“We need people who really understand teens, who want to give us opportunities.”

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PrInCIPle 1: YoUTh VoICe and aCTIon

OBJECTIVE: Communicate effectively with young people, their families and others in their lives to build and facilitate services and outcomes that are responsive and flexible in meeting their needs.

Investing in young people is investing in the future of the Sunshine Coast. Facilitating opportunities for young people to participate in community life acknowledges that they are valued members of their community. Initiatives such as the Speak Up Engage Program allow young people to participate in an engagement process and express their opinions on matters that concern them in innovative and appealing ways.

Research conducted with and for young people suggests that they differ from older generations in their preferred method of engagement in the political process. ‘There is clear evidence that young people in Australia are engaged with political and social issues, but that they feel alienated by formal, institutionalised politics and are less inclined to engage in traditional forms of participation’ (Collin 2008:20).

Research also suggests that young people value processes and experiences that are fun, culturally relevant, flexible, and effective. It is these aspects that the Speak Up Engage Youth Team exploited in developing the model of engagement for council and in administering the Sunny Coast Youth Survey 2010.

The Sunny Coast Youth Survey 2010 engaged with 2,307 young people between the ages of 11 and 25 years across the Sunshine Coast. This represents 4.6% of the youth population and demonstrates that young people are willing to participate and offer their opinions on matters that affect them and the community. The survey utilised four main engagement methods; media, marketing and promotion, interpersonal and online engagement.

Through this process, respondents expressed strong views on a variety of themes including: Sense of Community; Environment; Population and Growth; Transport; Crime; Drugs and Alcohol; Employment; and Community Safety. Young people have also expressed a desire to seek out and avail themselves of opportunities to be involved in council and community decision-making and to break away from the negative stereotypes and perceptions portrayed in the media.

Council’s commitments in relation to this principle include:

» facilitating opportunities for young people to be heard and valuing their views and opinions

» engaging meaningfully with young people and enabling them to have a say in decisions that affect their lives

» adopting innovative and appropriate methods of communication that are relevant and appealing to young people.

youth voice

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PrInCIPle 2: aCCess and oPPorTUnITIes For all

OBJECTIVE: Promote the equitable distribution and accessibility of resources, services and facilities to be inclusive of diversity such as age, gender, sexuality, cultural background, language, ability or geographical location.

Young people are often disadvantaged due to a lack of equitable access to resources and opportunities. One of the key issues for young people on the Sunshine Coast is travelling from place to place in this vast region. The ability to utilise different modes of transport is important for young people to develop a sense of independence, to access employment, education, entertainment, activities and to “hang out” with friends. The dispersed nature of the Sunshine Coast creates difficulties in accessing public transport that is convenient, affordable and timely. This leads to a heavy reliance on parents and private vehicles for transport which further inhibits independence. Cycleways and pathways offer alternative forms of mobility (cycling, walking and skateboarding) for young people and promote physical activity.

For a variety of reasons, many young people have disconnected or are at risk of disconnecting from formal education. Access to flexible alternative education and training programs is essential to help these young people reach their full potential. Programs such as the Federally funded Youth Connections and the State funded Youth Support Coordinator Program are geared towards reconnecting young people in innovative ways and providing alternatives to mainstream education.

The Sunny Coast Youth Survey highlighted young people’s need for opportunities and places for hanging out and social interaction. Comments around this theme related to not enough to do or not enough age appropriate activities or places, and the cost and ability to access such places and activities. In addition to these unstructured pursuits, young people surveyed expressed a desire for greater access to youth entertainment and events, transport and recreational activities (sporting and physical activities). Young respondents to the survey also expressed the need for greater access to casual and part-time employment opportunities for students as well as the need for a diversity of industries on the Sunshine Coast. These needs were exacerbated by the lack of affordable accommodation and a convenient and timely transport system.

Access to information empowers young people to actively participate in the community. Web based media and social networking sites are used extensively by young people to connect with others and to discover what is happening on the Sunshine Coast and in their local communities.

Council’s commitments in relation to this principle include:

» advocate for improved services and infrastructure for the whole region » facilitate information sharing » build partnerships with the commercial and community sectors to provide more

opportunities and resources for young people.

“With limited bus times and routes it is hard to reach certain destinations on certain days.”

youth voice

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PrInCIPle 3: sPeakIng UP For YoUTh

OBJECTIVE: Listen to and acknowledge the needs and issues of the Sunshine Coast’s diverse youth population. Advocate to other levels of government, the commercial and community sectors for resources and support.

Many of the issues that impact on the lives of the Sunshine Coast’s young people are outside the jurisdiction of council; however council can play an active role in engaging with young people to understand their concerns, needs and aspirations, and advocate on their behalf for resources and support to bring about positive changes that will benefit the whole community.

