Future for youth

By Melissa Meehan
YARRA Ranges’ young people will have a greater say on the decisions that affect them, thanks to the Shire of Yarra Ranges innovative new youth strategy, Young People – Here for Today and the Future.
The strategy includes the shire’s policy and action plan for young people and a youth charter developed by young people stating how they would like to be valued and celebrated in our community.
The youth strategy, which was developed with young people and community agencies, will guide the council in the provision of future programs and services for young people over the next three years.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan said the youth strategy would play an important role in the shire’s future decisions relating to young people.
“The youth strategy will not only help deliver key council and community services but also give young people a voice in the decisions that affect them,” Cr Heenan said.
“Young people aged 10-24 make up 21 per cent of the shire’s population, so it’s important we are listening to what they think and want.”
He said the youth strategy would also provide a platform to advocate for additional State and Federal Government funding for youth programs.
To celebrate the launch of the shire’s youth strategy a special day out, Launch Urself is being held as part of the Youth Services’ Winter Chills school holiday program.
“Launch Urself will provide a great day and everyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun,” Cr Heenan said.
“There will be live music performances, break dancing demonstrations, roving circus performers, rock climbing walls and free lunch.”
Launch Urself will be held on Wednesday 9 July at the Lilydale Skate Bowl, between 11am and 2pm.
The Youth Strategy will be launched between 11.15am and noon.