Council
20 June, 2024
Shire calls on young people to raise voice
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has called on the next generation to shape the vision for the region through an account of their experiences.
Council will hold a Youth Round Table to help shape council’s vision for youth engagement into 2025 and beyond.
Shire mayor Kate Makin said the open discussion would be an opportunity for council to hear what young people like about living in the shire, and to learn more about what they feel could be improved.
“Youth engagement is an important focus for council as we aim to build a connected and thriving community that makes our young people feel they are welcomed and valued in community life,” she said.
“Hearing their plans, hopes and dreams, and the challenges they face will help council support their social and emotional wellbeing at a community level.”
Council will invite 15 young people aged 12-25 to sit down together in the Old Chambers at the Civic Centre, Camperdown.
The round table will be held on Thursday, July 11, from 10am to 12pm.
Cr Makin said the Youth Round Table would provide an opportunity for young people to share their thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the shire to provide clarity on how council can move forward.
According to Corangamite Shire Council’s 2020-2025 Youth Strategy figures, young people aged 12-25 make up 17.2 per cent of the population, with 61.5 per cent of the youth population living in the central ward in Terang, Noorat, Camperdown, Cobden and surrounds.
Keeping younger south west Victorians has long been identified as a key for the future of the region, with youth having previously identified better access to services, greater social opportunities and leadership opportunities as areas of concern.
Cr Makin said a number of questions would be asked to help inform the findings
“As young people living in Corangamite, what are the things they love about living here?” she said.
“We will be asking what are the biggest issues our young people are experiencing in the shire.
“What could council do to address those issues?
“Where would our young residents like to be in five years’ time?
“What can council do to help them achieve their goals?”
Lunch will be provided and assistance with transport can be arranged.
Young people who want a seat at the table can nominate at corangamite.vic.gov.au/Youth-Round-Table.