth engagement. The report is also a useful
document for others, particularly those in state and federal governments, who seek a
more qualitative insight into the potentials and realities of councils as catalysts of
grass-roots democracy.
Foreword
Many councils across Victoria are examining their role in relation to young people,
and discovering their potential to create stronger engagement between young people
and community. In public policy, governance and communities there is increasing
awareness of the critical role that young people play in forming and sustaining
healthy communities. Given the predicted demographic trends, young people in fact
form the vital human resource base for future communities which are increasingly
ageing. Councils are proving to be a critical facilitator and leader in this field, far
beyond their implied role as an adjunct to other levels of government.
Council activities across the state show a great deal of creativity, variety and energy.
It is timely therefore to gather and share some of these examples. This document sets
out to investigate and distill the lessons from contemporary practice. Importantly it
also offers analytical frameworks to help interpret these examples. The report also
offers ideas about the role of local government, and different ways that we can think
about young people.
The cases reported here should not be seen as “best practice” or prescriptive. They
aim to show the range of ways councils are currently exploring their roles, possibilities
and the implications of 'theory' or assumptions about young people, communities and
the role of government. One of the major lessons gained during the research is that
participation is a work in progress that needs to respond and adapt. While we can
learn from other projects, they cannot automatically be transplanted into new
contexts.
We trust this report inspires local government and communities to continue to lead
the way in valuing and engaging the participation of young people in their
communities.
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1.1 What are the Benefits for Government
and Community?
The benefits of local government's role in youth engagement are powerfully
demonstrated by the examples in this guide. By working alongside young people:
Councils are more effective in their planning and decision making
Connections are built between community and young people
Mutual understanding is enhanced, and stereotypes are challenged
The energy, leadership and fresh perspectives of 20 per cent of the
population become more effectively engaged in social, economic, cultural
and environmental renewal.
Young people and communities grow into active citizenship in order to
tackle social problems and act on opportunities
Inclusion and fairness is promoted for all sections of the population
1.2 Why Local Government?
Councils have a unique and critical role to play. Young people, more than many other
population groups, are grounded in place, or the “local”. A range of council activities
have a primary impact on young people, including urban planning, economic
development, public space, parks and gardens, human services, libraries, by-laws, and
infrastructure. Councils have a unique capacity to work from a “place-based”
perspective, holistically monitoring issues, identifying gaps and responding from a
broad professional base. Local government is also a potentially powerful advocate on
youth issues to other levels of government.
Another important argument for the role of local government in youth engagement is
that, as the government “closest to the people”, it has a role in local democratic
participation and providing access to active citizenship. This includes leading debates,
setting agendas and engaging people in shared deliberation about both the local and
the global.
Councils also have great potential to impact on young people because of their
relationships with local networks of business, government and community groups.
These connections enable councils to activate and coordinate local responses in ways
that do not displace a community's capacity to address its own issues. Rather it seeks to
reduce barriers and act on strengths.
Local government has an important role in relation to other levels of government.
State government impacts on young people in portfolios such as education, health,
community services and justice. Federal government has major responsibility in areas
such as employment, social security and tertiary education. Councils at times
complement these roles AND develop unique programs based on their context, local
knowledge and expertise.
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1.3 Describing Young People
While young people are often described as homogeneous, they in fact possess the same
range of individual characteristics as other population groups. They may define
themselves and their life experience in some of the following ways:
Growing up in regional, rural, metropolitan, urban fringe and isolated areas
Employed, studying, unemployed or a combination of all
Cultural background or languages spoken at home
Gender and or sexual orientation
Family or household type
Another main feature of adolescence and young adulthood is that the age range
signifies a major transitional period in power, legal and moral status. For the purposes
of this work, this age range is 12 to 25 years. Adults have the right to vote, to earn a
full wage, to join unions, and to access rights before the law. Young people often face
significant barriers in these areas.
Experiences in young adulthood will often form the basis for future values, lifestyles and
opportunities. Foundational experiences that councils can offer include exploring and
testing of a range of ideas about citizenship and the processes of a democratic society.
The assets that young people bring are often under-recognised in these aspects of
community development.
1.4 Selecting the Case Studies
In order to identify potential case studies, all councils in Victoria were invited to submit
a current example of youth engagement. A wide range of appropriate projects were
nominated. In order to select a cross-section of examples, these were reviewed against
the criteria of: metropolitan, regional and rural; diverse population groups of young
people; a range of social issues; and involvement with various council departments.
In some cases our analysis was informed by evaluations councils had conducted, in
others we interviewed individuals involved in the project to identify further project
details.
This report affirms current practice, offers food for thought, raises new questions, and
identifies new opportunities for councils and younger constituents across the state. It is
divided into several sections:
Section 2 aims to equip the reader with some fundamental tools which can
be used to analyse youth participation
Section 3 provides a quick 'thumbnail' sketch of the range of activities that
are occurring across functional areas of local government responsibilities
Section 4 provides six detailed case studies of contemporary projects. These
provide information about what actually happened in these local
government areas
Section 5 is a summary in table form of all the projects nominated,
including contact information for follow-up
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2. Frameworks for making sense
of Youth Engagement
2.1. Youth Participation
This section aims to answer questions that councillors and senior managers may have
about what a council can aim towards, what areas of council could be involved, and
what types of participation can be considered.
One fundamental issue in the design of participatory projects is the degree to which
young people are to be involved and have power. For example, is the activity seeking
opinions, providing information, or delegating a level of decision making? What degree
of power will young people have?
The design of a process of youth engagement can target involvement in different ways, as
shown by the following 'ladder' from more participant control to less participant control:
Youth Led - where young people have the direction and ownership of the
resources, implementation and decision-making process
Partnership Involvement - where young people have a direct and
controlled role in the implementation and decision-making process of the
project in conjunction with the help and support from adult leaders
Influential Involvement - where a considerable amount of consultation
and shared control occurs across the project
Passive involvement - where there is limited amount of involvement and
participation of young people
Adult led initiatives - projects designed and implemented by adults but
directed at young people
Clarifying where a council wants to be on the 'ladder' can be challenging in complex
environments. However, it is considered critical that these intentions are brought to the
surface and made explicit to all parties, in order to positively influences outcomes. For
example, It is often assumed that people should aim for the top of the chart, towards
higher levels of youth participation. While this goal is worth striving for, it is not always
possible or feasible. Participation will be most effective when the limits and
opportunities of control are understood by everyone, especially those less powerful,
(young people) so they can make informed choices about their participation and
contribution. Projects without this can result in disillusionment, manipulation, control
and exclusivity (Hart 1992, Arnstein 1969).
