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Important Notice We are keen to work in partnership with you, however please note that this publication is copyright and remains the intellectual property of Insight Leisure Planning. The information contained in this document is confidential and no part of it may be reproduced by any means and/or disclosed to any person without the express written permission of Insight Leisure Planning. © Copyright Insight Leisure Planning, 2008

© Insight Leisure Planning 2008 | Adopted by Council: 24 March 2009�

Contents _____

Youth Strategy Action Plan Adopted by Council: 24 March 2009

1. Executive Summary................................................................................................4 2. Acronyms.................................................................................................................5 3. Introduction..............................................................................................................5

3.1 Background ........................................................................................... 5 3.2 Acknowledgements ............................................................................... 5 3.3 Project Purpose..................................................................................... 6

4. Youth Policy Framework .......................................................................................6 4.1 Vision .................................................................................................... 7 4.2 Principles............................................................................................... 7 4.3 Councils Commitments ......................................................................... 7

5. Youth Issues Paper.................................................................................................8 5.1 Issues/Theme 1 – Drugs and Alcohol ................................................... 8 5.2 Issues/Theme 2 – Education and Employment..................................... 8 5.3 Issues/Theme 3 – Crime and Safety..................................................... 9 5.4 Issues/Theme 4 – Recreation and Leisure ........................................... 9 5.5 Issues/Theme 5 – Council as Community Leader ................................ 9 5.6 Issues/Theme 6 – Family .................................................................... 10 5.7 Issues/Theme 7 – Other Issues .......................................................... 10

6. Youth Strategy Action Plan _____ .....................................................................11 7. Conclusion .............................................................................................................20 8. Appendices ............................................................................................................20

8.1 Youth Issues Paper, 2009................................................................... 23 8.2 Youth Policy Framework ..................................................................... 66


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1. Executive Summary ____

The following chart provides a summary overview of the Youth Strategy Action Plan. Council’s role in implementing key actions will vary from community partner, leader or advocate.

Youth Issues Paper (Appendix 1)

Youth Policy Framework (Appendix 2)

Vision: Glenelg Shire Council is committed to ensuring that

the young people of the municipality experience a community

in which they feel accepted, supported and encouraged.

Youth Strategy Action Plan

Drugs & Alcohol Education &

Employment

Crime & Safety Rec. & Leisure Council as a

Community

Leader

Family Other

Council plays a community partner role. Council plays a leadership role.

Key Objective: Council will support education, awareness and harm minimisation initiatives being implemented by other agencies.

Key Objective: Council will play a leadership and advocacy role in: • Promoting and supporting business establishment in the region, • Facilitating access to a range of education, employment and training options for residents, and • Providing direct employment and training opportunities for young people in the Shire.

Key Objective: Glenelg Shire will be characterised by safe and welcoming urban environments. Planning and development of physical infrastructure will consider and implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

Key Objective: Young People in Glenelg Shire have access to a range of innovative, creative and appropriate recreation and leisure opportunities that respond to identified community needs.

Key Objective: Council to play an active role in promoting and facilitating positive participation and engagement of young people in community life, democracy and leadership.

Key Objective: Glenelg Shire Council will plan for and provide a range of family friendly initiatives and infrastructure in order to promote and support strong, positive family experiences in the Shire.

Key Objective: Council to support local youth groups, clubs and associations. Council to act as a conduit for State and Federal Government information and programs. Support funding is secured to assist implementation of the Action Plan.

Summary Actions: 1. Pilot implementation of the Good Sports Program. 2. Roll out implementation of the Good Sports Program to all clubs. 3. Support implementation of the PCP Drug Action Plan. 4. Establish an annual funding program to support implementation of the PCP Drug & Action Plan. 5. Continue to work together with other agencies to implement the commitments made in the Youth Charter.

Summary Actions: 6. Advocate for effective public transport options. 7. Actively participate in the Committee for Portland. 8. Participate in school or other institution Youth Programs as opportunities arise. 9. Council to support public and private sector community renewal initiatives. 10. Support the Portland YMCA and Casterton Youth Drop-In Centre as informal referral and information agencies. 11. Communicate and promote the benefits of local traineeships and “work experience” programs. 12. Council to establish an active traineeship, work experience and career mentoring program across the organisation.

