Living in Eurobodalla: The kids are alright

Published: 1 June 2023

Our youth development dynamos have been busy bees. They’ve hosted nine youth events already this year, connecting with 1,500 of the shire’s young people.

Representing 11 per cent of our population, it’s important we give young people a voice if we want change and progress. With that need in mind, we’ve created a Youth Action Plan to guide our youth team over the next four years with a focus on safety, wellbeing and opportunity for the shire’s 12–24 year olds. And through Council’s Youth Advisory Committee and a range of creative programs and workshops young people have been able to voice what matters to them, bring insights to trends and issues, and offer solutions.

Ashley Darby is one of our youth officers on a mission to tap into youth culture and learn ways to support them.

“We work with so many incredible, bright and insightful young people and want to support their ability to make decisions in the world as they see it. We want young people to be self-assured and happy.

“Over the past few years, they’ve missed out on a lot of social development and they’re catching up on learning how to navigate their emotions. Mental health and wellbeing is a big one that’s pushed us to host more events.”

Currents Battle of the Bands competition, held in April each year, is a legacy of more than a decade borne out of the youth committee. It’s one of the few local events purely for young people - a safe space for teens to dance with their mates and for aspiring artists to perform.

The Summer Beats Block Party at Moruya Skatepark in January was another big hit, showing more than 250 young people how to have a good time at the skatepark no matter what skill level.

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