A passionate group of young locals are helping shape the future of Griffith.
Councillors recognise young people need to be more involved in community decision making and, as a result, Griffith’s Youth Advisory Group, made up of approximately 30 young people, was formed earlier this year.
This Group was established to give the youth of Griffith and the surrounding villages a strong voice. They have been speaking up about issues they care about and actively developing activities tailored to 12–24-year-olds.
Council secured funding from the Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative – Large Grants (Regional NSW) to reconnect young people in Griffith to the community after two years of COVID-19 related disruption, with the ConnectYOUth2680 initiative developed.
Around 20 members of the Youth Advisory Group impressed Councillors at a recent workshop with an overview of their achievements so far.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said, “I’m blown away by what these young leaders have accomplished in such a short amount of time.”
“The future of Griffith is in great hands if these young people are anything to go by. We have an excellent leader in Lara Rossetto and the enthusiasm shown was inspiring.”
To date, the Youth Advisory Group has delivered a Youth Festival, participated in co-design workshops, collaborated in the design and rollout of a comprehensive Youth Survey and resultant targeted workshops, developed a Terms of Reference and commenced planning and execution of a calendar of youth orientated events throughout the year.
At the Ordinary Meeting on 27 June 2023, Council endorsed the Terms of Reference and the ConnectYOUth2680 Youth Impact Report and Action Plan. The Youth Impact Report and Action Plan is based on information collected from over 450 young people in the Griffith Local Government Area and is the most comprehensive data set surrounding young people in Griffith.
“This is a huge step forward in our commitment to supporting our young community members,” Councillor Curran said.
“It’s clear to see that these energetic young people are already making a difference and creating positive outcomes for all young people in Griffith.
“The ConnectYOUth2680 project has been a game-changer, proving that young people are eager to be involved in Council activities. It has set the stage for an ongoing youth program that could pave the way for a Youth Council in the future.”