Summary Actions: 13. Support and participate in the LLEN. 14. Investigate (audit) infrastructure improvements initiatives in crime ‘hot-spots’ and high-use public areas to incorporate CPTED principles. 15. Investigate the pros, cons and costs associated with the possible installation of CCTV Cameras at key locations. 16. Actively promote the positive aspects of youth culture. 17. Continue to work in partnership with key groups to facilitate and provide safe leisure options for young people. 18. Establish a stand-alone Youth Specific Web page. 19. Investigate the “Communities That Care” Program.

Summary Actions: 20. Support the Portland YMCA central youth space. 21. Incorporate arts and cultural elements in new infrastructure. 22. Work with Council’s pool operators to provide and deliver a range of youth (and family) friendly programs and activities. 23. Monitor youth issues and public demand for a permanent youth space in Casterton/Merino. 24. Continue Council’s current role in youth specific program delivery. 25. Investigate the viability of participation in the Moyne Shire Council ‘Uber’ Youth Bus Project.

Summary Actions: 26. Investigate options for the establishment of a Youth Advisory Committee with regular reporting to Council. 27. Actively support Youth Leadership programs and Youth Council initiatives. 28. Establish a Glenelg Shire Council Youth Awards program. 29. Council to actively promote Government funding opportunities (via the GLYN) for youth initiatives to community groups and agencies, including facilitation of Grant Funding Application writing information sessions and training as appropriate. 30. Council to participate in and support existing youth networks and agencies, including the GLYN and SWRYAN.

Summary Actions: 31. Establish a Municipal Middle Years Plan. 32. Support community festivals and events. 33. Provide playgrounds and family friendly infrastructure. 34. Establish a regional (AAA) playground. 35. Establish the Councils Child and Family Complexes as key family service hubs. 36. Support family friendly programs and services offered by other agencies. 37. Develop a Community Social Plan. 38. Review Council’s fees and charges policies. 39. Support Neighbourhood Houses.

Summary Actions: 40. Support the capacity building of existing (and new) clubs, groups, agencies or associations that provide services to youth populations. 41. Promote Government funding initiatives and opportunities. 42. Actively pursue potential external funding/resource opportunities and partnerships to assist in the implementation of key recommendations. 43. Provide welcoming and inclusive environments, programs and activities for young people. 44. Participate in the Landscape for Young People project.



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2. Acronyms ___ The following acronyms are used throughout this report.

PCCC – Police Community Consultative Committee CPTED – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design LLEN – Local Learning and Employment Network YPAP – Youth Participation and Access Program COCCC – Casterton Old Courthouse Community Centre GLYN – Glenelg Local Youth Network SWRYAN – South West Region Youth Affairs Network SUFM – Scripture Union Family Mission CCTV – Closed Circuit Television YMCA – Young Men’s Christian Association

3. Introduction __ Glenelg Shire Council has demonstrated a strong commitment to engaging, supporting and servicing young people in the Shire, culminating in the development of this Youth Strategy.

Council’s commitment to young people is articulated in the Council Plan 2005-2009, specifically:

“We will work with young people to develop a planning framework that will engage them in community activities and increase opportunities for them to reach their potential.”

3.1 BACKGROUND

Development of the Strategy has occurred over three key phases. These were:

Development of a Youth Issues Paper The Youth Issues Paper was developed to highlight the key issues that were raised by young people and those who work in the delivery of services to this age group. The Issues Paper was developed in close consultation with young people, service providers, key agencies and other stakeholders throughout the Shire. A copy of the Issues Paper report is included as Appendix 1.

Development of a Youth Policy Framework The Youth Policy Framework establishes a vision, principles and key commitments for the delivery of youth services by Council and other partners in the Shire. A copy of the Youth Policy Framework is included as Appendix 2.

Glenelg Shire Council Youth Strategy Action Plan Results from the Youth Issues Paper and Youth Policy Framework have been used to inform the development of this Youth Strategy Action Plan.

Each of these documents are discussed further in the following section.