Another important consideration is the relationship between young people and
community. Some council activities consider young people as “clients” who are either
vulnerable and in need of protection, or a “risk” to be controlled, diverted and
distracted. Another view is of young people as “customers” who participate in
consultation and other forms of feedback in order to make products better. A third view
of young people is as “citizens” who have a stake in the current and future outcomes
for their community. In this case they participate in sharing authority in deliberating on
and determining a future.
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Participatory Environments
Engagement of young people is not only about projects. Equally significant for local
government, and two areas where they have great influence, are the local culture and
environments. For example, is a youth voice an expected part of council's decision
making? Are young people engaging in partnerships with local businesses, community
groups and service providers? Do they occupy space in the community? Are young
people and youth culture visible and celebrated in their community? Are they expected
to be active and influential participants in their communities? Do young people feel like
efforts on their part are worthwhile?
Youth participation becomes more sustainable as young people are increasingly valued
by the community, their contributions recognised, the environments made more
supportive, and their relationships connected.
2.2 Capacity Building
'Capacity building' is becoming a widely used notion. This can be defined as access and
opportunities to share and develop information, resources, skills and knowledge. It is
also about building the capacity of people to actively engage in a wide variety of social,
economic, cultural, recreational, learning and civic activities. It is also about building
stronger relationships and linkages across the myriad of institutions and groups which
underpin our society and it requires a different way of doing things for both state and
local governments.
Such activities and their resultant networks are increasingly being recognised and valued
in our society; both as ends in themselves and also because they contribute directly and
indirectly to other desirable objectives. These include among many, better educational
outcomes, better health outcomes, and more effective participation in the economy. In
this context, investments in building strong communities are also investments in
prevention and early intervention.
Information and resources
Information is a building block for people's ability to participate effectively. In order to
be informed, explore options, know where decisions are being made, and know how to
influence these decisions young people need access to information.
Access to and control of resources is also a key aspect of the ability to participate
effectively.
Skills and knowledge
Skills and knowledge are both a precondition and result of participation. Young people
have many assets in this area. They also may need specific skills and knowledge in order
to participate. The development of skills and knowledge for participation can lead to
further opportunities for education, employment, citizenship, leadership, critical
thinking and independence.
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2.3 Integration and Planning Across Council
An important consideration is the degree of integration of youth issues across council's
activities. While many councils allocate youth issues to the youth worker or team, the
council role also spans across all areas vital to the lives of young people.
A recent VicHealth document titled “Leading the Way” concluded that improvements in
the health status of local communities can best be made only when the following four
areas of council activity are integrated:
Area of council activity
Social & cultural
Built
Economic
Natural
Local government has great potential to work holistically, rather than thinking of young
people in terms of only recreation or 'social problems'.
Councils now recognise and plan to address youth participation across activities like
transport, libraries, parks, recreation, economic development, employment and physical
planning. Many councils are operating with long-term youth charters, plans and
strategies that specify responsibilities for all council functional areas.
These plans typically cover:
What direct work/services council will provide for or with youth
The impact of all councils' activities on young people
The joint role of both council and the whole community
Increasingly all council departments participate in creating and implementing these
charters and plans alongside young people.
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3. Examples across council
functional areas
This section provides a 'thumbnail' overview of the exciting range of activities being
undertaken across functional areas of local government in order to enhance youth
participation. It names just a few of the councils and their projects. Those marked with
asterisks appear in Section 5 'Summary of Case Studies' (page 31), where more detail is
provided.
3.1 Youth Participation
Direct involvement in decision making
Examples of formal decision-making structures are widespread. These include youth
forums (Manningham*), committees (Kingston*) and youth councils (Mildura*,
Stonnington*, South Gippsland* and Wangaratta*). In some cases representatives from
Student Representative Councils are included as part of these structures (Banyule*).
While some youth councils have highly formal structures, such as appointing junior
mayors and following formal procedures, others have opted for a more fluid model.
Greater Geelong and Monash conduct forums concerning issues as they arise. Each
forum attracts a group to fit the issue, recruiting from existing networks between
council and young people, youth services and schools.
There are various other ways that young people are influencing local activities. At
Macedon a Youth Action Group reviewed council's Youth Policy and organised
community social events. Moonee Valley's Youth Council is currently interviewing other
young people to gain a youth perspective for council's Community Plan. In Wodonga
young people were employed as youth researchers to investigate youth needs and
services and present their findings to council. They also ran workshops for local agencies
on how to make their work more responsive to youth.
Some councils are also exploring ways to facilitate youth participation in other locations
in the community. South Gippsland*, for example, provides direct funding for young
people to manage their own enterprise and activity. Strathbogie* enabled a group of
young people to use drama and performance to influence community attitudes on
violence. Monash's* 'Pride and Diversity' Program engages gay and lesbian young people
in peer support and in improving access to community organisations.
Many councils engage young people in designing public facilities. The skate park in
Mitchell was conceived, designed and managed by young people. In Banyule* young
people had a significant role in advising on the redevelopment of a major shopping
centre. In Moyne groups of young people were involved in planning improvements for
their townships as part of the community builders program.
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Participatory environments
Many councils have strategies to increase youth employment within their own
workforce. Councils are recognising that being 'employers of choice' to young people is
important to enhancing their sustainability. Councils often apply strategies for 'youth
friendly' recruitment processes, marketing, student placements and engagement of
young people as volunteers. Economic development departments can extend this to
encouraging similar initiatives from local business.
Wellington Shire set itself a quota of youth trainee positions to increase youth
employment and reduce the exodus of young people. The MAV's program GoGrad,
Victoria's official local government graduate recruitment program, actively support such
activities. Whittlesea worked in partnership with employers, government, schools,
colleges and many others to create their Youth Guarantee, which established a
community-wide program to create education, training and employment options for
every young person leaving school.
