Eurobodalla Shire Council Youth Action Plan 2016 - 2017 · 3 Eurobodalla Shire Council Youth Action...

1 Eurobodalla Shire Council Youth Action Plan 2016 - 2017


Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Our Shire ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Who are Young People? .......................................................................................................................... 4

Youth Policy Context ............................................................................................................................... 4

Developing the strategy .......................................................................................................................... 6

Our Vision ............................................................................................................................................ 6

Our Mission ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Key Priority Areas .................................................................................................................................... 7

Strengthening and connecting our young people .............................................................................. 7

Health and Wellbeing...................................................................................................................... 7

Factors influencing health ............................................................................................................... 8

Community transport.................................................................................................................... 10

Social media .................................................................................................................................. 10

Young people places, spaces and activities ...................................................................................... 11

Community Participation .............................................................................................................. 11

Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Involving young people ..................................................................................................................... 12

Learning and working ........................................................................................................................ 13

Strategy ................................................................................................................................................. 15

Priority Area: Strengthening and connecting our young people .................................................. 15

Priority Area: Young People Places, Spaces and Activities ........................................................... 17

Priority Area: Involving young people ........................................................................................... 18

Priority Area: Learning and Working............................................................................................. 19

References ............................................................................................................................................ 21


Introduction The Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) recognises that young people are an integral part of our

community. Our youth provide energy, vitality, creativity and optimism which are essential elements

of community wellbeing. Many of our youth leave the area to pursue careers and study interests

once they finish school, but a determining factor for young people deciding to return is the

contribution they perceive they can make to their communities. (ACYS, 2015) Therefore, it is

essential that as a community we value, engage and support our young people to enable them to

develop their identity and independence to reach their full potential and provide them with

experiences which encourage them to return.

Council is committed to working in partnership with young people, other youth service providers

and government organisations to improve opportunities and services for young people. The NSW

Government Best Practice Principles for Youth Participation (NSW Department of Premier and

Cabinet, 2007) is used as a guide when developing programs and services for youth in our shire.

The main elements of these principles are to · recognise young people's rights to participate in developing Government policy, programs and services that impact upon them; · promote respect by listening to young people's views and taking them seriously; · build and maintain strong relationships with the young people we consult with; · provide young people with appropriate and timely information on Government processes; · build on young people's knowledge and skills; · recognise young people's different situations and backgrounds, particularly those:

· from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island backgrounds · from culturally diverse backgrounds · with disabilities · in out-of-home care · from vulnerable or marginalised groups

· organise participation processes that take into account the needs of young people, such as training and transport; · encourage young people to provide feedback on the effectiveness of participation processes.

Our Shire Located along 110 kilometres of coastline, the Eurobodalla Local Government Area (population

35,741) is a predominantly rural area, comprised of several towns and villages including Batemans

Bay, Bodalla, Broulee, Central Tilba, Durras, Lilli Pilli, Malua Bay, Mogo, Moruya, Mystery Bay,

Narooma, Nelligen, Nerrigundah, Potato Point, Rosedale, Sunshine Bay, Tomakin/Mossy Point and

Tuross Head. The Yuin people are the traditional owners of these lands.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council administers only about 20% of the 3,422 square kilometres that

encompass this Local Government Area (LGA), as the remaining 80% is crown land held as national

park and state forest.

There is a large influx of tourists to this region due to its proximity to a large mountainous coastal

region and the Tasman Sea. It has been reported that nearly half of all ratepayers within this LGA are

actually full-time residents elsewhere; for example, Queanbeyan or Canberra. Table 1 shows general

characteristics of the Eurobodalla LGA at a glance. (SNSWML, Southern NSW Medicare Local, 2013)


Table 1: Eurobodalla LGA at a glance

Indicator Eurobodalla Youth Youth % of Shire population

NSW

Population 35741 4500 13% 6,917,656

Population growth forecast (2011 to 2026)

32% 4495 11% 20.3%

% Indigenous persons 5.1% 434 9% 2.5%

Average household income $53215 $80,813

% English as primary language 96% 72.5%

Unemployment 9.62% 261 (15-24 age)

14.4% 5.7%

Youth disengagement (not employed or in education)

470 15.1% 9.3%

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011

Eurobodalla population is growing and aging, however the percentage of youth is declining.

Comparative to NSW the Eurobodalla has a high percentage of Aboriginal people, high

unemployment and relatively low income. For youth, these percentages are even greater per head

of population and the level of youth disengagement is high compared to the NSW average.