3.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Development of the Youth Strategy has involved a strong commitment from Council and key partner agencies, stakeholders and interested community members. A project Steering Committee was established to provide input throughout the three phases of the planning process. The support, expertise and commitment of these individuals and agencies is gratefully acknowledged. Membership of the Steering Committee included:



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Cr. Gilbert Wilson GSC Councillor Cr. Tom Munro GSC Councillor

Cr. Karen Stephens GSC Councillor

Adele Kenneally GSC Group Manager, Community Development Dayle King GSC Recreation & Youth Services Coordinator

Amy Gartlan GSC Youth Development Officer

Sandra Robertson GSC Senior Admin Officer, Community Development Liz Everist Dept of Planning & Community Development

Sam Sharp GSC, Community Development Officer

Bev McIlroy Glenelg & Sthn Grampian Drug Treatment Services Pam Stringer Glenelg Southern Grampians LLEN

Ann Kirkham Brophy Family & Youth Services

Damien Becker Brophy Family & Youth Services Elizabeth Dwyer Old Court House Community Centre Casterton

Danielle Telley Old Court House Community Centre Casterton

Milly Cameron Portland Secondary College Anita Rank YMCA

Lee-Ann Nelson Victoria Police

Lisa Baldock Community Member Ros Pevitt Dept of Education & Early Childhood Development

Faye O’Dwyer Dhauwurd-Wurrong Elderly & Citizens Health Service

3.3 PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the Youth Strategy Action Plan is to guide Council resource allocation, initiatives and priorities in relation to addressing the identified youth issues. It is not intended that this strategy dictate the responsibilities of other agencies, rather through a process of collaboration, partnerships and direct service provision that each of the key youth issues or themes are addressed in the community, thereby contributing to the achievement of the vision for young people in the Shire.

4. Youth Policy Framework ___

Appendix 2 provides a full copy of the Youth Policy Framework. The section below summarises and/or re-presents key information to help inform the context of this Youth Strategy Action Plan.

The term ‘youth’ is generally used to describe those who are in the transition period between childhood and adulthood. It is the time when many people make the move from education to the workplace and where socially and emotionally, people begin the move towards independence. Like most organisations and other Victorian Council’s, Glenelg Shire Council defines young people as those between the ages of 12 and 25 years.

Like all sectors of the population, money, geographic location, family background and experiences, access to services and education and cultural heritage are just some of the factors that can greatly impact on young people’s ability to physically, socially and emotionally excel.

Glenelg Shire is estimated to have a current population of approximately 20,300 people. It is predicted that the population will increase to 21,433 people by the year 2016. Portland is the Shire’s largest town with a population of around 10,000 people.



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According to 2006 Census data, Glenelg Shire has slightly over 3000 people aged between 12 and 24 years, or approximately 15.8% of the entire population, which is lower than the State average of around 19%. There has been an increase of 108 young people in the Shire since 2001.

4.1 VISION

The vision for young people in the Shire has been articulated as follows:

“Glenelg Shire Council is committed to ensuring that the young people of the municipality experience a community in which they feel accepted, supported and encouraged.”

4.2 PRINCIPLES

Key principles supporting achievement of the vision include (in summary):

Diversity is embraced and respected. Promote positive aspects of youth culture. Target youth involvement in community planning. Support, encourage and advocate for a range of youth services. Whole of Council approach. Young people are vital and valued members of the community.

4.3 COUNCILS COMMITMENTS

Council’s commitments and roles in achieving the vision and key principles are summarised as follows:

Understanding needs – advocating, planning, developing and where appropriate delivering services.

Lobbying State and Federal Governments. Working in partnership. Providing physical infrastructure. Provide young people the opportunity to comment, input and participate. Seeking and promoting opportunities to assist growth and leadership.



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5. Youth Issues Paper _______

The Youth Issues Paper highlighted a challenging social and community planning context for Glenelg Shire. The paper identified six key themes or issues of particular concern to young people in the Shire. It was acknowledged that Councils role in relation to each theme or issue may vary, specifically the Youth Issues Paper suggested Council has a leadership role and community partner role. The following section provides a summary of the key themes/issues and initial opportunities identified in the Youth Issues Paper.

Please refer to Appendix 1 for more detailed discussion of the planning context, identified issues and initial opportunities. Section 5 presents the recommended Council actions to address each of the issues/themes (i.e. Youth Strategy Action Plan).