Another way that councils are influencing the local environment is through project
partnerships or their community grants programs to promote youth participation.
Partnerships occur with schools, youth clubs and recreational organisations to make them
more accessible and participatory environments. They may particularly seek to promote
access for young people who are disadvantaged or discriminated against. For example,
Eastern metropolitan councils are working with schools and community agencies to
make them more open to participation by gay and lesbian young people. Casey*
convenes a multicultural group. In Pyrenees* a rural partnership of council, school and
employers is building the resilience of those at risk through early school leaving.
To increase the public presence of young people, many councils are now offering a
range of public opportunities. A youth page in the local paper is becoming more
common (Mansfield*) as is the use of new technologies through email lists and
websites. Many have public ceremonies for recognising and awarding young people.
In some places public signage and arts installations are designed by young people and
indicate a youth presence (Moyne). Public space is often a contentious issue and
councils are actively seeking to design multi use public meeting spaces where young
people are accepted as equal users (Banyule*).
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3.2 Capacity Building
Strategies for accessing information and resources
Each council area has a particular local character and an array of methods they are
using to improve access and information for young people. Frequently used strategies
to better inform young people are brochures, info cards, peer information officers and
information centres. Other councils undertake outreach work or have buses to reach
less accessible areas and population groups. New technologies are also being explored
through websites, e-libraries and online information.
Greater Bendigo's 'B Central' youth resource centre aims to create access across many
issues for all young people. This is supported by a very active committee of young
people. Other well established resource and information centres and systems can be
found at Monash, Mildura, Kingston, Boroondara, and Hume. Greater Geelong train
young people to deliver information to their peers.
Building the capacity of young people
Participation requires skills, experience and confidence in areas such as dealing with
people, finding connections and support, understanding decision making and building
organisations. Many councils provide training to young people in these skills.
Boroondara, Casey, Knox and many other metropolitan councils run intensive youth
leadership programs. Frankston run a camp which connects young people to their social
action committee. Yarra Ranges* leadership program runs for a year and includes a
community project and an advisory role with council. Some councils support community
programs like Rotary Youth Leadership Awards or employ other agencies to provide
training. Some target particular groups such as young mums, gay and lesbian young
people or public housing areas.
Programs run by council Youth Services develop young people's skills, confidence and
leadership through participation in the running of the activity. Examples of such
participation include recording studios (Banyule* and Darebin), music event management
(Benalla and Greater Dandenong*), and active young women's programs (Casey*). Local
government is instrumental in supporting the state funded youth music program Freeza.
Youth Summit photo supplied
by Moreland City Council
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4. Case Studies
The examples profiled below represent the range of creative ways that Victorian local
governments are thinking about and doing youth community engagement.
4.1 Mansfield –
ICYS Project and Coz We Can Newspaper
Description
A community-based, youth run newsletter. This example shows the advantages of
undertaking research when defining a project focus and then incorporating ideas and
needs of young people into that focus.
The Mansfield Shire is approximately 180 kilometres Northeast of Melbourne. It has a
permanent population of around 6,600 people, like many rural areas the shire has
been seeking to actively involve young people in community life, providing education
and employment opportunities to support local skills and leadership.
The Innovative and Collaborative Youth Servicing Pilot (ICYS) began in 2003
following a funding grant from the Commonwealth Department of Family and
Children's Services.
Objectives of ICYS and Coz We Can:
To support Young People to actively become leaders, change makers and
entrepreneurs
To support Young People to develop and navigate pathways to education
and employment in partnership with the Local Learning Employment
Network (LLEN)
To add value to existing Young People's initiatives and support Young People
in creating new initiatives in the community
To promote the valuing of young people and their choices
The first step was to develop an understanding of the needs and aspirations of young
people in the Mansfield and Benalla areas, so a research process including surveys and
interviews was undertaken. Two employed coordinators recruited 12 young people
from Benalla and 13 from Mansfield. They received training and developed a survey
that was distributed to young people throughout the community at various locations
and events. The information collected was then condensed into four possibilities for a
final project. These project nominations were placed on a ballot sheet and again
distributed through community networks, over 1,100 young people participated in
the ballot.
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The project chosen was a youth newspaper, 'Coz We Can', that would be run in
conjunction with the local 'High Country Times' Newspaper. 'Coz We Can' was then
able to fill a number of roles:
providing a regular and ongoing youth voice for issues like the environment,
health and education
broadcasting and promoting a positive profile of young people
putting young people more centrally on the community's agenda
providing information about social and recreation activities
Mansfield and
Benalla Shire
councils employ
two coordinators to
oversee the project.
Community
recruitment process
establishes group
of young people to
lead to project.
Surveys developed
and distributed by
young people.
Surveys collected
and information
processed into
possibilities for
future projects.
Four ideas collated
on a ballot form and
put to vote among
the same survey
sample group.
Ballots collected
and new project
to address the
survey concerns is
developed.
Cultures and Systems
The original research work behind 'Coz We Can' was initiated by workers in local
government, however the research process was designed and implemented in
consultation with young people. Young people who developed the surveys had a chance
to develop research skills, follow up on the findings of the survey with their peers and
have an active role in the decision making through the voting system. These different
strategies for involvement have created opportunities for individual young people to
take part in the research and decision making at a level that works for them.
The 'Coz We Can' team is made up of 13 local young people based in the local internet
café sponsored by the shire. An adult coordinator and the local newspaper editor
supports the group. Many young people contributed to articles in the newspaper, which
is distributed to every household in the Mansfield area. The 'Coz We Can' team are in
charge of photography, writing articles and general production tasks.
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Outcomes
The research outcomes of the project have provided information about the concerns
and priorities of young people, about the awareness and use of various services,
communication and community networks that support the needs of young people.
This information has been used to inform service planning.
For the participants, outcomes in terms of skills development, confidence, leadership
opportunities, media production and business planning all contribute to capacity
building. The project worked towards a way of representing young people's views while
incorporating training and capacity building techniques into plans for further future
involvement in areas such as employment.
For young people in the community, the project has provided a 'voice' for their ideas and
views, established new networks and connections and created a focus for information.
