A question I am often asked is what we are doing for youth to create interesting and engaging activities.
Last week Council received a terrific briefing from our youth officers working across three programs funded by the Victorian Government which Council has been funded to deliver – Freeza, Engage and L2P.
The enthusiasm and excitement of the two youth officers presenting to us was infectious and a very clear indication that these programs, and the range of activities which they support, have obviously made a real impact on our young people as the participation statistics show.
Well over 1,000 young people participated in five activities through the Engage program:
- Teenage! Holiday Program
- Engage! Youth Health and Wellbeing
- Local Mobs Engage!
- Engage! LGBTIQA+ and
- Qualifications for Employment
Engage is undertaking continuing work in the areas of youth leadership, skill-building and employment and celebrating young people. The youth leadership initiative includes establishing a Youth Council. These have had real impact in other locations and I think the engagement which is taking place with young people to see what direction they want this to take in our Shire, is especially exciting.
During 2021, 100 young people participated in the Children and Young People First project focussing on their health and well-being.
Freeza activities included:
- Friday Sounds Like/Feels Like
- Halloween Party
- Movie launch – Ghostbusters Afterlife, and
- Pool vouchers, with hue take-up.
The L2P program continues to deliver driving assistance to young people across the Shire.
Well done Youth team and keep up the great work!