5.1 ISSUES/THEME 1 – DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Council role:

Community partner.

Issues Summary:

Binge drinking. Alcohol fuelled regrettable behaviour captured by technology. Social acceptance of supplying alcohol to minors. Broader community culture.

Opportunities Summary:

Supporting and advocating for increased funding for drug and alcohol programs.

More events that are drug and alcohol free. Support programs that increase young people’s self-esteem and sense of

belonging. Supporting forums and information sessions. Encourage responsible use of alcohol in the community. Educate against the service of alcohol to young people.

5.2 ISSUES/THEME 2 – EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

Council role:

Community partner.

Issues Summary:

Limited transport access options for post secondary education and training. Transport costs and travel time. Disengagement – low proportion of young people fully engaged in work or

non-school study. Early school leaving identified as the second highest risk factor. Low proportion of tertiary and TAFE qualifications.


Promoting Council (and other key organisations) as employers of choice. Youth friendly recruitment, traineeships and apprenticeships. Supporting/facilitating local youth work experience placements in the

community. Advocating for increased and improved public transport options.



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Encourage industry and business development in the Glenelg Shire. Encouraging positive transition of young people to tertiary education options.

5.3 ISSUES/THEME 3 – CRIME AND SAFETY

Council role:

Community partner.

Issues Summary:

Gangs – perception and reality. Personal safety issues. Sense of belonging and family. Physical and sexual abuse.


Whole of community responsibility. Improve knowledge of who to contact and how. Police and security – physical presence. Importance of family.

5.4 ISSUES/THEME 4 – RECREATION AND LEISURE

Council role:

Community leader.

Issues Summary:

Make existing events (e.g. Breakfasts and Freeza) more fun. Lack of events targeting 16+ years. Reported (rare) incidence of fighting at events – Blue light disco. Transport issues. Lack of interest. Demand for a central youth space – services, information and referrals.

Should also act as a central recreational and leisure facility – supported by a range of agencies, not just Council.

Concern regarding after hours use of skate parks – safety, lighting and lack day-time shade.

Limited options other than formal sports. User pays system limits ability of young people to participate in all activities. Lack of resources to financially support ongoing programs – not just one-off

pilot programs.


Interagency partnership to establish a permanent youth space. Improve coordination and planning to youth services delivery in order to

reduce duplication and improve options.

5.5 ISSUES/THEME 5 – COUNCIL AS COMMUNITY LEADER

Council role:

Community leader.

Issues Summary:

Perception that Council has failed to play a key role in the improvement of opportunities and wellbeing of young people in the Shire, however acknowledged that Council’s role in the local youth sector has improved in



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recent years – e.g. Glenelg Local Youth Network (GLYN). Absence of a community/sector leader in support of young people. Unnecessary competition for grants and funding between all agencies. Limited information about current grant opportunities and application

requirements. Limited communication within the sector.


Providing accessible information, data and statistics. Assist agencies with grant and service funding applications. Support and/or coordinating a more structured communication approach

within the sector. Advocating youth issues and needs.

5.6 ISSUES/THEME 6 – FAMILY

Council role:

Community leader.

Issues Summary:

Influences all facets of a young person’s life. High level of dependence on family.


Increase engagement of young families in the community. Improve family support services – including those facing financial hardship. Encourage/facilitate opportunities for families and young people to participate

in community activities together. Improve community awareness/understanding of the role that parents and

the family play in shaping their children’s future.

5.7 ISSUES/THEME 7 – OTHER ISSUES

Council role:

Community leader and partner.

Issues Summary:

Information coordination and availability. Central reference point. Improve information and knowledge about existing services. Limited service mapping and/or coordination. Council should ‘value add’ to existing services.


Central youth friendly space and information resource centre (may need to be duplicated in individual townships and/or mobile service).

Council improve its coordination role in youth service delivery in the Shire.

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6. Youth Strategy Action Plan _____ The following section outlines the key objective/s, current initiatives and recommended Council actions to address the identified issues/themes within an overall implementation framework.

Issue/Theme Council Objective/s Key Current Initiatives – (Council and Others) Ref # Recommended Council Actions Priority1

(H, M, L, O) Success Measure Resource Implications

1. Work in partnership with the South West Sports Assembly to implement the Good Sports Program initiatives via a pilot of 5 sporting clubs in Glenelg Shire.