Innovation/Discussion
Cultures and Systems:
Following initiation by council, young people were involved in determining all stages of the
process. This included the initial research, development of the concept, implementation,
and ongoing development
The research gained the involvement of a wide section of the community. This also provided
an agenda for the concerns and ideas of a broader, more diverse youth base
The 'product' is seen by the whole community
Capacity Building:
Through the medium of the newspaper young people are able to be involved in building
and consolidating community and social connections
The young people develop skills in research, writing, newspaper production
The Coz We Can team are exposed to new education and employment opportunities
Integration and Planning Across Council:
Council officers oversaw the project. There are limited formal outcomes for integration across
council. However, there are informal opportunities for the views and concerns of youth to be
increasingly taken up in council policy and strategy
Issues for Further Exploration:
– The project highlights the contribution of financial/stakeholder support. The initial research
phase was government funded, and this may be difficult to replicate in other communities
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–
The project is currently challenged to find ongoing resources in order to be sustainable
–
The project is an example of 'adult initiated, shared decision making
–
The project operates mostly in the 'Social / Cultural'area of council activity, while issues of
the environment and the economy are less likely to feature
–
The training and support in the areas of research and implementation provided by local
experts was critical to the success of the project
4.2 Greater Dandenong –
Impulse Group and Muso Network
Description
Groups of young people who are active in the areas of entertainment, music and the arts.
Their programs aim for social/cultural development and business development enterprise.
“Impulse represented the best of local young talent and artists, the best of us,
we're thinking outside the square and taking chances with new ideas that gave
us permission to be different”
(An Impulse participant)
The City of Greater Dandenong is culturally diverse and experiences significant levels of
social disadvantage. Both 'Impulse' and the 'Muso Network' represent partnerships
between council, young people, community organisations and businesses in the
Dandenong area. They are both youth initiated and run groups that set out to:
Change the stigma attached to dance events (physical violence and drugs)
Build a positive image of professional, safe, high quality entertainment and arts
Provide access for young people into rewarding careers in the music
industry through vocational and life-skills training
The group was initiated and run by young people
The groups provide opportunities to view legal aerosol art, participate in art, m.c and
d.j music and socialise in a non-threatening environment. With the support of the
City of Greater Dandenong these activities have so far taken the form of large dance
parties, smaller performances in schools and community festivals, art demonstrations
and exhibitions, graffiti prevention programs, and general dance programs and
tuition. Major targets of the program are low income and newly arrived people from
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The groups are aiming to be a selffunded bodies that can operate independently to organise community events.
The programs works in conjunction with local service providers and police to develop
ways in which social activities can be held successfully and safely within the local area.
The Impulse group has won the Community Safety Crime Prevention Award for its
focus on graffiti prevention.
Photo supplied by the
Muso Network
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Levels of Involvement
The project was developed by young people for young people. The teams are involved
in all aspects of the organisation and implementation. Impulse is made up of younger
people, from local high schools (yr 7-9 ). The Muso Network is 14 to 25 year olds.
Council officers, volunteers and other members of the local community assist in training
in all areas of the entertainment industry including media production, design,
advertising, promotion, sound, lighting, event planning and management. Support is
given through technical assistance and training, while organisation and implementation
are the young people's responsibility.
Outcomes
The performance nature of dance, music and art gives a high public profile to young
people, their interests and culture in the community. Many young people from
disadvantaged and culturally diverse backgrounds have accessed the programs. The
outcomes extend to the wider community, with dance and entertainment events
providing a social outlet for many thousands of young people each year. The organisers
report high levels of satisfaction with the safety and quality of the events and positive
interaction and networking amongst those who attended. The evaluation
documentation shows the enthusiasm of the young people involved in the projects,
“Impulse has becomes our dream, our passions, our creation, that brought out our true
inner self…”. The project was recently awarded a Certificate of Encouragement in the
2003 Victorian Crime Prevention Awards.
In the 12 years since its inception, the Muso Network has developed a reputation as an
innovative youth-led enterprise. As well as performance and events, young people have
the opportunity to expand their intrests into many activities including sound mixing,
school shows and training, stage management, promotion, public speaking, band
liaison and workshops. Many participants have found pathways into further education
and employment opportunities. Because of the close involvement of local businesses
and service operators these activities also develop networks into the local community.
Photo supplied by the
Muso Network
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Innovation/Discussion
Cultures and Systems:
This case study highlights the potential to link activities of intrinsic interest to young
people with participation and 'entrepreneurship'
The form responds directly to the young people of the area, taking into consideration
factors such as cultural and linguistic diversity
Young people can opt for a range of levels of involvement - from spectating to
management
Interaction and co-operation are facilitated with local businesses and service providers
Local government workers play an integral part in the operation, aiding in the
organisation, management and development of the young people's ideas and initiatives
The project provides positive opportunities for social involvement and connectedness
within the community
Capacity Building:
These projects offer opportunities for participants to develop skills in many different areas
of creative arts, organisation and management. There is potential for this to develop into
future prospects in both education and employment
The projects have plans to be financially self-sufficient in the future
Integration and Planning Across Council:
Some of the outcomes of this project can be integrated across council policy in the fields
of public environment, safety, culture and events
There is exposure between many council departments, elected representatives and young
people
Issues for Further Exploration:
These projects have “taken root” in these communities. To what degree are they
appropriate to adapt to other areas?
How should a council best balance these ideas with other youth-focussed activities?
4.3 Moira Shire – Thinking Globally Acting Locally
Description
A Junior Council of Moira Shire. They have used a traditional decision-making structure
to initiate and lead discussions and action on a wide range of key community issues.
The Moira Shire is located North West of Melbourne on the Murray River. The Moira
Shire Junior Council, set up in 2002, is an advisory board made up of young people
representing seven different secondary schools around the Moira area. The group is run
in an official council format with formal positions such as mayor and secretary allocated
to each young person. In these positions they discuss issues that affect both young
people and the local community as a whole.
