Local young people had the chance to share their views about local issues today at the Mildura Rural City Council’s Youth Forum.
Representing Minister for Youth Affairs, James Merlino, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad thanked the young people for participating in the forum and taking the opportunity to share their opinions.
“Today’s forum is a fantastic opportunity for local young people to discuss issues that are important to them, and ultimately provide feedback to relevant decision makers in local government,” Ms Broad said.
“It shows that young people in Mildura have a lot to contribute and I encourage them to take up more opportunities to have their say.
“Through the Young People Direct Initiative, the Brumby Labor Government actively seeks advice from young Victorians from diverse backgrounds on the issues that affect them through a Ministerial Youth Advisory Committee, statewide youth forums and on-line consultations.
“The youthcentral website also has a ‘Do-It-Yourself Democracy’ section that provides information for young people about how to get involved in civic and democratic responsibilities.”
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government recognised that young people have a strong connection to their communities and that this is strengthened through their active participation in regional community life.
“In the last financial year we provided more than $180,000 in funding for young people in the Mildura area through programs such as Advance, FReeZA, Victoria Rocks Music Equipment Grants, the Mentoring and Capacity Building Initiative, Youth Participation and Access, National Youth Week celebrations and ‘Go for your life’ Positive Body Image Strategy.
“To further encourage the ongoing contribution of young people to local life in regional Victoria, the recently announced $3.2 million Youth Action Strategy will provide support to local councils and youth advisory groups to involve young people in shaping the future of their communities.”
Ms Broad congratulated the Mildura Rural City Council for putting young people’s concerns on the table.
“The Brumby Labor Government has announced a new Respect Agenda to promote a discussion in communities about how we can all contribute to celebrating diversity and increasing respect for one another in our communities,” Ms Broad said.
“Today’s forum is a fantastic example of how respectful relationships between young people and their communities can be put in action.”