H Target 4 of the 5 clubs have successfully implemented the Good Sports Program and achieved ‘accreditation’.

Within existing operational budgets.

2. Review the outcomes from the initial Good Sports pilot project and implement across all sporting clubs and groups in the Shire (consider opportunities to incorporate requirements for participation in tenancy arrangements).

L Target 80% of clubs successfully implemented the Good Sports program and achieved ‘accreditation’.


3. Support implementation of the PCP Drug Action Plan and appropriate actions of other agencies by providing: • Free access to venues for

meetings, • Youth Worker participation on

implementation committees/planning initiatives,

• Assistance with writing funding applications,

• Inform the development of Council’s Municipal Public Health Plan.

O • Youth Worker participation on relevant implementation committee and planning initiatives.

• Development of the Municipal Public Health Plan.

• Number of funding applications supported.

• Number of free hours of venue hire.

Within existing operational budgets (aside from development of the Municipal Public Health Plan).

Drugs and Alcohol Council’s role is primarily as a community partner.

Council will support education, awareness and harm minimisation initiatives being implemented by other agencies. Council’s role will primarily be as a community partner and advocate, however may involve some direct service provision i.e. Good Sports Program.

• Glenelg and Southern Grampians Primary Care Partnership Drug and Alcohol Action Plan.

• Municipal Public Health Plan.

• Deakin University Community Care Communities that Care program.

• Headspace. • GLYN Youth

Commitment

4. Investigate options to establish an annual Council funding program/grant to support implementation of the PCP Drug and Alcohol Action Plan.

H Funding/grant program developed.

Pending review of Council’s resource capabilities, may be in the order of $5-$10k p.a.

1 High = Implement within 0-2 years, Medium = Implement within 2-4 years, Low = Implement within 4-5+ years, O = Ongoing.


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5. Participate in regional networks to enhance career pathways through training and education for young people, and Advocate and lobby for solutions to youth related transport access issues and assist in the development of solutions to these problems. Continue to be involved in: • Glenelg & Southern Grampians

Local Learning & Employment Network (GSG LLEN) and

• Glenelg Youth Network (GLYN) • Participate in South West

Transport Connections Project and • Career Advice Australia and other

regional career pathways providers.

O Enhanced career pathway opportunities are established in the region. Improved community transport options.


6. Advocate to State Government and other relevant authorities for effective public transport options to service major employment, education and training opportunities available within and immediately outside the Shire.

H Improved public transport options that service key employment, education and training opportunities.


7. Active participation in the Committee for Portland, promoting economic development and business establishment in the region.

O Committee for Portland initiatives supported by Council.


8. Council’s Youth Worker to participate in the Youth Program (Freeza) and Cultural Centre at Portland Secondary College and other school or institution opportunities as they arise.

O Youth worker participation and relevant initiatives supported by Council.


9. Council to support public and private sector community renewal initiatives.

O Implementation of community renewal initiatives.

To be determined, requirements for Council support will be identified on a case by case basis.

Education and Employment Council’s role includes leadership, community partner and advocacy.

Council will play a leadership, partner and advocacy role in: • Promoting and

supporting business establishment in the region,

• Facilitating access to a range of education, employment and training options for residents, and

• Providing direct employment and training opportunities for young people in the Shire.

• Community renewal initiatives and facilitating urban and industrial development in the Shire.

• Economic development and support for local businesses.

• Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN).

10. Council to support the Portland YMCA, Casterton Old Courthouse Community Centre and other appropriate agencies/groups (e.g. LLEN) as informal referral and information

O Support provided via access to Council facilities and resources as required.



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agencies for education and employment advice.

11. Council in conjunction with Careers Advice Australia and the LLEN communicate/advocate and promote the benefits of local traineeships and structured workplace learning (i.e. work experience, VET in schools and School Based Apprenticeships).

H, O Establishment of a promotional package and information resources regarding traineeships and available funding support for local business. Increased number of locally based apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience placements within the Shire.


12. Council to establish an active traineeship, work experience and career mentoring program across the organisation and is to be a role model to other organisations and businesses in the region as to the benefits of these initiatives.