19
There is a specific focus on environmental issues such as drought and current
government environmental initiatives, as well as social issues such as targeting
homelessness and supported housing strategies. The group has taken the opportunity
to become informed about issues that impact on the lives of young people and the
sustainability of their community. They also have the responsibility for advising and
lobbying council on increased involvement for young people in activities and decision
making. This has led to members of the council representing their area at the National
Young Leaders Forum, environmental forums (eg. River Health) and the preparation of
councils Municipal Public Health Plan as well as their own Youth Policy document.
Levels of involvement
The members of the Junior Council represent each of the seven secondary schools in
the area and these schools then rotate hosting the quarterly meetings. The meetings
are facilitated by other adults and council members. These include a manager of the
project through council community services, an administration support officer, and
members of other youth services departments. The young councillors themselves
choose the agenda items and discern the direction of the meetings, while the adult
members provide technical support and advice. The young members also have the
opportunity to present their recommendations to the senior council and these
recommendations are then carried further by the presiding council members and
youth service workers.
Outcomes
The outcomes of this project are capacity building and providing the opportunity for
integration across council. It develops many interpersonal, administrative and political
skills as well as encouraging involvement and action on community-based issues.
The process of having a formal council framework should provide the opportunity for
a group of young people to become involved in the political process and have a
meaningful impact on decision making and policy. The focus on the Living Murray
Project and lobbying for supported accommodation also enables action in areas of
interest to young people.
The Junior Council also has the ability to integrate its ideas and recommendations
across Senior Council policies and agendas. After each meeting formal
recommendations are made and presented at Senior Council meetings to be
considered and applied in different ways. These recommendations include advice
on current council policy, advice on relationships between young people and the
community and requests for consideration of other state and national projects
involving youth initiatives. The junior council has also been actively involved in the
writing of Youth Policy document which will be integrated across Senior Council.
20
Innovation/Discussion
Cultures and Systems:
This case study highlights the task of balancing a formal, adult designed system with
enabling young people power and control. The issues chosen by young people are more
relevant to their concerns
Through their participation in some council policy the young people are able to be
meaningfully involved in the business of council
The Junior Council is a decision-making body, visible to and accepted by the
broader public
Capacity Building:
The project enables young people to gain further knowledge of community issues and
develop ways to address them using both structured council procedures and new
initiatives
Opportunities can arise for further development both personally and professionally in
attending wider forums outside of the local area. This encourages thinking and planning
on a broader level, incorporating issues from other regions and areas
Integration and Planning Across Council:
The junior council has the opportunity to be involved with the whole of council,
including policy development such as the Youth Policy and Health Policy
Issues for Further Exploration:
Allowances need to be made for youth to feel comfortable and productive while
working within a formal adult orientated structure
Young people need to be encouraged and supported in identifying relevant new issues
to be considered and implemented by council
The powers and accountabilities of such a decision-making group need to be
carefully defined
The process of selecting representatives from local schools may provide a means to
feed information from and to constituents
21
4.4 City of Moreland & South West Victoria –
Youth Summits
Description
A large scale gathering of young people to discuss, prioritise and act on issues.
A yearly or bi-yearly cycle where 'grass roots' young people from various constituencies
(usually schools) are supported to research and express local issues. As issues are raised,
they are channelled up to a larger 'convention' of representative young people for
debate, planning and action. In both metropolitan and regional Victoria this approach
has been used to inform both policy and project development.
Glenelg, Moyne & Warrnambool
The Youth Summit is co-sponsored by Warrnambool City, Moyne and Glenelg Shire
Councils. In 2003 young people from these diverse areas met for a three day Youth
Leadership summit entitled Our Playce. The aim was to create positive change in their
local communities, and the steering committee comprised young people, community
representatives and youth workers.
The Our Playce Youth Summit is a yearly event and around 70 young people aged
between 14-17 participate. At the summit young people discuss issues, concerns and
opportunities across their communities, guest speakers talk about issues concerning
youth in the region and groups are formed to discuss themes. Following the three-day
event the young people take responsibility in creating action plans and projects that,
with council support and funding, are put into place over the coming year. The projects
are diverse and in 2003 included:
Gateways an innovative arts / signage project that presents youth culture as
a central feature of the main street
Portland YouthBreak Fest at the Portland Bay community festival
Mercury 86, a monthly forum in Warnambool of drama, film nights and art
competitions.
In 2004 the coalition expanded further across South Western Victoria to include young
people in the Shire of Southern Grampians via the Western District Health Service.
Moreland
The Moreland Youth Summit is a bi-annual two-day
event that has been running since 1998. The project
involves the participation of 100 young people aged
between 12-25, from 10 different secondary colleges
in the area. With support from nine different youth
agencies the event aims at highlighting issues and
concerns of young people in the area and providing
workable strategies and projects to be applied by the
young people over the next two years.
Photo supplied by Moreland City Council
22
The following table highlights the similarities and differences between the two summits.
Location
Moreland
Warrnambool/Moyne/Glenelg
Who participates? 100 young people
70 young people between the
ages of 14 –17 from across south
west Victoria
Who runs it?
Run in partnership with three
councils and a health centre with
the facilitation of a Youth
Motivation Key Speaker
Organising committee of
14 young people, aided and
facilitated by youth services
and council officers
A steering committee made up of
adults and young people organise
and help facilitate the event
Objectives
Process
To highlight significant issues and
concerns in the areas of Health,
Safety, Education, Recreation,
Profile, and Ethnicity
To identify the areas in the region that
provide opportunity, are an asset to or
instill pride in young people and develop
these areas through targeted projects
over the following year
To involve young people in the
decision making and action
taking within the community
To involve young people in the decision
making and action taking within
the community
To encourage adults participation
in a youth forum
To encourage adults participation
in a youth forum
To create action plans that can be
implemented over the following year
To create action plans that can be
implemented over the following year
The organising committee identified
themes that can be addressed at
the summit
The young people listened to key guest
speakers and then split into groups
to discuss issues and identify the
areas that should be prioritised
for future projects
The young people listened to key
speakers and split into groups
to workshop the issues
Also participated in activities such
and music and dance
Outcomes
The issues were developed, by the
participants, into 60 recommendations
on six different topics and these
were presented to local council
The areas identified where
workshopped into nominations for
projects to be put into place over
the following year
Action Plans
'Mind Shop' groups were formed
following the summit who were
responsible for working on practical
projects based on the summits
recommendations
Ideas from the summit were developed
into proposed projects that were put
forward to the council by the
young people.
