Engaging Baw Baw’s youth to shape their own future

Published on 19 June 2023

All young people aged 12 to 25 are being called upon to share their aspirations, concerns, and ideas and help shape a new Youth Strategy for Baw Baw Shire.

Aimed at empowering young voices to design their own futures, this opportunity will enable youth to collaborate with Council to build a healthier, more sustainable, and thriving Baw Baw Shire together.

“We don’t want to tell our young people what we think they need,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe. “We want our young people to tell us what they need. Young people make up around 16% of our population. This is about listening to them to make sure that their aspiration, concerns and ideas are taken on board.”

To ensure no voice goes unheard, Council is offering a number of engagement opportunities throughout the first phase of consultation, which will run from 20 June through 25 July. There is an open online survey available at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/YouthStrategy, and there will also be in-person engagement opportunities at Snow Fest in Warragul (14 July) and at the Baw Baw Job Skills Expo at Lardner Park (25 July).

Anyone taking part in the survey can nominate to be entered into a draw to win a variety of prizes worth up to $1000, including Gumbuya World annual memberships, Apple Air Pods, gift vouchers, noise-cancelling headphones, or a 6-month membership for any local gym.

"We believe in the power of youth and their ability to shape our future," says Central Ward Councillor Jazmin Tauru, one of Baw Baw’s youngest ever Councillors and a passionate advocate for our region’s young people. "By actively involving young people in our planning and actions, we are paving the way for a strong, vibrant, and inclusive community. We want to ensure that the voices and ideas of our young residents are integrated into our decision-making process."

The feedback gathered during the consultation phase will be considered in the development of the draft Strategy, which will then be put back out to the community for further review and consultation in September/October 2023.

For further information or any inquiries, please contact Baw Baw Shire Council’s Social and Community Planning team at 5625 0253 or by emailing [email protected].