17 February 2017 – Media Release
A group of ambitious young people from the Cumberland area have gathered to form the Cumberland Youth Collective. This network of volunteers will be engaging with other young people in the community to assist Council to develop a Youth Strategy for the area for the next four years. The group is made up of locals aged 16 to 24 and includes ambassadors, analysts, storytellers, film makers, photographers and social media managers.
1 in 5 people in the Cumberland area are aged between 12-25, and face a range of opportunities and challenges in their communities. A survey of 900 local young people in September 2016 identified they want more support in the areas of employment, education, health, safety and community connection.
The Collective will be using their own local networks and an interactive social media campaign to gather insights from Cumberland’s youth. The Collective will also be launching an interactive campaign to learn how Cumberland can become the best area for young people in NSW.
The views of young people, youth organisations, community groups, parents and other key stakeholders will shape the Youth Strategy. The Strategy will help Council to focus on delivering the best outcomes and services for all young people in Cumberland, in partnership with key community stakeholders.
Local year 12 Student, and Cumberland Youth Collective Member, Ibrahim said:
“I am so proud to be a part of such an exciting project that puts the power in our hands. We live in the area and share the same concerns as most of the people we are hoping to talk to. We also have large networks already and we know the best way to get information that paints an accurate picture of what is needed.”
University Student, Candice explained the importance of using modern tools to source information:
“We know the best method to source this information because we are a part of the demographic. By using content which young people can relate to and actually care about we can find a depth of information which will become real outcomes for young people now, when they need it.”
Young people from the local area are invited to have their say over the next few months by:
- Attending a “Shape Cumberland” workshop on Saturday 23 February at Granville Youth and Community Recreational Centre from 12-3pm.
Registrations open online now: https://shapecumberland.eventbrite.com.au - Joining the conversation on facebook
- Completing the 5 minute online survey (to go into the draw to win a $50 Westfield voucher)
- For the full list of forums please visit http://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/cumberland-youth-strategy-2017-2021/
