Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan
2024-2028
2024-2028 Central Highlands Regional Council acknowledges the First Peoples - the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live and work, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and community. We pay respect to Elders - past and present - and acknowledge the significant role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the Central Highlands region.
Acknowledgement of youTH We would like to acknowledge and thank all the youth who generously gave up their time to contribute ideas and opinions towards the development of this Strategic Action Plan.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION We will make every effort to ensure that all our facilities, programs and events are respectful and inclusive of all youth in our community.
For further information regarding contents of this document or to discuss how actions and outcomes will be measured please contact: Youth Development Officer Central Highlands Regional Council E: youth@chrc.qld.gov.au P: 1300 242 686
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Disclaimer: All images within this document have been approved for use by both the person depicted and the photographer. Information contained within this document is based upon information available at the time of development.
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
CONTENTS Message from Mayor
Introduction
Why have a Youth Development Strategic Action Plan?
What is youth development?
What are the benefits of youth development?
Where does the Youth Development Strategic Action Plan fit in?
What is council's role?
Youth snapshot
How we engaged
Who engaged with us
What the survey told us
Strategic priority areas
Action plan
Implementation and reporting
References and reports
4 7 7 8 9 10 11 12-13 14 15 16-17 18-21 22-30 32 33
chrc.qld.gov.au
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Message
from the Mayor
our community, our vision Your Central Highlands Regional
people and community believed was
our youth and their welfare and their
Council sees one of its most important
important to our young people.
same great belief of the influence
commitments to community is in helping and supporting youth in the region. This support includes assistance by funding programs that strive to reach and engage with young Central Highlanders. These programs have a goal to identify the needs of youth and facilitate solutions that contribute to the region’s safety and social investment. In the Central Highlands, young people between the
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This engagement ran from August 2022 to April 2023, and saw data
that young people have for our future as a region.
collected from 1695 young people and community members across our 13 diverse communities. The results from this survey helped inform the framework
Mayor Cr Kerry Hayes
of 4 key priority areas that will guide the delivery of youth-focused initiatives across the region for the next 5 years.
ages of 10 and 17, account for 11.63%
This 5-year Youth Development
of the total population. As such, it is
Strategic Action Plan seeks to ensure
important council adopts a thoughtful
that our region’s youth are supported
and considered strategy to ensure this
and resourced and feel they provide
important demographic are engaged and
meaningful contributions to our
remain invested in our region.
communities.
To help form this Strategic Action Plan,
We are grateful for the feedback and
council conducted surveys and focus
assistance from the many agencies and
groups to better understand what young
organisations that share our interest in
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
chrc.qld.gov.au
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Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Introduction Central Highlands Regional Council was formed in 2008 when the four former shire councils of Bauhinia, Duaringa, Emerald and Peak Downs amalgamated into one. Youth Development has been a continual focus for council. To support this council has created a strategic vision to deliver this service regionally to ensure young people between the ages of 10-17 are given opportunities to be engaged and informed within their communities.
Our youth have a vital role to play in our community, both now and in the future. We are committed to meaningfully involve and support them to explore the many opportunities ahead. Council recognises ‘youth’ or ‘young people’ to be an individual person or group of people between the ages of 10 and 17.
Why have a Youth Development Strategic Action Plan? The needs of youth are ever-changing, making them a unique demographic that requires specific planning and consideration. By identifying and prioritising the areas that matter most to our youth, we can work together to create a brighter future for our current and future generations. Council recognises that the future of our region lies in the hands of our youth, whose thoughts, attitudes, opinions, and ideas are of immeasurable value. Youth are an essential part of our community and it is our duty to ensure that we include, reflect, and acknowledge their contribution to shape the Central Highlands into a better today and tomorrow. Over the next five years, council will work hand-in-hand with the local youth sector, schools, youth and the community to create an even more vibrant and inclusive Central Highlands.
chrc.qld.gov.au
2024-2028
The Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024– 2028 (Strategic Action Plan) is council’s plan for youth. The Strategic Action Plan outlines council’s priorities and actions to address over the next five calendar years. The Strategic Action Plan has been developed by council’s Youth Development Team in consultation with various groups, agencies and organisations represented across the region (see page 35).