H, O Program established and supported across the organisation. Target a minimum of 4 work experience (or similar) placements within each of the first two years, growing to 8 placements per annum by year 3 onwards.


13. Council to continue to work with potential tertiary education providers to expand tertiary education options.

M Links established with University and tertiary education options expanded.


14 Investigate (audit) infrastructure improvements initiatives in crime ‘hot-spots’ and high-use public areas, for example, but not limited to, Bentinck Street, foreshore public toilets, Nuns Beach and Skate Parks in each town to enhance public safety (e.g. improved lighting and other initiatives in accordance with CPTED principles).

H Implementation of lighting improvements at key locations. Implementation of other appropriate infrastructure improvements. Reduced incidence of crime in know ‘hot-spots’.

To be determined pending audit outcomes.

Crime and Safety Council’s role includes community partner and leader.

Glenelg Shire will be characterised by safe and welcoming environments. Planning and development of physical infrastructure will consider and implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

15 Investigate the pros, cons and costs H Investigation completed Within existing


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associated with the possible installation of CCTV Cameras at key locations.

and recommendation presented to Council for consideration.

operational budgets.

16 Actively promote the positive aspects of youth culture in all relevant Council media, communications and promotional material. Attempt to influence the local press to also promote positive aspects.

H, O Increased incidence of reporting positive youth stories in local press. Consistent positive communication in all Council media and promotional material.


17 Continue to provide a venue for and participate in the Police Community Consultative Committee Continue to work in partnership with key community organisations to facilitate and provide safe leisure options for young people

O Promotion and uptake of Party Safe initiatives. Ongoing implementation of a well attended program of Freeza activities.

Subject to ongoing State Government Funding. Within existing operational budgets.

18 Establish a stand-alone Youth Specific Web page to act as a one-stop-shop for information and youth resources. Implementation to be undertaken in two key stages i.e. initial scoping, research, benchmarking, including identifying possible funding opportunities and partnerships, followed by Web page establishment (consider options for SMS alerts and updates).

H – initial scoping.

M –

establishment.

Web page effectively scoped, including funding and partnership opportunities (as well as processes for ongoing maintenance and updates) Web page established within 3 years.

To be determined pending initial scoping and benchmarking. Likely establishment costs (including design) may be in the order of $20,000 plus an allowance for ongoing maintenance and updating.

principles.

19 Investigate the “Communities That Care” Program (a comprehensive, community-wide risk-focused prevention strategy based upon research on predictors of health and behaviour problems), and seek to implement across the Glenelg Shire in partnership with other agencies.

H, O Successful implementation of the program initiatives and recommendations.


Recreation and Leisure

Young People in Glenelg Shire have access to a range of innovative,

• Skateparks (Portland, Heywood and Casterton)

20 Actively support the Portland YMCA central youth space and programming initiatives at the Drill Hall. Support to

H, O Continued delivery of a range of well attended youth programs and



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include: • Ongoing access to Council

facilities. • Funding for program delivery (e.g.

School holiday programs - YPAP). • Development and implementation

of a Conservation Management Plan and upgrade to the Drill Hall as required.

services by the Portland YMCA.

Maintenance and upgrade requirements for the Drill Hall are to be determined.

21 Investigate options to incorporate arts and cultural elements in new recreation and leisure infrastructure provision (as appropriate) (refer to Brimbank City Council Skate and Art Program).

O Successful incorporation of art and cultural elements in new leisure facility and infrastructure upgrades.

To be determined on a case by case basis. Council may consider setting aside an annual allocation/allowance.

22 Work with Council’s pool operators to provide and deliver a range of youth (and family) friendly programs and activities at Council swimming pools.

H Monitor the range of youth and family friendly programs delivered.

To be determined, pending program options.

23 Monitor youth issues and public demand for a permanent youth space in Casterton/Merino.

O Report bi-annually to Council on demand for a youth space and activities in Casterton/Merino.

Within existing operational budgets. (Subject to grants)

24 Continue Council’s current role in youth specific program delivery e.g. Freeza, Music Equipment Program, YPAP, School holiday programs and associated funding.

O Monitor attendances and program uptake.


Council’s role includes community partner and leader.

creative and appropriate recreation and leisure opportunities that respond to identified community needs.

