Young People Invited to Shape Youth Plan

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is currently conducting a major review of its Strengthening Youth Plan 2018-2022, to create a new Youth Plan for the next five years.

Youth, and those involved with youth, are invited to be involved in the review. The Shire are running several workshops, stakeholder meetings, an online survey and events to engage with the community on their vision for youth in the region.

The Shire will provide opportunities for a wide range of community members to provide their feedback and suggestions, by engaging and consulting across the Shire with chances to participate in Augusta, Cowaramup and Margaret River, as well as online. The review will also feed into the Shire’s Community Strategic Plan review which is currently underway.

Coordinator Community Planning and Development Jason Cleary said the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will also play a significant role in the development of the new youth plan.

“The Shire will be engaging with a wide range of people in the community with a focus on ensuring that young people’s voices are heard loud and clear about their vision for the future of the region,” he said.

“YAC provide us with a window into the lives of young people in our community and our YAC members are excited to be playing a major part in decision making in our community.”

YAC Members Cody Seberry and Ruby Pickersgill were quick to show their excitement in being involved from the outset.

“Wow, a five-year plan for the whole Shire and we get to help with it? That is so cool” said Ruby, while Cody said he was excited to be making a contribution to our community and being able to influence decisions within the Shire.

Young People aged 12-25 years are invited to share their thoughts and vision at upcoming events, including:

Engagement pop-ups at the Cowaramup Easter Fair from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 3 April 2021 and at the 2021 Margaret River Youth Festival from 3pm to 6pm on Friday 16 April 2021.

A Lego Workshop will be held from 4pm to 5.30pm on Thursday 25 March 2021 at Margaret River TAFE where young people can ‘build our future’ while enjoying some free snacks and drinks.

A Youth Summit will be held on Monday 3 May 2021 with local school students.

Those who would like to have their say online can visit www.yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au with the consultation remaining open until 12 May 2021.

The re-drafted Youth Plan is expected to be finalised and presented back to the community in early 2022.

To RSVP for the the Lego Workshop or to find out more about the Youth Plan, please contact Community Development Trainee Shannon Walker on [email protected] or call 08 9780 5214.   Ends

Note: The Youth Plan will appear on www.yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au on Thursday evening, 11 March 2021.

Image:  Local young people are invited to help create the Shire's Youth Plan for the next five years. High resolution image available here. Credit: Elements Margaret River.