(censusdatabase.abs.gov.au, 2011)

Eurobodalla is known as a low socioeconomic region with low incomes, low educational attainment,

high unemployment rates and jobs in relatively unskilled occupations. In the Australian Census

2011, Eurobodalla Shire scored 955.8 on the Socioeconomic Index for Areas (SEIFA) of disadvantage.

The geographic spread of the Eurobodalla community results in some areas having higher needs

than others. For example, youth unemployment rates are highest in Moruya at 27.5% and lowest in

Narooma at 5% whilst youth disengagement is highest in Batemans Bay at 22.8% and lowest in

Dalmeny 8.9%. (Census of Population and Housing, 2011)

Who are Young People? The age bracket for young people has been defined by the youth sector in Australia as being

between 12 and 25 years of age. The report Engaging Young People in Regional and Rural Australia

(ACYS, 2015) suggests that this definition may need to be broadened at both ends so some younger

(11 year olds) and older focus groups were consulted in the development of this strategy.

For the purpose of this Action plan young people are those in the above age group who live, work,

study, and play in the Eurobodalla Shire. This strategy recognises that there are varying needs within

this age range and user groups.

Youth Policy Context At the time this strategy was written a number of national policy and program areas were in their

early stages of implementation or experiencing change. Government programs which support youth

include the Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, the Work for the Dole scheme and the

Department of Education and Training. At the end of 2014, the Youth Connections program wound

down, with responsibility for coordinating services to re-engage at-risk people with education and

employment shifting back to the states and employment services.


The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) is Australia’s non-government national youth affairs

peak body. They undertake a range of activities including research and policy development, youth

sector development and youth engagement. In 2016 they are focusing the Federal Election and are

supporting processes which encourage young people to have a say about what matters to them.

The 2016 Federal budget promises to develop a new $750 million Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-

Hire) Programme for young people which is made up of three stages: 1.Prepare: Employability Skills

Training 2. Trial: Internship placement 3. Hire: youth bonus wages subsidy. This proposal is designed

to provide 30,000 young people with paid work experience each year and includes incentives for

young job seekers of $200 per fortnight and $11,000 wage incentives to employers. They are also

planning on investing more funds into the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS); establish

‘Exploring Being My Own Boss’ workshops and continue to invest in the Youth Employment Strategy.

These measures may be helpful, but a focus is required to provide secure pathways to long term

employment for young people and there has not been any funding allocated to youth engagement

programs on a federal level.

As a rural community, the transition from education to employment is more challenging with limited

transport and housing options available. There are limited options for education and employment in

our shire and some Federal legislation and eligibility requirements for accessing support services in

this area are difficult for our youth to prove or achieve. The key future employment economic

drivers for the shire are in health care and social services, education and training, retail construction,

niche agricultural production and accommodation/food services. (National Institute of Economic and

Industry Research (NIEIR), May 2016)

On a state level, Youth Action is the peak body for young people and youth services in NSW. They

provide leadership and advocacy services for youth and respond to social and political agendas

relating to youth and youth services. The key priority areas for 2015-2017 are Education and

Training; Housing and Homelessness and Work and Employment. (Youth Action, 2015)

On a local government level this Youth Action Plan aligns with the Eurobodalla Shire Councils’

Community Strategic Plan whose aims are for Eurobodalla to be a:

• Liveable community where people are friendly, happy, supportive and welcoming

• Sustainable community that makes choices to benefit community and the environment

• Productive community that is thriving, successful and sustainable in growth and

development

• Collaborative community proud we build community spirit and our Eurobodalla leads

the way

In 2011, the Eurobodalla Shire Council undertook an extensive community consultation process to

develop the, Eurobodalla Community Strategic Plan, “One Community”. The aim of the plan is to

encourage the Council, the community and other agencies to work together as one community to

deliver on a vision for the future. (Eurobodalla Shire Council, 2011) This youth action plan has key

themes and priorities which align with the following objectives of the Eurobodalla Community

Strategic Plan, “One Community”.

1.2 Encourage and enable healthy lifestyle choices. 1.3 Provide the right places, spaces and activities. 2.1 Enable accessible and affordable lifestyle options.


6.1 Increase the range of opportunities to work locally. 6.2 Build on our quality education and training opportunities.

In 2008 a Eurobodalla Youth Strategy was developed which set out Council priorities and guidelines

for the future. This strategy has been reviewed and incorporated into this document demonstrating

Eurobodalla Shire Councils ongoing commitment to support youth services in the Eurobodalla.

