from yaprap December 2011-January 2012
by Jodie Grundy
Community Project Officer
Youth
Camden Council
The Macarthur Youth Services Network (MYSN) organised a Regional Youth Advisory Group Forum with local young people and Youth Advisory Groups from across the Macarthur region. This one day forum was held on a Saturday in October 2011 at the Campbelltown Arts Centre.
20 young people participated, from Youth Advisory Groups, Reference Groups, Youth Councils and Subcommittees from the Campbelltown, Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee local government areas. Campbelltown Council’s Youth Advisory Subcommittee, Camden Youth Council (CYC), Wollondilly Youth Advisory Committee (or “Dilly YAC” as they are known), Wingecarribee Youth Advisory Committee, Macarthur Diversity Services CALD Youth Group and Youth Solutions Youth Advisory Group all presented information to each other about the types of events and projects they run in their local communities. Each group presented information about the impact they make on other young people and youth issues at a local level. They also participated in networking activities where the young people became inspired and empowered by each other.
The day also featured guest speaker, Travis Holland. Travis was one of the founding members of the Wingecarribee Youth Advisory Committee and was an active member and Chair of the NSW Youth Advisory Council. Travis talked about his experiences of being on the NSW Youth Advisory Council and how his experience changed his life and provided him with opportunities that he thought wouldn’t ever come his way. He also offered tips and advice to other young people who were thinking about representing their communities at a higher level or within politics.
In addition to having Travis as our guest speaker, Primitive facilitated an awesome drumming workshop that focused on leadership and the concept of team development. This workshop allowed young people to understand and engage in the concept of team building and creation through African drumming rhythms and beat within a group environment. The young people had so much fun doing this, as it created a relaxed, informal and comfortable environment whilst achieving outcomes.
We have already scheduled in our next Regional Youth Advisory Group Forum meeting – we will be holding an event like this at least once a year. Our next big event will take place during Youth Week 2012 and the young people are looking at inviting State and Federal Members of Parliament, local Mayors and Councillors as well as local media to highlight the positive contributions that young people make in their local communities. This event will also look at developing a 12 month regional action plan for youth events and projects across the Macarthur-Wingecarribee regions.
Overall, the forum was a fantastic and highly positive experience for everyone involved. When it came down to expenses, it was great because with so many services and Councils getting on board, the costs became minimal as they were shared amongst the group. Our regional peak community service organisation, Sector Connect, supported the organisers, MYSN's Communication and Participation working group, which was a huge plus for us.
The value of something like this is just amazing – the impact that it has on young people as a group and individually is incredible.