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What
is youth development?
Youth development (YD) is a strategic approach aimed at supporting all youth to thrive. It's about youth having a voice, being involved and having a say in decisions that affect them. YD promotes growth and development through a range of activities, programs and experiences that provide opportunities for youth to develop social, ethical, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. The YD approach is grounded in
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the belief that youth thrive when they receive support across all areas of the community, such as schools, families, peers, youth services, faith organisations, community groups, businesses, the youth justice and child safety system, not-for-profit organisations and more. By engaging the entire community, a web of opportunities is created that youth can access and benefit from, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
What are the benefits Benefits for youth
Benefits for community
Youth:
Youth:
feel valued and heard by their community.
feel a sense of belonging, take pride and wish to stay in their community.
have access to improved services that are more relevant, flexible, responsive, inclusive, accountable and meets their needs. self-esteem, resilience, critical thinking, skills and knowledge are supported to develop. are empowered and have greater control over their lives. have increased confidence to participate in their communities and in decision making processes. express their needs and ideas. are encouraged to develop coping mechanisms that support their overall wellbeing. personal growth and identity development are supported.
identified programs are developed and embraced by youth, resulting in improved return on investment to community. skills, knowledge, new energy, fresh ideas and enthusiasm benefit community. display a willingness to accept leadership responsibilities in their community. come up with their own ideas for improving the community. issues are being heard and better understood by the community, enabling them to assist youth. express a desire to help others in their community. that are actively engaged and a part of the community.
social networks are broadened and strengthened.
chrc.qld.gov.au
2024-2028
of youth development?
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Where does the Youth
Development Strategic Action Plan fit in?
Council has a number of policies and strategic documents in place that outline commitments to providing collaborative and transparent planning for the future. The Strategic Action Plan aligns with existing council documents including council’s Corporate Plan 2022 – 2027, whose goals include: Deliver, enable and advocate for reliable services to our community. Support and enhance resilient, safe, vibrant and inclusive communities.
corporate plan
operational plan
youth Development strategic action plan 10
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
What
is council’s role?
Council is committed to youth development and as the local level of government has the ability to directly engage with youth and services to identify needs and provide outcomes. This Strategic Action Plan can only be achieved if all of community work together including youth, schools,
families, peers, youth services, faith organisations, community groups, businesses, youth justice system and child safety system, not-for-profit organisations and more. Everyone is encouraged to take inspiration from this document and act on these goals for the future of our youth.
Council has a role in advocating, delivering, facilitating and creating collaborative approaches to support and engage youth. It achieves this through the roles outlined below. For each activity listed in the Strategic Action Plan (page 22), council’s level of involvement has been listed using the following roles:
Advocate
Council will act as a voice to support community to raise awareness of barriers and advocate for increased funding and resources.
Facilitate
Council brings together stakeholders to plan, deliver and/or evaluate youth activities, events, programs, services, projects and/or facilities.
SUPPORT
Council will support and encourage the activity. (e.g. attending meetings, promoting youth activities, events, programs and services).
Partner
Council is not lead. Relevant stakeholders will lead and council will partner with them to deliver. These partnerships could be on an informal or formal basis as required.
DELIVER
Council is responsible for the delivery of a youth program, service, project and/or facility. Income and expenditure is determined by council’s annual budget process. Where possible council will seek support to deliver in collaboration with other stakeholders.
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Youth
snapshot
The Central Highlands is nestled in the heart of Central Queensland and is considered the gateway to the outback. The region spans around 60,000 square kilometres, which is likened to the size of Tasmania. Along with rich mineral and sapphire production areas the region has a large and diverse range of agricultural and pastoral industries. According to the 2021 Census data the Central Highlands has a total population of 27, 818 total residents across its 13 distinct communities. The Central Highlands is home to large cultural and social diversities which all contribute to the region’s vibrancy. Youth represent 11.63% of the total Central Highlands, which equates to a total of 3233 young residents.