Developing the strategy UNESCO’s Youth Strategy is based on the premise that young people are the key partners for

development within any community, and more than ever are the change-makers. With this in mind

a comprehensive consultation process was undertaken in 2014 and 2015 which included surveys,

questionnaires, focus groups and community consultation. The purpose of this consultation was to

capture a snapshot of 12 -24 year olds views about how they felt about living in the shire, how safe

they feel, their level of community participation, their level of alcohol and drug use and their

aspirations for the future.

This action plan refers to 2014 Eurobodalla Youth Survey which is an online survey conducted by

Eurobodalla Shire Council. The survey was sent out through a variety of community, government and

non-government organisations as well as direct mailing lists. A total of 308 local young people sent

in responses to the survey, which is 6.8% of the total youth population. The questions were

reflective of those asked in the 2008-2013 Youth Strategy survey. This survey is used as an indicator

of Eurobodalla youth desires and aspirations.

Table 2. 2014 Eurobodalla Youth Survey Respondent demographics

Indicator

Female 55.2%

Male 44.8%

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) 10.4%

12-16 years of age 79.1%

17-24 years of age 20.9%

Total number of respondents 308 (6.8% of youth in the Shire)

In addition to the survey, further data analysis was extensive using statistically accurate and ethical

research from organisations like the Department of Education, Health and the Bureau of Statistics to

identify need. The data collected was reviewed and 4 key priority areas of focus emerged which have

formed the foundation of this plan. These are:

1. Strengthening and connecting our young people

2. Young people places, spaces and activities

3. Involving young people

4. Learning and working

Each key priority area will have specific objectives which lay the foundations of the action plan for

the next four years.

Our Vision Eurobodalla Shire Council will strive to support young people to become active and valued members

of our community through recognition of their individual strengths and needs.


Our Mission Eurobodalla Shire Council encourages youth participation and engagement in our community and

supports and partners with local organisations that provide valuable services that assist young

people to reach their full potential.

By increasing the opportunities for young people to articulate their concerns and hopes for the

future and influence decisions that affect them, the principles of social Justice are strengthened.

Key Priority Areas

Strengthening and connecting our young people

Health and Wellbeing The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU) General

Social Survey (2010) indicated that Eurobodalla has higher numbers of people who rate their health

poor or fair. This response is consistent with the pattern of poorer health in areas with more

disadvantage, and conversely, less poor health in more advantaged areas. Nearly 18% of Eurobodalla

residents rated their health as poor or fair and this is the highest % in South East NSW region.

The self-assessed rating is consistent with the health data research (ABS and PHIDU, 2007-2008

National Health Survey) that shows there are higher rates of smoking, harmful alcohol consumption,

higher numbers of people who are overweight or obese, physically inactive or have psychological

distress (that contributes to mental illness) in the Eurobodalla. There are also higher rates of people

with type ll diabetes, high cholesterol, mental health, circularity diseases (like heart disease and

stroke), respiratory illnesses and arthritis.

Although many of these health issues are affecting our aging population, the youth of our shire are

more exposed to observing poor health and their family members and mentors are more likely to

have health issues than in other areas of the state.

Below is a table which identifies specific areas of health which are of significance in our Shire

because they are higher, and sometimes significantly higher than state average.

Table 3. Eurobodalla Youth Health data 2013-2014

Indicator Eurobodalla

Southern NSW average NSW average

Mothers aged 19 and under (% of new mothers, 2014)

8.7% 5.7% 2.7%

Smoking in pregnancy, 2014 25% (all ages) 19.7% (all ages) 9.7% (all ages)

19 yrs and under - - 31.4%

Aboriginal mothers - 60.9% 46.6%

Non-Aboriginal mothers - 17.7% 8.3%

Overweight and obesity 12-17 yr old students, 20111 5-16 yr old students, 20142

-

-

27%

(19% overweight, 8% obese) -

20%

(16% overweight, 4% obese) 21.5%

(Boys 25%, Girls 18%)

1 NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey (SAPHaRI). Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. Self-reported BMI. 2 NSW Population Health Survey (SAPHaRI). Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. Parent-reported BMI.



