Young people around Victoria can help shape future government decisions by taking part in 12 youth forums in regional and metro locations.
Hosted by the Andrews Labor Government and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, the forums give young people the chance to discuss ideas and develop skills in working with decision makers.
They will culminate in a Youth Summit on 31 March 2017, opening National Youth Week celebrations. The Youth Summit will bring together young people from across Victoria to share ideas on issues that matter most to them.
Attendees will be encouraged to nominate for the Victorian Youth Congress, which will advise government and act on priority areas from the summit.
The first youth forum was held in Swan Hill in September, with excellent feedback from young people, community services representatives and local government.
Youth forums will be held at locations around the state, including:
- Morwell
- Geelong
- Dandenong
- Maribyrnong
- Bairnsdale
- Ballarat
- Bendigo
- Dunkeld
- Wangaratta
- Shepparton
- Port Fairy.
The forums will support the Government’s new Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria and better connect young people and government.
The policy was developed after a wide ranging consultation of more than 2000 young people, youth organisations, parents, carers and sector professionals.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“Young people are our future. It’s more important than ever that they’re involved in decision making.”
“Youth forums offer young people the chance to discuss new ideas, advocate for what they believe in and ultimately make a difference.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020