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Feedback needed on draft Baw Baw Youth Strategy 2024-2028 by 15 December 2023

Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes community input on the Youth Strategy 2024-2028, shaped by direct consultations with young residents. It aims to enhance well-being through key initiatives in five priority areas.

By news@gippsland - 9th November 2023 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council invites community members to actively participate in shaping the future of our young residents by providing feedback on the newly drafted Youth Strategy 2024-2028. "Young people aged 12 to 25 years old make up approximately 15.8% of our community, my children included," says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe.

The draft Youth Strategy 2024-2028 focuses on promoting youth well-being, addressing priority areas like voice, support, safety, learning, and health, submit your feedback until 15 December 2023

Youth health strategy

Mayor McCabe said, "However, research shows that younger people can experience greater health inequities than other sections of our population and I have seen this firsthand. As a council, we are committed to paving the way for a brighter, healthier and more inclusive future for our young people and this strategy is a testament to that commitment."

The draft Strategy has been informed by direct consultation with young people carried out earlier this year. The views, concerns and aspirations gathered as part of that research have been translated into a strategy that aims to promote health, well-being and prosperity of youth within the Shire. To do so, it includes key initiatives to address five community-identified priority areas: Voice and Leadership, Support and Services, Safety, Learning and Growing, and Health and Wellbeing.

Have your say

Mayor McCabe added, "We have heard a consistent message from our youth: they wish to be heard, understood, and empowered," says Mayor McCabe. "They envision a community where they can lead, make informed decisions, access necessary resources and, above all, feel secure."

"With the rollout of this Youth Strategy, we are laying down the foundation to make that vision a reality. We are setting the stage for our younger community members to grow as connected, resilient individuals. I am excited about this journey we are embarking upon and am confident that together, we can create a legacy of positive change that will benefit generations to come," she said.

To read the draft Youth Strategy in full and to provide your feedback, ideas or ask questions visit draft Youth Strategy page. The public consultation period is open from Thursday 9 November to Wednesday 15 December.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
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• Community planting day advances Blue Rock Lake foreshore restoration and native fish habitat
  Students, Landcare volunteers and partner organisations have planted native vegetation at Blue Rock Lake, building on fish habitat projects and erosion-control works to strengthen the shoreline and support wildlife.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Macalister Irrigation District schedules submerged weed treatments for November and December to improve channel capacity and water delivery
  Macalister Irrigation District will treat submerged weeds in irrigation channels during November and December 2026, improving water delivery. Customers must avoid treated water for 72 hours after treatment.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
  Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
  Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• RMIT architecture students unveil 12 community-informed design proposals exploring the future of Omeo Justice Precinct at upcoming exhibition
  RMIT architecture students will exhibit 12 community-informed proposals for Omeo Justice Precinct from November 6, exploring heritage preservation, gathering spaces and tourism through a research partnership with Council and residents.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Maffra Show celebrates agricultural heritage, community spirit and dedicated volunteers across Gippsland’s farming districts
  The Maffra Show celebrated local agriculture, farming heritage and community spirit, with Darren Chester praising volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for preserving regional traditions and supporting local businesses.