Southern NSW average NSW average

Smoking 12-17 yr old students, 2011 16-24 yr old people, 2014

-

-

10% current smokers

25% ever smoked -

7.5% current smokers

19% ever smoked 19% current smokers

(males 21%, females 16%)

HPV vaccine coverage: females aged 12-13 years in mid-2011, who received Dose 3 by 20143

76% 70% 71%

Source: Health Stats NSW 2014

Across NSW, the percentage of mothers who are teenagers has been decreasing (from 3.5% in 2009

to 2.7% in 2014). The percentage of Aboriginal mothers who are teenagers is higher, but has also

decreased, from 18.9% in 2009 to 15.8% in 2014. In Eurobodalla, the percentage of mothers who are

teenagers has remained steady at around 7% over the last decade.

In NSW in 2014, 10% of all mothers reported any smoking during pregnancy. The rate in the

Southern NSW region was double that (20%), and higher still in Eurobodalla (25%). Smoking during

pregnancy is more common in teenage mothers (31% in NSW) and in Aboriginal mothers (47% in

NSW, 61% in Southern NSW). (Epidemiology, SNSWLHD, 2016)

Factors influencing health Overweight and Obesity: Two-thirds of adults in the Eurobodalla shire in 2011-13 were overweight

(36% vs 35% in NSW) or obese (30% vs 26% in NSW). (Epidemiology, SNSWLHD, 2016) Whilst there is

limited data for young people in Eurobodalla shire, a 2011 survey of school students aged 12-17

years found that rates of overweight and obesity were higher in southern NSW (including

Murrumbidgee LHD) compared to the state (27% vs 20%). (Epidemiology, SNSWLHD, 2016) There are

indications that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in NSW youth is stabilising, and may be

showing early signs of improvement with a 1.7% reduction between 2010 and 2014, from 23.2% to

21.5%. However, the rate is still high and remains a cause for concern. (Epidemiology, SNSWLHD,

2016)

Smoking: Rates of smoking in students have been declining across NSW. In 2011, 10% of students

aged 12-17 years in southern NSW reported being current smokers (compared to 7.5% in NSW), with

25% reporting they had ever smoked (19% in NSW). (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, 2011)

In 2014, 19% of people in NSW aged 16-24 years were current smokers (21% of males, 16% of

females). (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, 2014) The improvement seen over the past

decades show signs of plateauing. (Epidemiology, SNSWLHD, 2016)

Immunisation: Vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is effective in preventing HPV

infection, genital warts and pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix. HPV vaccination of girls started in

2008, and in boys in 2013. In Eurobodalla shire, three quarters (76%) of girls aged 12-13 in 2011 had

received their third dose of vaccine in 2014, compared to 70% in Southern NSW and 71% in NSW.

(Epidemiology, SNSWLHD, 2016)

3 Compiled by PHIDU using data from the National HPV Vaccination Program Register, December 2014; and the ABS Census Usual Resident Population 2011.


Chlamydia notifications: NSW health data shows that chlamydia notifications are on the rise across

NSW, part of this rise is likely to be due to increased testing however, southern NSW 16 – 24 year

olds still has higher rates than overall NSW averages. (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, 2016)

Intentional self-harm hospitalisations: NSW health data shows that there is a growing trend in the

number of 15 – 24 who are presenting at hospitals with symptoms of intentional self-harm across

NSW. With 49 presentations to hospital in 2001-02, growing to 149 presentations in 2013- 14. This

measure shows people admitted to hospital after self-harm and does not include people who are

sent home after treatment in an emergency department. (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence,

2016)

Methamphetamine- related emergency department presentations: “Between 2009 and 2014, the

annual total number of overdose, drug and alcohol or mental health presentations to 59 NSW public

hospital emergency departments where methamphetamine use was recorded increased more than

7-fold, from 394 to 2,982. In the first six months of 2015, there were 1,942 methamphetamine-

related presentations. This compares to 1,298 presentations in the first 6 months of 2014 (50%

increase). The increase in presentations was greatest in those aged 16 to 34.” (Centre for

Epidemiology and Evidence, 2016)

Alcohol attributable injury hospitalisations: Data shows that there is an increasing trend from 2001 –

2014 for the whole of the Eurobodalla population, but the number of 15 -24 year olds being

hospitalised during this time period shows a slight decrease. (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence,

2016)

Psychological distress, secondary school students aged 12-17 years: The graph below percentage of

12 -17 year olds in Southern NSW and Murrumbidgee LHDs who self reported psycholigical stress

through survey questionaires. (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, 2016)

(Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, 2016)

In 2013 Southern NSW Medicare Local conducted a needs analysis profile which identified sexual

health, mental health and drug and alcohol consumption as primary areas of concern for youth in

the Eurobodalla. (SNSWML, Southern NSW Medicare Local, 2013) The Population Health Sub

Regional Profile priority areas will be the focus areas for the primary health networks and services in

the Shire.


