Golden Plains Shire Council is supporting young people to develop their leadership and event management skills with opportunities to join two new youth-led programs.
Young people will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience as part of the new FReeZA Youth Events Crew and Youth Activation Committee. The programs will support young people to have a voice within the Golden Plains community and support other young people across the Shire. Based out of the new Golden Plains Youth Hub, the programs will run weekly throughout the school term, beginning in Term 2.
Young people aged 12 to 25 years who have an interest in music, event management, arts, community events or just want to connect with new people and learn new skills are encouraged to submit an expression of interest to join the FReeZA Youth Events Crew. As part of the Crew, participants will meet weekly on Thursday afternoons, gaining event management experience and an insight into career pathways in the music and events industries. The group has previously coordinated successful youth-led music events, including the Golden Plains Battle of the Bands.
FReeZA is a Victorian Government initiative that supports young Victorians to get involved in their community by planning and running drug, smoke and alcohol-free music and cultural events for other young people.
The new Youth Activation Committee will advise Council on a broad range of issues affecting young people in Golden Plains, providing opportunities for committee members to share their ideas and have their say on the issues that matter most to them. The Committee will meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons and provide feedback on the operation of the new Golden Plains Youth Hub, as well as youth events and programs. They will also have the opportunity to work on exciting new projects, ensuring the voice of young people is strongly represented in their development and execution.
Young people aged 14 to 22 years interested in advocacy and looking for opportunities to make change in their community are encouraged to submit an expression of interest to join the Youth Engagement Committee. Council’s Youth Engagement Committee is funded by the Victorian Government’s Engage! Program.
Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble encouraged Golden Plains youth to join the new groups and be a representative for young people in the Shire.
“Council is committed to providing opportunities for youth in Golden Plains to share their passion and ensure the voices and interests of young people are represented in the community. These programs help young people to build their leadership capabilities and support other young people across the Shire.
“The Golden Plains Youth Hub provides a safe and inclusive space for young people in the Shire and the FReeZA Youth Events Crew and Youth Activation Committee are the first of a range of new youth programs that will activate this exciting new space.
“We look forward to seeing the ideas of young people come to life with new events and programs, and are eager to support young people to advocate for themselves and other young people in the Shire.”
For more information or to submit an expression of interest, visit Council's Have Your Say page or contact the Youth Team on 5220 7111 or email [email protected].