Swan Hill Rural City Council recognises the immeasurable value that young citizens bring to their communities.
Widespread community consultation was undertaken to inform the development of a five-year Youth Strategy that will consider the needs and aspirations of young people aged 12-25 who live, work or study in the municipality.
In total the engagement and consultation process heard the voices of 1,106 young people, parents, service providers and community members.
The 2020-2025 Swan Hill Rural City Council Youth Strategy will provide overall direction for Council’s Youth Support Program and guide their programs, initiatives, advocacy and support work for young people and their families.
This is the third consecutive Youth Strategy that Council has developed since 2009. We now have a very valuable and comprehensive local data set spanning a ten year period which provides significant insight into the health and wellbeing of our young people that tracks changes and emerging trends.
Swan Hill Rural City Council remains committed to the safety of all young people. This strategy will strictly adhere to Council’s Child Safe Policy and forms a part of Council’s work towards meeting Child Safe Standards; particularly standard number seven.
It is hoped that the in-depth Youth Strategy consultation results and trends data (see Swan Hill Rural City Council Youth Strategy Consultation Report) can also support service providers, schools and community groups in informing their work with young people.