Student Action teams were put in
place to implement the solutions and
ideas coming from 'Mind Shop'
With support from the council the
individual projects were then
carried out by the participants
23
Innovation/Discussion
Cultures and Systems:
There is considerable engagement, support and visible involvement of young people
from a range of local government areas
There is action by young people, council and other structures
Partnership arrangements extend the scope and impact of the project within councils
and in outer rural communities
Young people from diverse locations and contexts are able to share experiences
and collaborate on making change
Young people participate in both the design and implementation of the process
as a whole
Capacity Building:
Through the process of organising and participating in the summits young people
further develop skills in facilitation, group participation, decision making and leadership
Councils and communities build their capacity to engage and support young people at
both local and regional levels through shared initiatives
Integration and Planning Across Council:
Various structures and resources of councils are required to facilitate and respond
to the initiatives
Issues for Further Exploration:
These processes involve considerable support in order to manage large and relatively
complex processes
Initiatives need to be clear from the start about whether the involvement of young
people is more at a strategic level or whether it can be taken through to an action level
with direct involvement in future projects
How is it made clear to young people what issues can and cannot be supported by
councils? How does council build-in contingencies to support the potentially wide range
of issues that are developed?
4.5 Youth Initiative Program In the East
Project Theme
YIPIE is a program to facilitate youth led enterprise.
The primary theme is that young people own and
direct their initiative, bringing together council,
industry and education resources.
Photo supplied by Moreland City Council
24
Project Description
Three councils (Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges) collaborated with industry and
education resources to create this pilot project. The Local Learning and Employment
Network (LLEN) provided funding and the School Focused Youth Services were closely
involved.
The projects objectives are:
To support young people in pursuing their initiatives and interests
To increase young people's skills for enterprise and employment
To further engage young people in education and training
To provide resources, networks and mentoring which enable young people
to develop their own initiatives, networks and skills
To operate to principles of collaboration, empowerment and affirmation,
shared resources, networking and connectedness, and sustainability
The project is advertised to young people who, if they have an enterprise idea,
contact their council youth service. A worker meets with them and supports them in
clarifying and developing their plan, including an application for funding which goes
to a steering group.
A primary criterion of funding is to ensure that projects are genuinely owned and
controlled by the young people. Young people are linked to a mentor(s) who acts as
an important role model. The mentor provides a support and knowledge as well as
building confidence and providing tactical assistance. With the council worker they
help in investigating and building contacts with training, business or community
organisations. They provide links to industry and other specialist skills the young
person seeks.
The Steering Group contains representatives of the three councils, industry and schools.
They also oversee the program and share ideas on how to develop the program more
effectively in their municipality.
Outcomes
As the project is new, initiatives that have been supported are only at an early stage.
For example, one young person with an interest in establishing a woodwork business
has been linked to a mentor and many other networks. He has received a grant and
has begun to purchase management training, equipment and organise publicity.
Other initiatives that are receiving support include:
A catering business
A horticultural business
A go-kart building activity
25
Innovation/Discussion
Cultures and Systems:
This program is working in the challenging area of employment development, based on
the idea that the young person must be primary in steering that development
It is linking young entrepreneurs with divergent aspects of the local system.
It also has the potential to identify gaps to a range of these stakeholders
Mentors have a role in supporting young people
Capacity Building:
Young people are on a steep learning curve in many dimensions
This program provides the links and support to a range of resources
Integration and Planning Across Council:
A range of skills from within each Council's staff can support youth initiatives with
expertise on insurance, accounting, landscaping, economic development, etc
The partnership between local governments and education providers has potential for
sharing in new areas
Issues for Further Exploration:
The program requires significant resources. Each council has put in staff time and
expertise, and the LLEN has provided funding of $65,000
The funding is for one year only. It may only be a sustainable success if resourcing
continues or sponsors are found
Risk management is an issue for many projects like this, which allow young people to
take some control. Issues include duty of care in matching young people to mentors;
management and accountability for the funds, and the potential liability for council if
young people's projects involve risks
4.6
Young people in Casey – A long-term view
A study of the Casey municipality's approach to youth within the context of a large and
rapidly growing population of young people.
Overview
Casey provides a unique opportunity to examine the planning challenges because of
its rapid population growth, and the related issues that arise from this growth. In
the space of two decades the municipality of Casey is changing from a greenfield
site to a major metropolis. For many years the council has been attempting to
establish the foundations appropriate to young people. The decisions being made
now will fundamentally determine the shape of the community into the future.
26
Community change
Unlike many councils across Victoria in the 1980s, where a solo youth worker was
located in the recreation department, the City of Casey (then the City of Berwick
and City of Cranbourne) youth worker reported to the social planner and took on
a community development role. This commenced a process of council researching
and redefining its role in relation to young people, and the need to reconcile the
simultaneous demands for specialist youth welfare, longer-term prevention, and
proactive development / inclusion.
This proactive and inclusive approach resulted in programs that have now (albeit in
different forms) been running for many years providing youth participation
opportunities, suchas:
1. Y oung Leaders Program. A training program for young people in year
10, which runs for five consecutive days and been running for over
15 years. The program is available to all local secondary schools. Young
people from across the municipality meet and collectively explore issues
and how they can respond to these. 'Graduates' have the opportunity to
have follow-up involvement in different activities in the community,
depending on their interests, availability and the level of involvement
they want.
2. Australia Day Study Tour. Awarded to ten young people in year 11 or
equivalent age, each year as part of Australia Day activities. The study
tour now in its 21st year comprises three stages, providing students
with an opportunity to learn about the political and administrative
systems with the three levels of government in Australia. Students spend
a half day at the City of Casey, a day at Parliament House in Melbourne,
and also participate in a four-day tour to Canberra. This includes
meeting local politicians, and attending a sitting of parliament in both
the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are opportunities
for young people to join any one of council's civic youth groups.
3. Casey Youth Ambassadors. A program which provides a range of
opportunities for young people to learn more about their community
and be involved in civic activities. These events cross council
departments and within the community, and include citizenship
ceremonies, festivals, community gatherings, and council-organised
'people in parks' get-togethers for new residents. Roles may vary from
speeches to volunteering at events.