Eurobodalla has long wait list for counselling and medical services with a limited choice of providers

which can be awkward in a small rural area where most people know each other. The lack of bulk

billing services is also an issue for young people and there is anecdotal evidence which indicates that

this is a barrier for young people seeking medical attention.

What will we do?

Work in partnership to improve youth health outcomes and services for sexual health,

mental health and drug and alcohol consumption.

Community transport The Eurobodalla Shire is 110km long and 80% of it is crown land so the community lives in cluster

groups spread along this narrow tract of coast. There is a lack of regular public transport services and

the majority of people rely on private transport to get around. In most of the smaller rural areas of

the Eurobodalla access to motorised transport is a necessity rather than a choice because it is the

only way to access employment, recreation and services.

For youth, the cost of owning a vehicle can be prohibitive and lack of transport may be one of the

factors influencing our high level of youth disengagement. Eurobodalla Shire Council does currently

offer a subsidised taxi service for youth attending the Youth Cafes in Narooma and Batemans Bay

and offer to run buses for some specific youth events.

Table 4. Car ownership in the Eurobodalla

Indicator Eurobodalla NSW

Households without a car 6.1% 10.2%

Households with 2 or more cars 44.3% 46.5%


What will we do?

Advocate for improved services and continue to support transport subsidies for council

youth cafes and youth driving initiatives.

Social media Internet access plays an important role for youth in the Shire being the predominant way the youth

communicate and stay connected with friends and peers. In 2011, 59.9% of Eurobodalla households

had broadband connection. Recent infrastructure changes have seen a greater number of

households being able to access broadband but there are still areas in the Eurobodalla which do not

have broadband access. 79% of Australians access the internet daily and 52% of internet users

access it more than 5 times a day. (Sensis, 2015)

In Australia, 94 per cent of 16 to 17-year-olds have their own mobile phone. (ACMA, Australian

Communication and Media Authority, 2013) 82% of Australian teenagers 14 – 17 state that the

internet is very important in their lives, and half of these go so far as to say it is extremely important.

(Raco, 2014) ACMA research on children aged 8 to 17, has found that as children become older,

going online becomes a central activity for social interaction, education, knowledge gathering and

exposure to new experiences. It becomes an integral part of their lives.

What will we do?

Make better use of electronic media to communicate with youth.


Young people places, spaces and activities

Community Participation Culture and leisure activities are an important part of the lives of young people within the

Eurobodalla and have a positive impact on their physical health as well as providing opportunities

and settings for social interaction, sharing common interests and enhancing a sense of community.

While there is no specific research which identifies youth participation in culture and leisure

activities for people aged 12-24 years, there is data available for children aged 5 to 14. The data from

the Australian Bureau of Statistics research (ABS, 2016) states that in the 12 months to April 2012,

71% of this age group attended a cultural venue or event (library, museum, art gallery or performing

arts event) and 60% participated in at least one organised sport out of school hours.

Eurobodalla youth survey data correlates with these findings with 69% stating they visited a library,

64% saying they attended a sporting or cultural activity, and 53% are members of an organised

group or club.

In the Eurobodalla youth have access to many free and low cost recreational spaces and places

which include national parks, state forests, 84 beaches, 3 swimming pools, 5 skate parks, bike paths,

playgrounds, 3 public libraries, botanic gardens, 2 community gardens, 7 tennis courts, 15 sporting

grounds and many council maintained parks and reserves. There are 102 sporting clubs and 18

community groups in the Eurobodalla which young people have the opportunity to join. In 2014

soccer was the most popular organised sporting activity for youth in the Eurobodalla.

In 2014 the PCYC established a service in the Eurobodalla which is beginning to pick up momentum

and offers low cost recreational activities for youth. The YMCA has the contract to manage council

pools and they have very strong squad, swim club and learn to swim programs.

What will we do?

Promote opportunities for young people to be engaged in an active, vibrant and inclusive

lifestyle

Safety Safety was of paramount importance to the majority of young people consulted. In our survey 88%

feel safe during the day but only 53% of youth said they feel safe at night. The survey asked what

makes you feel safe/unsafe and the majority of responses said they felt safe because of the quiet

community, knowing all the neighbours, elderly population and the respect and trust amongst

neighbours. This sense of security and safety is one benefit of living in small rural communities. The

reasons the youth felt unsafe included alcohol being consumed in public places, reckless drivers,

occasions of theft, growing drug culture and lack of street lighting and footpaths.