The issues that impact the lives of young people on the Sunshine Coast are many and varied and include mental and physical health concerns such as obesity, self-esteem, depression, and drug and alcohol abuse. There are also issues associated with education, employment and homelessness. Some of the most difficult periods for young people are times when they are transitioning from one life phase to another: from primary to secondary school; secondary to tertiary education or work; from childhood to adulthood. These are stressful times for young people and can place pressure on relationships and increase the risk to young people of homelessness, poor mental and emotional health, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Some respondents to the Sunny Coast Youth Survey 2010 observed that there is easy access to drugs on the Sunshine Coast and that drug abuse is related to boredom and a lack of age appropriate activities, entertainment and suitable, affordable venues.

Young people’s responses in the Sunny Coast Youth Survey indicate the need to address issues of access to efficient and convenient transportation, greater employment opportunities, and the availability of affordable housing and crisis accommodation.

Their vision for the future of the Sunshine Coast is one where there is intergenerational harmony and respect; where there is increased availability of public transport, open space, recreational facilities and entertainment options, and a region that is economically and environmentally sustainable.

Council’s commitments in relation to this principle include:

» empowering young people to speak up for themselves and to take a lead role in the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities and programs to increase the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes for young people and communities

» advocate with other levels of government, the commercial and community sectors to improve support and health service provision, and

» strengthen intervention and support programs that assist young people with major transitions in their lives.

“The community needs to give us a chance to prove ourselves so we can earn their trust!”

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PrInCIPle 4: workIng TogeTher

OBJECTIVE: Build collaborative partnerships with the youth sector, agencies and young people to support the development of programs that increase capacity through personal development, skills, knowledge and learning.

Developing close working relationships with young people assists in building their capacity and enables them to actively participate in community life as citizens in their own right. Assisting young people to build their skills and knowledge and become resilient, self sufficient and active citizens is of benefit to the whole community.

The responsibility for the wellbeing of young people belongs to the whole community and therefore requires a collaborative approach with other levels of government, the commercial and community sectors and young people. A key component of working together is to identify the variety of services and programs that exist for young people at a local, district or regional level. The Sunshine Coast is well serviced by long established service providers with a strong track record in developing and delivering youth services. The mapping of service provision enables identification of duplication and gaps in services and programs.

Forming collaborative partnerships maximises resources and enables the delivery of more effective services and programs across the coast. Service providers on the Sunshine Coast are currently working together to develop and deliver youth programs. Joint applications for government and philanthropic grant funding improve the possibility for success in a very competitive funding field. As one of the largest local governments in Australia, Sunshine Coast Council can make a positive contribution to youth services by lending its support to collaborative funding applications.

Youth service providers on the Sunshine Coast have identified five priority needs for young people: employment; transport; accommodation; social inclusion and meeting places for social interaction. These issues closely align with those articulated by respondents to the Sunny Coast Youth Survey 2010, although for young people the issues of drug and alcohol abuse and crime were also highly significant. Young survey respondents envision a future that is drug free, with less violence and crime, a strong sense of community and where everyone is safe - a future where population and growth is managed and the environment is protected.

Council’s commitments in relation to this principle include:

» Working together with all levels of government, commercial and community organisations and young people to:

* deliver a coordinated approach to youth services and programs* create employment, training and development opportunities for young people* deliver improved health and wellbeing and safety outcomes for young people* create opportunities to contribute to civic life.

“I want the Sunshine Coast to have more youth involvement.”youth voice

“I want the community to take pride in helping young people.”

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PrInCIPle 5: YoUTh and CoMMUnITY ConneCTIons

OBJECTIVE: Build the resilience of young people by creating a sense of belonging and a sense of place that encourages community participation, active citizenship and volunteering.

The Sunshine Coast is a vast region covering 3,014km2 and a coastline that stretches over 200km. The dispersed nature of the Sunshine Coast provides challenges in connecting communities and creating a sense of belonging. The majority of young people (78.9%) live in well populated residential locations situated predominantly along the coastal strip, 11% live in rural residential locations and 10.5% live in locations that are predominantly rural.

Population statistics indicate that there is a gradual decline in the population of young people from the age of 16 years, when it is assumed that they move away from the Sunshine Coast to pursue higher education and employment opportunities. For many young people, the connections and sense of belonging they experienced at school is lost in the transition from school to work or tertiary education.

Respondents to the Sunny Coast Youth Survey 2010 overwhelmingly value a sense of community in their local areas. This sense of community differs according to the location of respondents encompassing both ends of the spectrum - they value whether their town is small or big, quiet or busy, urban or rural. They like their friendly neighbours and being close to friends and family. What they would like to see in the future are more opportunities for local community events and activities, as well as places to hang out and interact socially.

One of the key limiting factors in promoting greater intergenerational and community connections is stereotyping and negative perceptions (of young people and by young people). Greater participation by young people in their local communities enhances their sense of belonging and strengthens ties to the community.

By maintaining strong partnerships with young people (through programs like Speak up Engage), the youth sector and the community, council is well placed to bring about change by building intergenerational respect and harmony.

Council’s commitments in relation to this principle include:

» provide opportunities for young people to contribute to and participate in their community

» incorporate young people’s ideas and aspirations in facilities, services and functions of council

» advocate for appropriate, affordable and timely services that connect young people with social networks, employment, education and training and the community.

