Community input to shape the future for Baw Baw’s young people

Published on 09 November 2023

Baw Baw Shire Council invites community members to actively participate in shaping the future of our young residents by providing feedback on the newly drafted Youth Strategy 2024-2028.

“Young people aged 12 to 25 years old make up approximately 15.8% of our community, my children included,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe. “However, research shows that younger people can experience greater health inequities than other sections of our population and I have seen this firsthand. As a Council, we are committed to paving the way for a brighter, healthier and more inclusive future for our young people and this strategy is a testament to that commitment.”

The draft Strategy has been informed by direct consultation with young people carried out earlier this year. The views, concerns and aspirations gathered as part of that research have been translated into a strategy that aims to promote health, well-being and prosperity of youth within the Shire. To do so, it includes key initiatives to address five community-identified priority areas: Voice and Leadership, Support and Services, Safety, Learning and Growing, and Health and Wellbeing.

“We have heard a consistent message from our youth: they wish to be heard, understood, and empowered,” says Mayor McCabe. “They envision a community where they can lead, make informed decisions, access necessary resources and, above all, feel secure.”

“With the rollout of this Youth Strategy, we are laying down the foundation to make that vision a reality. We are setting the stage for our younger community members to grow as connected, resilient individuals. I am excited about this journey we are embarking upon and am confident that together, we can create a legacy of positive change that will benefit generations to come.”

To read the draft Youth Strategy in full and to provide your feedback, ideas or ask questions visit www.bawbawconnect.com.au/YouthStrategy.

The public consultation period is open from Thursday 9 November to Wednesday 15 December.