Eurobodalla is a predominantly rural area, with small country town feel about it. People tend to

know their neighbours and look out for each other. The aging population means that our evenings

are relatively quiet and you can drive down the main street of our bigger towns after 8:30pm on a

week night and not pass another person. This has its advantages and disadvantages for young

people.

Housing affordability is an area of concern for young people in this region and it has been stated that

this “generation’s young people are expected to be the first with lower standards of living than their

parents.” (Youth Action, 2016)


Table 5. Eurobodalla Homelessness data 2006


NSW average

Homelessness 3.6 persons per 1000 3.4 persons per 1000


Homelessness data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the per-capita rate of

homelessness in Eurobodalla (3.6 persons per 1,000) is 7% higher than NSW (3.4 persons per 1,000).

In Eurobodalla some homeless people are referred to caravan parks for temporary accommodation

when there are no other alternatives. These people are currently not counted in the homeless

numbers. The AIWH Counting the Homeless 2006: New South Wales report states that if these

people were counted the homelessness rate on the NSW South Coast would increase from 78 per

10,000 people to 95 per 10,000. (State of our Community Report, Eurobodalla, Campbell Page 2010)

We do not have reliable statistics about youth Eurobodalla homelessness, however in 2014/2015

Eurobodalla Specialist Homeless Services assisted 137 young people aged 12-24 who presented with

homelessness as one of their primary issues. Assistance given included providing crisis

accommodation, emergency assistance, assistance in stabilising tenancy, family support and

mediation, goal setting, skills development and advocacy. Couch surfing is another area where we do

not have accurate data for youth in our Shire, but anecdotally we have had quite a few reports of

youth doing this.

What will we do?

Provide and promote safe spaces for social interaction

Involving young people Eurobodalla has a higher than state average percentage of Aboriginal people living in our area, with

9% of our youth identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islanders. We have a few small pockets of

people from other cultures living in our area but 96% of our shire speak English as a first language at

home.

For youth a sense of feeling valued and belonging is vital to establishing and fostering meaningful

participation and involvement in the community. They need to be provided with real opportunities

to share their views and opinions which enable them to participate in shaping their community. This

involves recognising, supporting and nurturing the talents, skills and abilities of young people and

providing opportunities to be involved in processes, projects and programs and in decisions in areas

that affect their lives. It also involves partnerships and genuine engagement between adults and

young people - “a do with” not “do to” approach.

Young people are very capable of making an impact locally and globally on issues that are important

to them and can become leaders within their communities when provided with the right skills, right

role models and opportunities to shine. (ACYS, 2015)

Youth involvement requires support by way of resourcing, mentoring, advocacy and

acknowledgement. It is about working with young people to develop their skills, knowledge,

confidence and abilities to be actively involved in the community.

What will we do?

Support initiatives and activities that increase youth engagement and participation


Learning and working

Table 6. Eurobodalla Social Health indicators

Indicator Eurobodalla SNSW NSW

Education Full time participation in secondary school education at age 16

(% of 16 year olds, 2011) 77.7 79.2 80.1

Participation in vocational education and training (rate per 100 population, 2012)

14.7 10.3 7.7

School leaver participation in higher education (% of 17 year olds, 2013)

16.0 17.4 29.9

Learning or Earning at ages 15 to 19 (%, 2011) 75.3 79.7 81.4

Families (2011) Single parent families

(% of families with children < 15 years) 31.8

23.2 21.2

Jobless families with children aged less than 15 years (% of families with children < 15 years)

20.3

12.4 14.1

Children aged less than 15 years in jobless families (% of all children < 15 years)

21.3

12.8 14.7

Unemployment benefits (June 2014)

Young people (% of 15-24 years) 10.0 5.3 3.8

Source: Health Stats NSW 2014

The South Coast Workplace Learning (SCWL) 2014 Strategic Plan and Environmental Scan identifies

the following key education, skills and job challenges for youth in the Southern region of NSW.

the proportion of young people disengaging from education without Year 12 or equivalent

awareness of local options and pathways to higher and tertiary education

a challenging labour market with high youth and Indigenous unemployment, skills shortages and aging workforce. (SCWL, 2014)