A 10-year youth strategy is now adopted as part of the Council Plan.
It serves to identify roles and responsibilities across all council departments, and
strengthen the partnerships between council, service providers, schools, young
people and their parents. The youth strategy has an emphasis on young people
having a “sense of belonging”, and “developing their abilities to fully participate in
community life,” and “recognising and valuing young people”.
27
One outcome of this youth strategy is a cluster of decentralised youth participation
programs including participatory youth groups such as eMerge – Multicultural
Friendship Groups, a FReeZA Youth Committee, Youth Activities Services groups, a
National Youth Week Youth Committee, Family Challenge Camps and personal and
skill development activities.
These Council programs offer important benefits to young people because they offer
different types and levels of involvement. Young people have the opportunity to
choose a range of levels, types and durations of participation, and feedback from
participants indicates they gain a sense of empowerment from being able to control
and influence the outcomes.'
Council also acknowledges that these programs are a work in progress, and they
must continually evolve over time - as the City of Casey adapts to the changing
needs of the population, and gains better understanding of youth engagement.
Outcomes
Council is able to gain an accurate profile of young people through the
various activities it facilitates
Stronger relationships between young people, citizens, council officers and
elected representatives are developed
Young people are able to connect, network and form friendships with other
young people
Attitudes about young people develop in positive ways
Council departments are increasingly seeking the involvement of young
people in functional issues, such as town planning and youth program
development
28
Innovation/Discussion
Cultures and Systems:
Young people have various levels of power, depending on the program
Young people can participate at staged levels, learning more as they progress
Many projects balance a high level of adult control with a clearly negotiated level of
youth control
Young people from a variety of backgrounds meet each other and share ideas.
Young people gain a higher profile, interaction, broader acceptance and participate in a
range of positive roles in the community
The concerns and ideas of a broader, more diverse youth base are expressed and heard
Capacity Building:
Training and support is provided for young people's skills development in research,
writing, public presentation and decision making
Young people learn more about their community and have an influence and voice in
their community
Integration and Planning Across Council:
A range of council departments are involved
The views and concerns of young people are increasingly expected in council activities
Issues for Further Exploration:
How applicable is this approach to other councils? How much is unique to council's
location, community expectations and history?
To what degree are young people's perspectives represented in council and other
community decision-making forums?
Many of the changes addressed are 'social and cultural' - could developments also be
monitored in the built, economic and natural environments?
29
5. Summary of Case Studies
Nominated
A total of 17 projects were nominated for this study.
LGA
Project Title
Brief Description of Project
Banyule City
Ph: 9490 4222
Jet Studios & DART
Youth Leadership
Program & ASPIRE
Youth Recreation/
public facilities proje
Jet Studios
• Young people have various levels of power,
depending on the program
• Rehearsal/recording studio with volunteer and
casual paid staff
• Runs youth specific programs in community
partnerships with Juvenile Justice, NEAMI,
PRACE, and local primary schools
• Provides training in studio sound engineering
and general access to music industry facilities
Dart Board
• Sub set of the DART program which is a
leadership and advocacy program run within
the SRC's of local secondary schools
• Dart Board is an advisory group comprised of
two members of each secondary schools SRC
• Meets annually to advise council on issues
raised in separate SRC meetings over the year
Nature of participants
(age/gender etc)
• Aged 12-20
• Mixed gender
• Metropolitan location
• Aged 12-17
• Mixed gender
• Metropolitan location
• Aged 15-20
• Mixed gender
• Metropolitan
ASPIRE- Greensborough Skate and
BMX park.
• Group of young people established to
oversee the planning development and
implementation of a structured activity
program for the skate and BMX park
• Involved in training to run holiday workshops
for young people
• Working to develop a package of VCAL
modules for secondary schools in partnership
with education providers
Benalla Rural City
Ph: 5760 2600
Freeza program
• Organization of at least one Freeza concert
a year
• 12-20
• Partnership involving Benalla Rural City council,
Up Youth, Benalla College and GOTAFE
• Rural Location
• Young people involved through VET Music
program at Benalla College
• Involvement includes Administration,
Production, Venue Management and Publicity
• Two students from GOTAFE offer Drug and
alcohol counselling at the events
30
• Mixed gender
LGA
Project Title
Brief Description of Project
Nature of participants
(age/gender etc)
Casey City
Ph: 9705 5200
Multicultural
Friendship group,
Young Active
Women
Multicultural friendship group
• Aged 14-18
• Provides support, information and
opportunities of accessing local facilities to
newly arrived immigrants or refugees
• Mixed gender
Young Active Women Project
• Project aimed to provide support to at 'at risk'
women in the Narre Warren P12 college
Kingston City
Ph: 9581 4567
Youth Consultative
committee
• Metropolitan location
• Aged 14-15
• Female
• Aims to encourage women to be actively
involved in sports and local activities
• Metropolitan location
• Committee advising council and broader
community on matters that concern
young people
• Aged 14-22
• Includes nine members representing all local
areas of the municipality
• Mixed gender
• Metropolitan location
• Involved in council decision making and
recommendations and also organization
of community events
• Hold monthly meetings
Manningham City
Ph: 9840 9337
Youth Forum
• Advisory committee to council, assessing
issues on local, state, national, and
global levels
• 20 young people appointed by council,
restricted to those who either live study or
work in the Manningham area
• 12-25
• Mixed gender
• Metropolitan location
• Selection process initiated by council,
formulated to encourage diversity within
members
• Held in twice weekly meetings, open to
the public
Mildura Rural City
Ph: 5018 8100
Youth Council &
Youth Strategy
• Youth Council acts as an advisory committee
to council aiming to actively involve young
people in decision-making processes
• Youth Strategy aims to develop a framework
to ensure young peoples views are
represented by the council
Monash City
Ph: 9518 3555
Pride & Diversity
Project
• Support group aimed at same sex orientated
youth
• Provides social and individual support and
works with local schools and service
providers
• Aged 13-20
• Mixed gender
• Rural Location
• Aged 14-20
• Mixed gender
• Metropolitan location
• Aims to raise awareness in the area and to
break down negative attitudes in the
community
31
LGA
Project Title
Brief Description of Project
Nature of participants
(age/gender etc)
Pyrenees Shire
Ph: 5349 2000
Developing resilience
and connectedness
with youth at risk
• Joint partnership Pyrenees Shire Council
Youth Services, Beaufort Secondary College,
and Department of education and training
• Aged 12-17
• Program aims to address the problem of
students leaving school prematurely.
