Young People in Mitchell Shire
The target population for Youth Services is young people aged 12 to 25 years who live, work, study and recreate in Mitchell Shire. Currently, young people aged 12 to 25 make up approximately 19% of the overall population of Mitchell. At the 2011 census the number of young people living in Mitchell Shire was 6,414 which is an increase of 10.36% since 2006. The population of young people is expected to continue to increase into the future, with most of this growth occurring in the southern area of the Shire.
Mitchell Youth Services
The primary purpose of Youth Services is to actively promote, develop and encourage the physical, social, mental and spiritual wellbeing of young people through providing, facilitating, planning, funding and advocating for the needs and issues of young people, their families and the community.
Mitchell Youth Services provide formal and informal services for young people, in groups or as individuals. These include advocacy, community development, referral, social education, participation programs, and skills development (such as leadership skills). Youth Services provide important advice to other organisations, agencies and different levels of government on the needs of young people in Mitchell Shire. In addition, Youth Services has a role in social policy formation, coordination and implementation.
Youth Services works to facilitate and advocate for stronger links between young people and their communities, for the voices of young people to be heard and to enhance young people's civic engagement.
Mitchell Youth Engagement Strategy
The Mitchell Youth Engagement Strategy 2010-2012 (MYES) presents a whole organisation and whole of community approach to youth engagement. The MYES is a commitment from Council to work in partnership with the community; young people; families; local service agencies; organisations and local businesses; to enhance youth engagement so that young people are empowered to shape their community and their future.
The MYES was developed by a working party with broad representation from young people, youth stakeholders, Councillors and council officers. The MYES was developed through consultation with youth service agencies, youth workers and 127 young people from a diverse range of background who either live, work or study in the Mitchell Shire.
The MYES includes:
- Guiding principles for youth engagement
- Ten policy statements
- The policy context within Council, State Government and peak bodies in the youth sector
- An action plan to assist MSC in more effectively meeting the needs of young people
- The evaluation and review process for the Strategy.
For more information please contact Youth Services on 5734 6200 or email youth@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au .
Mitchell Youth Service Card for 2012-2013
The free card is a wallet-sized guide to local businesses that offers discounts on shopping and services to cardholders aged 12-25.
The Mitchell Youth Card is valid until 30 June 2013 and is available from all local libraries or by contacting Youth Services on (03) 5734 6313 to arrange for one to be mailed.
For more information please contact Youth Services on 5734 6200 or email youth@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Mitchell Youth Forum 2011 - Summary of Findings
In September 2011, young people aged 12 to 25 years who live, study or work in Mitchell Shire were invited to be involved in a Youth Forum. The purpose of the forum was to provide a greater understanding of the current needs, issues, ideas and vision of Mitchell's youth population. The forum involved a online and hard copy survey and three days of interactive workshops.
Over 140 young people,16 schools and a range of service agencies from across the municipality participated in the forum providing valuable feedback on the current and emerging needs of youth in Mitchell. Participants represented various age groups, geographical areas and diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
The findings from the Youth Forum have been presented in report which is available at the link below. These findings have been used to inform the 2012/13 Mitchell Youth Services Business Plan and will be invaluable in ensuring that future plans, strategies and services in Mitchell Shire effectively respond to the needs of youth. The report highlights findings on the following key themes:
- Current issues and needs for young people;
- Events and activities that young people want to participate in; and
- Young people's visions for future community planning within the Mitchell Shire.
Mitchell Shire Council would like to pass on a sincere thank you to the young people, schools and local organisations who participated in the Youth Forum. Without their support it would not be possible to collect and present this invaluable data.
For more information about the Mitchell Youth Forum 2011 Summary of Findings or if you would like to request a hard copy of the report, please contact Youth Services on 5734 6200 or email youth@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au .
Contact Mitchell Youth Services
For information on youth activities, resources and youth involvement in the local community:
Aaron Garth, Youth Services Coordinator
Phone: 5734 6200
Email: youth@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Facebook: Mitchell Youth Services
Buffy Leadbeater, Youth Development Officer
Phone: 57346200
Email: youth@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Facebook: Mitchell Youth Services