Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Local Youth Take Part In Human Rights ForumWonthaggi resident Rebecca Harrison represented Bass Coast Shire Council at a Youth Forum on Human Rights held in Melbourne on 26 February. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 2nd March 2007 - Back to News Convened by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (formerly the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria) in association with Youthlaw, the Forum discussed human rights issues, including the recently enacted Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, as they relate to young people from across the state.
On the day delegates shared their experiences of human rights and heard from high-profile speakers, including the Minister for Youth Affairs, The Hon James Merlino, Commission CEO Dr Helen Szoke, and musician Kate Ceberano.
Delegates workshopped their ideas about the Charter of Human Rights, and with the help of youth hip-hop group A.R.A.B. (‘Anti Racism Action Band’) translated the day’s key messages into a ‘beatbox’ rap performance.
Each youth delegate participating in the Youth Forum was sponsored to attend by their local Council.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin said that Council was very pleased to sponsor Rebecca to attend the Youth Forum.
"This was a great opportunity for Rebecca to meet others from different walks of life, to develop a better understanding of human rights and the recently passed Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, and then to report back to other young people from Bass Coast Shire about her experiences," he said.
The Forum coincided with the Commission’s major Human Rights Conference, held on 27 February. The Conference, featuring keynote addresses from Major Michael Mori and Sir Nigel Rodley, was held to mark the launch of the Charter and to celebrate 30 years of anti-discrimination legislation in Victoria. Youth Forum participants presented their findings to the Conference and all the Youth Forum delegates were invited to attend the presentation.
The theme for the conference was ‘Freedom, Respect, Equality and Dignity’ and it addressed the benefits of a Human Rights Charter and the adoption of human rights principles into every day life. Victoria is the first Australian state to launch a Charter.
Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr Helen Szoke welcomed the Bass Coast Shire’s interest in human rights issues.
"We are very pleased that Bass Coast Shire Council has demonstrated its commitment to youth participation and human rights by sponsoring Rebecca to attend the Youth Forum", said Dr Szoke.
"The Charter is for all Victorians, and it’s important that young people understand their rights and have the chance to share their thoughts and experiences with each other and the whole community."
The Charter is an agreed set of democratic rights and freedoms protected by law, and will act as a form of insurance to ensure that human rights are a priority for present and future governments. The Charter states that human rights apply equally to all persons, including children and young people.
Children and young people also have special needs for protection and as a result the Charter makes some specific references to their rights, such as the right to protection by the state, and rights in criminal proceedings.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future. - East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce. - Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety. - Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery. - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025. - Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years. - Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 27 August 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation. - Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting. - Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
|
|