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aPPendIX a - ConsUlTaTIon wITh The YoUTh seCTor

Youth Sector ConsultationsA meeting was held with organisations from the youth sector on 1st June 2010. The meeting was attended by representatives from eight key youth organisations from across the region. Three questions were addressed at the meeting and the responses are depicted in the following table.

1. What are the key issues for young people?

2. What is council’s role in the youth sector?

3. How can council and the sector work more effectively together?

Employment Infrastructure Facilitate regular meetings

Transport Coordinating role Communication

Accommodation Employment opportunities Key council contact for youth sector

Social inclusion Maintaining youth partnerships Relationship building with Indigenous young people

Meeting places for social interaction

Positive media/ promotion of youth activities

Support joint funding proposals

Further consultation with the sector took place in the form of a survey that was delivered online in early July and aimed to validate the outcomes of the June meeting. The survey was sent to 52 youth focused organisations from across the region and 18 responses were received. The top issues identified in the survey were: Employment; Education; Accommodation/Homelessness; and Transitions/At risk. All respondents agreed that council’s role might be a combination of coordination, communication and engagement, sector support and capacity building, funding and providing youth activities and events.

Youth Sector Change Drivers Group (School, Business, Community Partnership Brokers)The Youth Sector Change Drivers Group (YSCDG) is one of the key points of leverage for achieving change in the region. High level representatives from key regional, state and national agencies use knowledge of their organisations and a sophisticated understanding of the local environment and the youth engagement and transition arena to inform partners of key directions, policies and initiatives. The YSCDG identified a number of keys issues for youth on the Sunshine Coast which include:

» Transport » Lack of large industry

» Late intervention of disengagement - family culture

» Parental understanding of career pathways and participation in youth transitions

» Industry engagement SME » Disengagement in the school system

» Lack of alternative learning pathways » Literacy and numeracy

» Student understanding of workplace expectations and lack of employability skills

» Where do 13 and 14 year olds at risk and disengaged youth go?

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aPPendIX b - releVanT doCUMenTs

Corporate Documents

Endorsed

* Corporate Plan 2009-2014* Community Engagement Policy* Grants Policy* Report on Past Community Engagement 2003-2009* Housing Needs Assessment* Economic Development Strategy* Affordable Living Strategy* Young People on the Sunshine Coast Foundation Paper

in Draft

* Skate and BMX Strategy* Social Planning Framework* Sustainable Transport Strategy* Wellbeing Charter* Community Events and Celebrations Strategy* Open Space Strategy* Creative Communities Plan* Sport and Active Recreation Strategy* Social Infrastructure Strategy

Planned

* Community Plan* Planning Scheme* Community Safety Strategy* Library Strategy* Access and Equity Policy* Positive Ageing Strategy

State legislation and Policies

» Local Government Act 2009 » Child Protection Act 1999 » Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardianship Act 2000 » Juvenile Justice Act 1992 » Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 » Strategic Policy for Youth 2007-2011, Department of Communities

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aPPendIX C - glossarY

Accessibility (universal access)

The ease of access to services, facilities and resources by all members of the community irrespective of ability, cultural background, language, gender, age or geographical location.

Advocacy Support for members of the community who are likely to be disregarded or to have difficulty in gaining attention, so that their voices and opinions can be heard. Appealing on their behalf for services and resources beyond the purview of council.

Capacity building Capacity building is a process of building capabilities in the community to more effectively prepare for and respond to social issues in a sustainable manner.

Community involvement and partnerships

This value promotes inclusive communities that are involved in decisions that affect them. This will be achieved through meaningful community engagement, creating strong partnerships and valuing the equitable contribution of all people to local government processes.

Collaborative partnerships

Creating and maintaining relationships with other levels of government, the commercial and community sectors in order to work together to deliver positive outcomes for the community.

Community wellbeing

A community may have a number of indicators that measure their level of wellbeing. These may range from community safety to mental and physical health. Wellbeing can be described as how a community lives, works and plays – the liveability of the environment, the level of enjoyment and the coping mechanisms of the community.

Connectedness A sense of belonging to a community or social network. A strong attachment to a place or community.

Engagement Meaningful communication with and involvement of the community in decisions that affect them. Encouraging active citizenship and participation.

Equity An equitable society has a fair distribution of resources and political power. Access and equity is concerned with building strong, connected and inclusive communities by acknowledging the inequality of advantages within the community and providing opportunities for active participation in community life for all.

Inclusiveness Including all members of the community irrespective of ability, cultural background, language, gender, age or geographical location.

Social cohesion Social cohesion is the term used to describe the bonds that bring people together. Cohesive societies result from a number of interrelated factors, including the provision of physical necessities such as housing and health services, and strong and positive relationships between people, which offer community members mutual support and trust.

Sustainability Sustainable development requires that our actions meet the needs of present generations without compromising the quality of life of future generations. Social sustainability means that future generations should have the same or greater access to social resources as the current generation. Long-term social sustainability depends on developing social capital in local communities through capacity-building.

Social justice Social justice ensures that human rights are upheld, disadvantage is addressed, diversity is valued, and transparent and participatory decision-making in local government is encouraged.