Young people helped design Macedon Ranges Shire’s draft youth strategy and now the shire is hoping more young people will have their say now the document is open to community comment.
The draft strategy has been titled Elevate by its young codesigners, who say it aims to actively elevate the voices and desires of young people within the community.
Elevate is a game plan for what council will aim to provide for the diverse needs of young people in the Macedon Ranges over the next years. It outlines how council will work with young people, parents, schools, workplaces, service providers and other levels of government to improve the health and wellbeing of young people.
One of the 12 codesigners of the strategy is local student now studying teaching at university, Kyle Hayes.
Kyle said involving young people meant a great opportunity for them to have their voices heard.
“Young people can often be shouted down or have their voices lost in the crowd,” Kyle said.
Now, Kyle hopes after the draft becomes policy it will be a document that is used and not kept on a shelf for 10 years and only looked at when time comes to review it again.
Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said Elevate had been a unique partnership between council and young community members already, and now everyone had the opportunity to have their say on the draft youth strategy.
People can view the draft strategy on council’s website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay, which also includes an online feedback form.
Young people and service providers will also be invited to review the draft strategy at two workshops in July.
Feedback – particularly from young people – is welcome by emailing mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au, calling 5422 0333 or via the Youth Facebook page facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth
Printed copies of the draft strategy are also available to view at council offices in Kyneton, Gisborne, Romsey and Woodend.
The draft will be open for comment until July 29.