DIVERISTY 8.7% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
breakdown of youth demographics
7% born overseas. (top 3: New Zealand, Philippines and South Africa). 4.8% spoke a language other than English at home. (top 3: South East Asia, Dutch and Indo-Aryan). 4.1 % identified the need for assistance with core activities.
EDUCATION 28.6% were at primary school. 58.1% were attending secondary school. 0.3% were at tafe.
EMPLOYMENT 16.7% were employed. (2.6% were working full time and 14.1% part time).
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Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
178
Capella
30
Bluff
552
Blackwater
15
Bauhinia
7
*Figures listed represent total number of youth populations.
Arcadia Valley
1.6% were unemployed.
chrc.qld.gov.au
95
Tieri
155
Springsure
38
Rolleston
106
Gemfields
1958
Emerald
41
Duaringa
34
Dingo
24
Comet
Total
3233
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How
we engaged
The Central Highlands Youth Survey’s was the main information gathering initiative with over 1000 respondents across the region. The survey was made available online and in print and provided invaluable information for the development of the actions in the Strategic Action Plan.
Other engagements included council feedback sessions, participation in youth activities and events, school student leader focus groups, in-school engagements, and engagements with council’s youth advisory groups.
Why we engaged
These initiatives ensured that a range of face-to-face conversations, public forums and online engagement were available for youth, community members and service providers to participate in.
As experts’ youth are best placed to engage with council about the issues that affect them and their communities.
Council acknowledges that youth are the experts of their own lives and value their knowledge, experience, thoughts and ideas.
Meaningful engagement of youth by council, encourages youth to gain a sense of ownership in the process and motivated to partner with council in the future.
How we reached participants
engagement activities
youth
24
14
800+
visits to the
CHRC HYS Page
16,000+
people reached
via social media
267
youth engaged face-to-face
1,656
responses
for the Youth Strategy & Resilient Youth Surveys
36
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
focus groups
Who
engaged with us
Central Highlands Youth Survey Survey results were gathered during the months of December 2022 to April 2023.
88%
88% were aged between 10 and 17
48% 48% identified as female
38% 14% identified as a-gendered/nongendered, transgender, non-binary, other or preferred not to say
14% 17%
6% identified as a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse person
38% identified as male
17% identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
6% chrc.qld.gov.au
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What
the survey told us 25% of respondents are not planning to stay in the Central Highlands after finishing high school.
25%
27%
27% of respondents are planning to stay in the Central Highlands after finishing high school.
47% 47% are unsure if they will stay in the Central Highlands after finishing high school.
Top 5 responses
What respondents plan to do after leaving High School
How respondents would like to find out about events and opportunities
1. University
1.
2. Work
2.
3. Not sure
3.
Emails
4. Trade/apprenticeship
4.
Advertising (notice-boards in shopping centres, etc.)
5.
Pop-up events (at shopping centres, markets, etc.)
5. Travel
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Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
“
Homophobia within school and the local community. Lack of support, this creates fear of expressing our identity.
”
14, a-gendered/non-gendered
“
I like where I live because it is a welcoming environment and community comes together to help one another out when people need it the most.
”
15, male
“
”
We need more support services, there is none for people with issues that need them. Not everyone can get to Emerald or Rockhampton. 12, female
“
”
A lot of teenagers my age abuse alcohol and smoke and vape. And just the pressures of being a teenager. 16, female
Issues affecting youth: Boredom/ nothing to do, body image, feeling positive about the future, pressures of schoolwork, suicide, racism, friendship problems, peer pressure, online and verbal bullying, family conflict, costs of activities/recreation, school completion/attendance, sexual abuse, eating disorders, smoking/ vaping, feeling included, valued and accepted. Things youth don’t like about the Central Highlands: The lack of ongoing activities, boredom, the heat, distance between communities, limited shops and limited employment opportunities.
What youth want more of: Movie nights, live music events, sports carnivals, creative workshops, motorsports, youth raves and discos, youth markets, gaming competitions, youth festivals, tabletop games and events.
