More than 100 local young people shared a range of creative ideas and started work on solutions for a better life in the shire at today’s Bega Valley Youth Forum.
The Youth Forum was a mix of guided discussions and fun activities for local high school students and young people outside school aged 12 to 24 years.
The themes discussed on the day were shaped by the results of the 2020 Youth Speak survey which found young people had a number of concerns on their minds including post-school opportunities, mental health, climate change and the environment.
Youth Resilience Officer, Cal Champagne said the energy and positive vibes at the forum reflected the drive and determination young people have to take charge of their destinies.
“What we heard and felt at the forum was a desire for creating real change and a growing understanding of the need for collaboration to make that happen,” Cal said.
“We’re excited about the next stage of the Youth Speak journey - Future Shaper - where all the great ideas from the forum will be workshopped at a two-day camp in July,” he said.
“After that we’ll follow through with small working group to design, develop and carry out the recommended change projects with the support of community mentors.
“This is where ideas will begin to become reality and we’ll be designing initiatives aimed at achieving real and meaningful change.
“Our thanks go to all the participants and facilitators including Headspace, the Funhouse, Campbell Page, The Crossing Land Education Centre, Eden Community Access Centre, PCYC, the University of Wollongong and the Bega Valley Innovation Hub.
“We will continue to work together to make the most of what we have started and encourage our young people to grow in confidence and lead the ongoing conversation about a better life for them across the shire.”
For more information about Youth Speak and Future Shaper visit Council’s website: https://begavalley.nsw.gov.au/community/bega-valley-youth-speak