• Libraries (youth specific collections, e.g. graphic novels, etc.)

• Arts and Culture Programs (e.g. hip hop dance workshops)

• Half basketball court at Nelson

• Freeza concerts • Youth Week

activities • Funding to COCCC

to provide activities for young people in Casterton and Merino ($5,000 p.a.)

• Funding to the YMCA to provide school holiday activities for young people in the Portland and Heywood areas. (Currently also providing activities for young people in Nelson and Dartmoor) - $7,500 p.a.

• Sporting club support and facility provision.

• Music Mentoring and Music Equipment Funding programs.

25 Investigate the viability of participation in the Moyne Shire Council ‘Uber’ Youth Bus Project. Investigation should consider: • Capital costs, • Operational costs, • Potential funding sources, • Potential partnerships, • Management and operational

models, • Levels of demand, • Priorities for services and

H Mobile bus service fully scoped and investigated. Report presented to Council for consideration.

Investigations to be undertaken by Portland YMCA. Council’s initial role is to support the YMCA initiative. Within existing operational budgets.


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activities, • Industry benchmarks and models

(e.g. Perth, Moyne) etc.

26 Investigate options for the establishment of a Youth Advisory Committee with regular reporting to Council, consider terms of reference, membership, processes, resourcing, training and ongoing management (investigation should consider models currently employed by other LGA’s, including Geelong).

H Options investigated and reported to Council for consideration. Establish a Youth Advisory Committee within 2 years.


27 Actively support Youth Leadership programs and Youth Council initiatives (e.g. YMCA Youth Parliament Program). Council support to include access to facilities, promotion and other appropriate initiatives as may be required.

H, O Monitor attendances and uptake of youth leadership and Youth Council initiatives.


Council as Community Leader Council’s role includes community partner and leader.

Council to play an active role in promoting and facilitating positive participation and engagement of young people in community life, democracy and leadership.

• Young Citizen of the Year Award

• Our PlaYce Project • Youth Week • Freeza • Youth Council

28 Establish a Glenelg Shire Council Youth Awards program. The program should link/partner with existing initiatives in the community (e.g. school award programs) to provide an overarching award program for young people. Initial investigations will need to scope current award opportunities in the community, initiatives from other agencies, groups and schools, consider possible award criteria, categories, processes, incentives, sponsorships and awards (rewards). The process should culminate in a significant award ceremony, promotion and community awareness of the

L Options for a youth awards program fully scoped and investigated. Report presented to Council for consideration. Award program initiated within 5-7 years based on youth engagement.

Initial investigation to occur within existing operational budgets. Financial implications to be determined, consideration should be given to possible sponsorships and support funding as appropriate.


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positive achievements of young people in the Shire on an annual or biannual basis.

29 Council to actively promote Government funding opportunities (via the GLYN) for youth initiatives to community groups and agencies, including facilitation of Grant Funding Application writing information sessions and training as appropriate.

O Monitor the range of funding programs promoted, success of applications and attendance at grant information and training sessions.


30 Council to participate in and support existing youth networks and agencies, including the GLYN and SWRYAN.

O Ongoing support and participation provided by Council.


31 Council to develop a Municipal Middle Years Plan that targets the 8-12 year age group in order to support positive family experiences, health services and confident transition into youth (12-25 years).

H Municipal Middle Years Plan established and maintained.


32 Continue to support a range of innovative family friendly community festivals and events (including SUFM).

O Monitor the range of programs, events and special activities supported by Council.

Determined on a case by case basis (Council may wish to establish an annual allocation for supporting community programs and activities).

33 Continue to provide playgrounds and family friendly infrastructure in public open space (e.g. seating, shade, shelter, BBQ’s etc).

O Monitor annual capital and operational expenditure on ‘family friendly’ infrastructure.

Determined on a case by case basis.

34 Establish a regional ‘access for all abilities’ playground in Portland (foreshore).

H Regional access for all abilities playground established.

$100,000

Family Council’s role includes community partner and leader.

Glenelg Shire Council will plan for and provide a range of family friendly initiatives and infrastructure in order to promote and support strong, positive family experiences in the Shire.