“
1. Boredom/nothing to do 2. Body image 3. Feeling positive about the future 4. Pressures of schoolwork 5. Suicide
”
13, non-binary
Things youth love about the Central Highlands: Close communities, safe environments, weekend sports, friends aren’t far away, open space, football and community friendliness.
“
”
The lack of insight. Clear homophobia and racism to close friends. Judging people on meaningless things. 17, male
“ Issues that respondents are concerned about
I am concerned about suicide because I don’t want to loose the people I love.
Who respondents would go to for advice and support about issues that are concerning them 1. Friends 2. Parents/care givers 3. Relatives
“
I like that everything is in walking distance from my house. 10, male
I am concerned about the future cause I don’t know what will happen.
”
11, female
4. Teachers 5. Police
chrc.qld.gov.au
17
”
Strategic priority areas
There are four strategic priority areas that will be used as a framework to deliver on the outcomes identified through the Youth Development Strategic Action Plan.
1
Youth ActiveDevelopment & Celebrated
2 3
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Research and advocate for improved services, Our youth are supported to develop their facilities and opportunities that meet the needs of health and wellbeing. young people.
HEALTHY & &WELL PLANNING ADVOCACY BELONG & CONNECTED Youth PARTICIPATION
4
Improve young people’s access to services, opportunities Our youth are celebrated, inspired to be creative and and experiences that enhance their physical, emotional and provided opportunity to be active in their community. social wellbeing and build personal capacity.
Encourage and facilitate youth participation in local events, Our youth know they belong and are programs and activities that support the growth and connected to their community. success of young people.
Develop partnerships between young people, business The youth sector and community work and community that provide platforms to deliver on youth together to improve outcomes for youth. needs.
PARTNERSHIPS & ADVOCACY Youth CONNECTIONS
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Council commits to build collaborative relationships and partnerships across all areas of youth support services and other key stakeholders in the delivery of the Strategic Action Plan. Active & Celebrated
1
Our youth are celebrated, inspired to be creative and provided opportunity to be active in their community.
GOAL 1.1
Youth activities are delivered that cater to a wide range of interests and are inclusive of all youth.
1.2 Youth are celebrated annually during Queensland Youth Week. 1.3 The achievements of our youth are celebrated. 1.4 Youth have access to a wide range of arts and cultural initiatives, programs and events. 1.5 Opportunities are provided for regional and community youth leadership capacity building. 1.6 Spaces and places are safe, welcoming and youth friendly.
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Strategic priority areas
HEALTHY & WELL
2
Our youth are supported to develop their health and wellbeing.
GOAL 2.1 Health and wellbeing information, programs and services are accessible to youth. 2.2 Youth are supported with the impacts of school stress. 2.3 Community capacity is developed to support youth mental health. 2.4 Access to services that support the health and wellbeing of youth is normalised.
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Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Belong & Connected
3
Partnerships & Advocacy
4
Our youth know they belong and are connected to their community.
The youth sector and community work together to improve outcomes for youth.
GOAL
GOAL
3.1 Youth are involved in decisions that influence their life and community.
4.1 Partnerships between council and youth service providers are built and strengthened.
3.2 Youth are encouraged to engage with the wider community.
4.2 Working and action groups that raise awareness and provide outcomes for youth issues within the region are supported.
3.3 Council social media presence is increased for youth communication and support. 3.4 Opportunities are provided for youth to make a positive impact on the environment and have their say on environmental issues. 3.5 Community identify potential public spaces that can be activated or supported to further develop Arts, Culture, Recreation and community belonging for youth.
4.3 Partnerships for education and employment opportunities of youth are increased. 4.4 Innovative ways to access a wide range of services and opportunities for youth in outlying communities are supported. 4.5 Partnerships with service providers that support the development needs of youth are developed and maintained. 4.6 Avenues are provided for local groups, clubs and agencies to access funding or support to deliver youth friendly events and programs within communities.
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Action Plan
Active and Celebrated Goal 1.1
action
Youth activities are delivered that cater to a wide range of interests and are inclusive of all youth.
council's performance measure role
Deliver a minimum of five activities annually in the towns of Emerald, Blackwater, Springsure and Capella.
