By Kath Gannaway
Healesville should, and could, be a place where young people thrive … but, it’s a whole village vision.
A new and ambitious project, It takes A Town, aims to engage the broader community in identifying and delivering community development projects that will help young people, aged 10 to 25, to thrive.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Development officer for the Healesville area, Jessica Adams, said a steering committee of local community service providers was working on developing the project with council funding a series of fun, Co-design workshops to get the project started.
The Foundation for Young People will facilitate the workshops with young people and some adult community members putting together a plan for consulting and involving local young people in the project, and presenting their thoughts and ideas to the community.
“It can be tough for some young people in the area because of lack of access to opportunities that could support them to reach their potential,” Ms Adams said.
“There are limited opportunities to get work experience, to explore and develop their diverse talents and interests, to undertake training opportunities.”
It Takes A Town will offer some valuable opportunities.
“We are looking for young people who would like to make a difference in their community and learn some skills along the way,” Ms Adams said, adding that it was also an opportunity for young people to build up their CV.
The workshops (dinner included) are for 15 to 24-year-olds, and the first of four is on Thursday, 10 August, starting at 4.30pm at The Memo in Healesville.
Registrations are essential – yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ittakesatown .
For more information, phone Ms Adams on 0419 569 490 or email j.adams@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