• Council support for Festivals (Kelpie, Portland Bay, Wood wine and roses)

• Playgrounds, • Parks and gardens • Child Care Centres

(Henry House and Mitchell Park)

• Family Day Care and In Home Care Programs

• Kindergartens • Maternal and child

health centres • Immunisation

programs

35 Establish the Portland and Casterton Child and Family Complexes as key

H Each respective facility effectively operates as

Approx $3.05 mil combined.


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family service hubs in the community. the key referral and resource centre for family services and information.

36 Support (i.e. Via promotion and access to facilities) the provision of key family friendly programs and services offered by other agencies e.g. Homework Group Programs and Young Parents Support programs.

O Number of programs supported and attendance/participation rates.


37 Investigate the likely scope for the development of a municipal-wide Community Social Plan that supports family friendly initiatives.

M Draft project brief developed and budget allocation secured.

To be determined pending the scope of the project brief, likely to be in the order to $30,000.

38 Review Council’s fees and charges policies to ensure adequate discounts are offered to families in financial hardship for access to Council facilities and services.

M Fees and charges review completed and new policy established to support families in financial hardship.

Financial implications to be determined pending a review of existing fees and charges and potential new discounts applied. (Implications should be highlighted as part of the overall review process).

39 Continue to support Community Neighbourhood Houses to provide a range of family friendly services, facilities and information.

O Monitor attendance and range of programs and services offered through Neighbourhood Houses.


Other issues. Council’s role includes community partner and leader.

Council to support local youth groups, clubs and associations (and those that service youth populations). Council act as a conduit for State and Federal Government information and programs. Support resources are

40 Support the capacity building of existing (and new) clubs, groups, agencies or associations that provide appropriate (‘in demand’) services to youth populations. Support may include: • Administration support, • Training, • Seed funding, • Mentoring, Program review,

access to facilities, • Assistance with grant/funding

O Monitor requests for Council assistance.



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applications etc.

41 Provide information bulletins, media and communication with relevant groups and agencies regarding Government funding initiatives as appropriate.

O All relevant funding programs and opportunities are promoted to relevant groups in the community.


42 Actively pursue potential external funding opportunities and partnerships to assist implementation of key recommendations.

O Level of grant funding and partnerships secured.


43 Council to provide leadership in providing welcoming and inclusive environments, programs and activities for young people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. This may include ensuring that such events are accessible and affordable.

O CPTED and youth friendly design principles are considered in future Council urban planning projects.


sourced to assist implementation of key recommendations/actions identified in the Youth Strategy Action Plan.

44 Support and participate in the Landscape for Young People in the Glenelg and Southern Grampians Shires Project which seeks to identify local solutions to local problems through collaborative engagement, planning and action with participating young people and professional agencies

O CPTED and youth friendly design principles are considered in future Council urban planning projects.



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7. Conclusion __ Glenelg Shire Council has demonstrated a strong commitment to young people through the implementation of a comprehensive strategic approach to the planning and delivery of youth services across the Shire.

It is acknowledged that Council is one of many agencies and groups that work in the community to service the needs of young people. Council’s role will therefore vary depending on the issues being addressed, in some instances this will involve direct service, facility or infrastructure provision, in others it will be more appropriate for Council to work in partnership with other agencies to address the needs of young people.

The Youth Strategy has been developed in three key stages and combined they provide an effective framework for the delivery of services to meet the identified needs of young people in the Shire and to guide Council’s resource allocation and initiatives. The key documents are:

Youth Strategy Action Plan (this document), Youth Issues Paper (Appendix 1), and Youth Policy Framework (Appendix 2).

This document should be reviewed (internally) on an annual basis in order to monitor implementation, ongoing relevance and overall priorities. It would be appropriate to report outcomes from the annual review to the GLYN in order to confirm commitments, initiatives and opportunities for ongoing partnerships.

The entire strategy should be more formally reviewed after five years, including community engagement in order to update demand data, trends, initiatives, partnership opportunities and recommendations.

8. Appendices __ The following appendices accompany this report.

8.1 YOUTH ISSUES PAPER, 2009

8.2 YOUTH POLICY FRAMEWORK



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Documents

Report Glenelg Shire Council Youth Strategy Action Plan ......Youth Drop-In Centre as informal referral and information agencies. 11. Communicate and promote the benefits of local