Deliver
Deliver a minimum of five activities annually in additional interested communities.
Deliver
Target*
partners
Number of activities delivered.
2024 - 2028
Youth
Number of partnerships.
2024 - 2028
Council Youth Development Team
Number of activities delivered.
2024 - 2028
Number of partnerships.
2024 - 2028
Council Public Relations and Event Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
1.2
Youth are celebrated annually during Queensland Youth Week.
Form a youth-led Central Highlands Youth Week Committee annually in the location that the signature event will be held.
Deliver
In partnership facilitate a Signature Central Highlands Youth Week event annually, rotating the location between Emerald, Blackwater, Springsure and Capella.
Deliver
Number of youth involved in Central Highlands Youth Week Committee.
2024 - 2028
Number of youth participated in the event.
2024 - 2028
Council Public Relations and Event Team
Number of partnerships to deliver the event.
2024 - 2028
Youth Sector
Youth Council Youth Development Team
Community Groups and Stakeholders 1.3
The achievements of our youth are celebrated.
Deliver the Community Spirit award through Schools Awards and Graduation celebrations.
Deliver
Number of Community Spirit awards delivered.
2024 - 2028
Promote the achievement and contributions youth make to our community through council's social media platforms.
Deliver
Number of acknowledgements.
2024 - 2028
Mayor and Councillors Council Youth Development Team Council Public Relations and Event Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders Schools
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Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Goal 1.4
1.5
1.6
Youth have access to a wide range of arts and cultural initiatives, programs and events.
Opportunities are provided for regional and community youth leadership capacity building.
Spaces and places are safe, welcoming and youth friendly.
council's performance measure role
action Deliver the ongoing Ichinoseki Sister City relationships.
Deliver
Target*
Number of Sister City applications received.
2024 - 2028
Number of students and families participating in the Sister City program.
2024 - 2028
partners Youth Council Youth Development Team Council Community Relationships Team
Support the delivery of NAIDOC Week annual activities across the region.
Deliver Partner Support
Number of NAIDOC Week activities supported.
2024 - 2028
Collaborate with the Arts and Cultural Officers in the delivery of aspirations relevant to youth through the Arts and Cultural Action Plan.
Deliver Partner Support
Number of meetings with Arts and Cultural Officers.
2024 - 2028
Number of initiatives delivered.
2024 - 2028
Community Groups and Stakeholders
Support the delivery of the Annual Youth Art Awards.
Deliver
Number of youth art entries.
2024 - 2028
Schools
Facilitate Youth Leadership Groups.
Deliver
Number of youth involved in leadership groups.
2024 - 2028
Number of leadership initiatives offered to groups.
2024 - 2028
Number of leadership initiatives delivered by groups.
2024 - 2028
Number of youth involved in the regional leadership group.
2026-2028
Number of schools
2024 - 2028
Community Groups and Stakeholders
Number of student leaders participating.
2024 - 2028
Schools
Establish a Regional Youth Leadership Group.
Deliver
Delivery of the Annual Mayoral Student Leaders Summit.
Deliver
Council Arts and Culture Team Youth Sector
Mayor and Councillors Youth Council Youth Development Team Youth Sector
participating.
Support community organisations that provide programs that develop youth skills and connections.
Partner Support
Number of programs supported.
2024 - 2028
Ensure there is a youth friendly engagement process to capture the voice of youth in the planning and design of council’s new and existing spaces and places.
Deliver
Number of engagements.
2026 - 2028
Youth Council Youth Development Team Council Engagement Team
*Target timeframe aligns with the calendar year beginning 1 January and ending 31 December
chrc.qld.gov.au
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Action Plan Healthy & Well Goal 2.1
action
Health and wellbeing information, programs and services are accessible to youth.
council's performance measure role
Target*
Partner to deliver programs that promote healthy and respectful relationships amongst youth.
Partner
Number of programs delivered.
2024 - 2028
Partner to deliver programs that focus on healthy lifestyle choices for youth such as: healthy eating, positive body image, sexual health, drug and alcohol, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle choices.
Partner
Number of programs delivered.
