Have your say: Raising the wellbeing of our children, young people and families

Want to have your say on how we can raise the wellbeing of children, young people and families in Maroondah?

Council is developing a new Children and Families Strategy and Action Plan and is seeking feedback from young people, children and their families/carers, and the broader Maroondah community, including education and service providers.

Maroondah Deputy Mayor Councillor Kylie Spears said ensuring the views of young people, children and their families and caregivers were heard was fundamental to the development of the strategy and action plan.

“Over the next few months, Council will be consulting widely to find out how we can better meet the needs of Maroondah’s children and their families,” Cr Spears said.

“As part of this, Council is working with the Department of Education and Training, The University of Melbourne and schools in Maroondah to undertake wellbeing surveys with students, staff and parents/carers,” she said.

The community is now invited to take part in the Parent/Carer Wellbeing Survey aimed at parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-25 years in Maroondah.

“Even if you’re not a parent or carer but would like to participate, you can do so by contributing your thoughts on our Quick Feedback tool,” Cr Spears said.

“Results from this consultation will help provide a clear direction for the delivery of services and areas of support and advocacy for families and children, both now and in the future,” he said.

The findings will also be used to develop a new two-year action plan for Council’s existing Youth Strategy.

“We are in the process of refreshing our Youth Strategy Action Plan and look forward to hearing from young people and stakeholders about the current issues that matter most to them, and how we can help contribute to raising the wellbeing of young people in Maroondah,” Cr Spears said.

“Young people form a significant portion of the Maroondah community, and Council is committed to investing in both their present and their future as valued members of the Maroondah community.

“Council will continue to actively engage with young people and stakeholders throughout the implementation of this strategy, ensuring that children, young people and their families are always at its heart,” she said.

Four different Maroondah Wellbeing Surveys are open until 21 June, for:

Students, school staff and parents/carers will receive a link to the survey via their school. Parents and carers can also access their survey on our online engagement hub <link>.

There will also be multiple opportunities for the community to be involved over the coming months, including through surveys, focus group discussions and forums.

Hard copy survey forms are also available at Council’s three Customer Service Centres. The wellbeing survey is open until 21 June 2019.