In the Eurobodalla there are 5 high schools, TAFE Illawarra has a major campus in Moruya and satellite campus in Batemans Bay, University of Wollongong has a campus in Batemans Bay and ANU has an education and training centre at Batemans Bay as part of the ANU Rural Clinical School. Other registered training organisations include The Auswide Group, Eurobodalla Adult Education, Campbell Page and the Centre for Community Welfare Training. (SCWL, 2014) Many young people leave the Eurobodalla when they finish high school. Our survey results indicate that only 11.5% intend to stay locally. The survey also indicates that 40% of respondents intend to undertake further study when they finish school, 38% want to work, 9% intend on getting a trade and 30% want to travel. A total of 53% of youth who answered our survey thought that education and training options in our shire are good. The survey question about employment options had a high neutral response as well, but surprisingly 32% of respondents did think that options were good. Construction; retail; accommodation and food services; education and training and healthcare and social assistance are the major sectors of employment on the NSW far south coast. New and growing industries in the Eurobodalla which are likely to impact employment and training opportunities for youth include the Centrelink Call Centre (Baylink) in Batemans Bay; construction of the new oncology ward in Moruya and the Regional Education Partnership which supports pathways from school to work.


Social and health issues including mental health, contact with the criminal justice system, drug and alcohol abuse, technology abuse and family dysfunction have been identified as leading to school disengagement (SCWL, 2014). The high percentage of children from single parent or jobless families in the Eurobodalla is likely to be a factor influencing the 15% youth disengagement (Table 1) in the Eurobodalla.

What will we do?

Provide information, opportunity and experience to assist young people to develop life skills


Strategy Priority Area: Strengthening and connecting our young people

What will we do? How will we get there? How will we know?

Work in partnership to improve youth health outcomes and services for sexual health, mental health and drug and alcohol consumption.

Work in partnership with health service providers to create new opportunities to raise awareness of health services and support for youth in the Eurobodalla

2 new initiatives developed Feedback from surveys conducted verify positive outcomes.

Facilitate accessible health information and services through Youth Cafes, Council’s website, Channel E and other media

Brochures distributed Posters updated 2 visiting health professionals invited to cafes 50 page views of youth health services

Consult with young people on health matters in partnership with Grand Pacific Health, Greater Southern Area Health Service and Katungal

6 focus groups held Council community survey includes 2 health related questions

Work in collaboration with other service providers to promote and advocate safe relationships

4 partnerships developed 4 Love Bites courses run in schools

Support programs and activities which assist young people and their parents to manage stress and social isolation

6 programs run

Support programs and activities which provide young people with better understandings and coping mechanisms for mental health issues

Co-facilitate 4 Renegotiating Angry and Guilty Emotions (RAGE) workshops 4 mental health initiatives supported

Promote and support activities which are drug and alcohol free and youth friendly

Run all council youth activities as drug and alcohol free events Promote healthy lifestyle and appropriate behaviours at 4 community events.


What will we do? How will we get there? Measure

Advocate for improved transport options for young people.

Provide subsidised transport options through the youth cafes and large youth events

600 youth use subsidised taxi service 4 transport options offered to youth to access events

Support and promote programs and events that increase youth awareness and understanding of transport issues

2 transport programs supported 3 partnerships established Collaborate with Council’s Road Safety Officer

Advocate for the provision of safe travel options for youth in the Shire

4 meetings attended 2 submissions written

Support road safety initiatives Subsidise Teen Safe driving program


Make better use of electronic media to communicate with youth.

Continue to update youth page on Eurobodalla Shire Council web site.

150 page views per quarter

Proactively source images and footage of youth which can be used for council publications and web content

100 youth images collected with permissions to publish

Develop electronic mailing list for youth and people working with youth

300 people register to be included on youth mailing list

Finalise Channel E project and develop Eurobodalla Buzzn newsletter and app to promote youth friendly activities and events

Buzzn newsletter developed and sent out quarterly 150 youth signed up to Buzzn app

Work in partnership with the community to develop better understandings of the benefits and potential dangers of the internet.

1 community workshops facilitated


Increase community awareness of youth Work with council communications team to develop positive media about Eurobodalla youth

15 press releases written 5 radio interviews held



Creating opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between youth service providers to share information and advocate for young people.

Facilitate Workers with Youth Network meetings 6 meetings held annually Meetings well attended

Work in partnership to determine gaps in services and develop ways to address that.

