Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Youth Have Their Say25 Wonthaggi Secondary College students took the opportunity today to tell their school and local Council what they really think. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 17th August 2006 - Back to News The consultation, a part of Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Building Project, involved the group using state-of-the-art computer technology in the Secondary College’s new Flexible Learning Centre.
The students were asked for their input on a range of local issues.
These include how the Secondary College’s Dudley Campus may be better used as a community facility and their views on living in Bass Coast.
Council’s Community Building Facilitator, Tony Cornish, said the group’s responses would be presented to a panel of representatives drawn from state and local government and other community leaders.
"The panel will provide comment on the feasibility of any actions recommended by these young people.
"They will also suggest strategies to bring those actions to life, and generally provide a ‘reality’ check," informed Mr Cornish.
"The findings may also be incorporated into long-term Council plans."
Assistant Principal at the Dudley Campus, Barb Britten, said the school had taken a lead role in developing the consultation project.
"The Wonthaggi Secondary College Learning Support Team developed an interactive way to collect and present the ideas and suggestions of participating young people.
"This will hopefully offer a more interesting and ‘user friendly’ process for gathering and sharing ideas," said Ms Britten.
Youth Development Officer from Kilmany UnitingCare, Kylie Green, said she quickly accepted participating in the project, given its enormous potential.
"Encouraging both younger and older people in the community to create solutions is a great initiative.
"There are a number of key positives that will come from this project, including the potential to recognise and celebrate future young leaders, identifying current youth needs in the community and connecting different age and interest groups," explained Ms Green.
"The project empowers young people to have a voice.
"It is also a great opportunity to test a different method of consulting, in this case, with young people", she added.
Bass Coast Shire Council will trial a number of community projects this year as part of its overall Community Building initiative.
These include a Community Expo to take place in Inverloch later this year and workshops to help community groups learn to prepare funding submissions.
The initiative is being funded by a Department of Victorian Communities grant and is being steered by a working committee made up of representatives from Council and community groups.
Mr Cornish says it is hoped that each project will continue in some form within the community, once the overall project is completed.
"This may be other community representatives replicating the trial projects, or in the least, utilising any ‘tools’ that result.
"Additionally, we hope that there will be spin-off projects identified and developed that will progress under their own steam, so to speak," said Mr Cornish.
"Currently there are representatives from over a dozen groups and organisations who are participating or interested in taking part in the projects, but we’d still like to hear from more.
"If you would like to take part in one of the initiatives, such as the Inverloch Community Expo in November, we would certainly like to talk to you," he said.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to get involved please contact Council’s Community Building Facilitator, Tony Cornish, on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years. - Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026. - Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs. - Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra. - Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing. - Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs. - Four Gippsland students win Water Week Poster competition promoting conservation and sustainability
Four young Gippsland artists have been recognised in Gippsland Water’s 2026 National Water Week poster competition, highlighting water conservation. Mirboo North Primary School won $500, while student Penelope placed third statewide. - Nationals and Liberals pledge 10 new technical colleges, delivering hands-on training for 5,000 Victorian students
The Nationals and Liberals plan 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria, providing 5,000 secondary students with hands-on vocational training and pathways into in-demand careers, including a new college in Gippsland. - Gippsland students impress Darren Chester with their understanding of Australian democracy and government
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy, Parliament and government during a recent civics visit and discussion. - 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. - Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
|
|