• Mixed gender
• Rural Location
• Specifically targets 'at risk' students and aims
to create a greater connectedness between
the school and the community
• Includes integration of local businesses and
employers in the process by encouraging
work experience and placements
South Gippsland
Shire
Ph: 5662 9200
Youth Community
connections
• Philanthropic program in partnership with
South Gippsland Shire Council Youth
Council, and the Foundation for Young
Australians
• Aged 12-20
• Mixed gender
• Rural Location
• Grants are provided for youth led individual
projects in South Gippsland, focusing on
new services and decreasing isolation
Stonnington City
Ph: 8290 1333
Youth Council
• Advisory committee to council that
promotes and encourages the consultation
of young people in the planning,
development, co-ordination, and
provision of council services
• Aged 14-21
• Mixed gender
• Metropolitan location
• Members appointed by council, focus
on ensuring a cross section of young
people from the community
• Meets fortnightly
Strathbogie Shire
Ph: 5795 2010
Reclaim the Right
(arts project)
• Partnership between Shire of Strathbogie,
Vichealth, Office for Youth, Regional Arts
Fund, and the Women's Circus
• Promotes awareness about sexual assault
prevention in rural communities through
performances in physical theatre, writing
and story telling, CD production and
visual arts
• Includes involvement of youth councillors
who listen and respond to performances,
publications, newspaper articles, written
surveys diary entries etc
32
• Aged 12-20
• Female
• Rural location
LGA
Project Title
Brief Description of Project
Nature of participants
(age/gender etc)
Wangaratta Rural
City
Ph: 5722 0888
Youth Council
• Advisory committee aiming to promote
youth issues, integrated participation in
council decision making and leadership
development
• Aged 12-17
• Mixed gender
• Rural Location
• 12 members, meet annually and devise
strategic plans on issues such as youth
entertainment, community and
environmental involvement
• Plans implemented throughout the year
Yarra Ranges Shire
Ph: 1300 368 333
Traction Program
• Mental health promotion through peer
education and community projects
• School workshops facilitated by a young
person with a mental illness
• Group program with an emphasis on
peer support
Paying Attention
to Self
• Health promotion and early intervention
• Peer leadership to young participants
• Training to school teachers
• Participants are
identified as highly
'at risk' by community
agencies, or have
a mental illness
(16-24 years)
• Young people with
parents with a mental
illness, 12-18 years
• Partnership with five urban and regional
health services
33
6. SOME LINKS TO FURTHER
IDEAS AND RESOURCES
Arnstein, S. "A Ladder of Citizen Participation," JAIP, Vol. 35, No. 4, July 1969, pp. 216224. http://lithgow-schmidt.dk/sherry-arnstein/ladder-of-citizen-participation.html
Bessant, J. (2004) 'Mixed Messages: youth participation and democratic practice'.
Australian Journal of Political Science, Vol. 39, No.2, July, pp. 387-404.
Considine, Mark (2004) 'Community Strengthening and the Role of Local Government'
A discussion paper. Published by Local Government Victoria. Department for Victorian
Communities
Foundation for Young Australians: http://www.youngaustralians.org
Hart, R. (1992) Children's Participation: From Tokenism to Citizenship, Innocent Essay No
4, Florence:UNICEF, Innocent Research Centre.
Holdsworth, R. (2003) “Youth Participation: A continuing commitment.” For the 2003
Victorian Local Government Youth Services Conference, unpublished paper, Australian
Youth Research Centre, University of Melbourne:
http://yarn.dfac.unimelb.edu.au/yrc/home.html
LGA Queensland (1997) “Bikes, Bands and Strategic Plans: Including Young People in
the Business of Local Government”: http://www.lgaq.asn.au
Matthews, H. Limb, L. Harrison, L. And Taylor, M. (1998/99) 'Local Places and the
Political Engagement of Young People: Youth Councils as Participatory Structures.'
Youth and Policy: The Journal of Critical Analysis, 62, pp.16-31.
Nabben, R. and Hill, R.” Local Government Youth Service Quality Improvement Project Quality Manual”, April 2002. Unpublished, RMIT University School of Social Science
and Planning.
NSW Commission for Children and Young People:
http://www.kids.nsw.gov.au/ourwork/participation.html
Office for Youth Resources on Youth Participation: http://www.youth.vic.gov.au
Saggers, S. Palmer, D. Royce, P. Wilson, L. and Charlton, A. (2004) “Alive and Motivated:
Young people, participation and local government”. National Youth Affairs Research
Scheme: http://www.facs.gov.au
The Earth Charter Youth Group: http://www.earthcharter.org/innerpg.cfm?id_page=65
UNICEF Voices of Youth: http://www.unicef.org/voy/voy.html
Youth Activism Project (USA): http://www.youthactivism.com/
34
Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (2004) “Taking Young People Seriously, Handbooks for
Organisations Working With Young People”: http://www.yacvic.org.au
Youth at the United Nations: http://www.un.org/youth
Wierenga, A. Trenbath, G. Kelly, J. and Vidakovic, C. (2003), “Sharing a New Story:
Young People in Decision Making”, Foundation for Young Australians and University
of Melbourne, Melbourne: Youth Research Centre.
The project would like to sincerely thank the members of
the reference group:
City of Darebin, Jan Black
City of Greater Dandenong, Jan Martin
City of Whittlesea, Vicki Cooper and Ruth Spielman
Rural City of Wodonga, Mark Florence
Shire of Golden Plains, Lenny Jenner and Teegan Kelley
Shire of Mansfield, Michael Walker
Shire of Wellington, Glenys Butler
Shire of Yarra Ranges, Belinda Chalmers, Martin Fidler, Chris Leivers, Pamela McKimm
Municipal Association of Victoria, Clare Hargreaves
RMIT University, Rob Nabben
Office for Youth
35