Host 1 community forum

Priority Area: Young People Places, Spaces and Activities


Promote opportunities for young people to be engaged in an active, vibrant and inclusive lifestyle

Provide and promote social and recreation activities e.g. café, sports, music and culture

15 activities run 20 activities supported 2 large youth event 2 youth cafes run weekly service

Oversee youth week activities and run and promote programs during this period

Survey feedback from youth week activities 5 activities run during youth week 15 community activities promoted

Apply for grants which facilitate youth specific activities and projects

Write 6 grant applications

Provide support to young people to participate in local sporting activities

Develop a fuel voucher assistance program to help youth attend activities out of Shire

Work with sporting clubs and recreation groups to encourage youth participation

Facilitate 3 volunteer training opportunities Promote club registration and open days

Advocate for better youth access to events and activities

3 partnerships developed which offer ‘youth special’ deals



Provide and promote safe spaces for social interaction

Continue to provide Youth Café services and other youth friendly events

1000 children attending cafes 700 meals provided at cafes

Organise and run safe youth friendly events and activities

Risk mitigation processes and procedures in place at all events and activities.

Advocate for infrastructure that enhances safe activity e.g. lighting, pathways

Provide 4 opportunities for relevant people to address youth regarding their needs Posting 3 links to infrastructure development proposals on youth facebook page. Ensure youth 3 opportunities to be consulted during the consultation phase of the Recreation and Open Space Strategy Encourage planners, managers and outside organisations to discuss future plans and activities with youth

Work in collaboration with other service providers to promote and advocate safe behaviour

3 partnerships developed 2 education and awareness program initiated

Work with Police Liaison Committee to advocate community safety

4 meetings attended

Advocate for improved information and services for homeless and socially isolated youth

5 partnerships developed with external service providers. Evidence of connecting homeless and socially isolates youth with agencies and services.

Priority Area: Involving young people


Support initiatives and activities that increase youth engagement and participation

Continue to host and promote the Youth Committee 8 youth committee meetings held annually


Facilitate Youth Committee involvement in Council Advisory Committees

Youth committee is briefed by representatives from 4 council advisory committees

Provide opportunities for youth to gain a better understanding of council services and the role of local government

4 divisions of council present their services to youth committee

Provide events at no/low cost, where possible, to promote participation and encourage other organisations to do so

10 free youth activities run 10 low cost youth activities run 4 partnerships developed to offer youth specific rates

Support youth committee to implement and deliver projects that have been successful in gaining grant funding

Oversee budget to ensure accurate accounting procedures are followed. Assist with marketing and media strategy Provide staffing assistance as required to ensure project goals are met Work with youth to develop evaluation processes Work with youth to write evaluation and acquittal documents as required per funding guidelines.

Priority Area: Learning and Working


Provide information, opportunity and experience to assist young people to develop life skills

Provide apprenticeships, traineeships and cadetships in professional and technical skills

15 traineeships provided 3 cadetships offered

Update and circulate work placement booklet Production of updated work placement booklet

Advocate and provide opportunities for young people to be involved in leadership and decision making within council and the broader community

10 leadership opportunities developed 1 youth leadership forum

Create opportunities for personal growth for young people in the Eurobodalla

Promote and support 8 learning and development opportunities


Work in partnership with others to retain young people in the area

Facilitate work experience and training opportunities for young people in key local industries including aged care, retail and tourism.


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of Young Australians. ACMA media release, MR58/2013—2 August, 2013.

ACYS, A. C. (2015). Engaging Young People in Regional Rural and Remote Australia. ACT: National Youth

Affairs Research Scheme.

Census of Population and Housing. (2011). Community Profile Website. Eurobodalla Community Profile.

censusdatabase.abs.gov.au. (2011). 2011 Census Community Profiles: Eurobodalla. Census.

Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence. (2011). NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey. Self-reported

data. NSW Ministry of Health.

Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence. (2014). NSW Population Health Survey . NSW Ministry of Health.

Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence. (2016). Selected Reports on Youth Health for NSW Southern NSW and

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Health District, Epidemiology.

Eurobodalla Shire Council. (2011). One Community - Eurobodalla Community Strategic Plan. Eurobodalla

Shire Council.

National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR). (May 2016). Eurobodalla Shire and drivers of

economic growth.

NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. (2007). Best Practice Principles for Youth Participation.

www.youth.nsw.gov.au, M2007-07.

Raco, E. (2014). Aussie teens online. ACMA, Australians Communication and Media Authority.

SCWL, S. C. (2014). School Business Community Partnership Brokers Strategic Plan and Environmental Scan.

Moruya: South Coast Workplace Learning Incorporated.

Sensis. (2015). Sensis Social Media Report. Sydney: Sensis.

SNSWML, Southern NSW Medicare Local. (2013). Eurobodalla Local Government Area Population Health Sub

Regional Profile. Sydney: Health Consult.

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