2024 - 2028
Advocate for mental health services and programs for youth in the region.
Advocate
Number of services and/or program advocated for.
2024 - 2028
partners Youth Council Youth Development Team Council Sport and Recreation Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders Schools
2.2
Youth are supported with the impacts of school stress.
Set up and promote study spaces in libraries after school and during exam periods.
Deliver
Number of youth accessing the service.
2024 - 2028
Youth Council Youth Development Team Council Library Team
2.3
Community capacity is developed to support youth mental health.
Encourage at least 100 youth to complete the Annual Mission Youth Australia Survey to secure access to individualised report for the Central Highlands.
Deliver
In partnership deliver one regional initiative annually responding to the areas identified in the survey.
Deliver Partner
Number of youth participating in the initiative.
2024 - 2028
Advocate for mental health education programs that develop skills of youth and their families to better support each other and make informed decisions.
Advocate
Number of programs advocated for.
2024 - 2028
Number of youth completed survey.
2024 - 2028 Youth
Youth Sector
*Target timeframe aligns with the calendar year beginning 1 January and ending 31 December
24
Council Youth Development Team
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Community Groups and Stakeholders Schools
Goal 2.4
Access to services that support the health and wellbeing of youth is normalised.
council's performance measure role
action Partner to deliver local targeted campaigns that focus on positive interaction with access to services.
Partner
Number of campaigns delivered.
Target* 2024 - 2028
partners Youth Council Youth Development Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders Schools
chrc.qld.gov.au
25
Action Plan
Belong & Connected Goal 3.1
action
Youth are involved in decisions that influence their life and community.
council's performance measure role
Engage with youth to have a role in the development of council’s youth related policy, plans, programs and projects.
Deliver
Develop tools that enable council staff to enhance youth participation and involvement in community initiatives.
Deliver
Number of engagements.
Tools developed and socialised.
Target* 2024 - 2028
partners Youth Council Youth Development Team
2025
Youth Council Youth Development Team Council Engagement Team
3.2
Youth are encouraged to engage with the wider community.
Support and/or deliver intergenerational activities.
Deliver Partner Support
Number of activities.
2024 - 2028
Support opportunities for youth involvement in volunteering.
Deliver Partner Support
Number of opportunities supported.
2024 - 2028
Youth Council Youth Development Team Council Community Relationships Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
3.3
Council social media presence is increased for youth communication and support.
Maintain council’s youth-based email distribution lists to share information.
Deliver
Up to date youth-based email distribution list.
2024 - 2028
Actively maintain Youth social media channels to provide relevant information on issues affecting youth, available support services and upcoming programs and events.
Deliver
Implement a council Youth Service Instagram account.
2024 - 2028
Quarterly updates on council’s youth development website.
2024 - 2028
Council Youth Development Team
Weekly update on council’s Youth Facebook page.
2024 - 2028
Council Public Relations and Event Team
Reach of social media channels.
2024 - 2028
Youth
*Target timeframe aligns with the calendar year beginning 1 January and ending 31 December
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Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Goal 3.4
Opportunities are provided for youth to make a positive impact on the environment and have their say on environmental issues.
council's performance measure role
action Encourage youth involvement in Clean Up Australia Day.
Deliver Support
Number of youth attending.
Target* 2024 - 2028
partners Youth Council Youth Development Team
Encourage youth to be involved in National Tree Day.
Deliver Support
Number of youth attending.
2024 - 2028
Council Public Relations and Events Team Council Parks and Gardens Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
3.5
Community identify potential public spaces that can be activated or supported to further develop Arts, Culture, Recreation and community belonging for youth.
Implement an annual Community Reference Group survey to better understand community perception of youth-based facilities.
Deliver
Number of actions implemented due to survey responses.
2025-2028
Council Youth Development Team Council Engagement Team
chrc.qld.gov.au
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Action Plan
Partnerships & Advocacy Goal 4.1
action
Partnerships between council and youth service providers are built and strengthened.
council's performance measure role
Target*
partners
Continue to facilitate the Regional Youth Advisory Network (RYAN).
Facilitate
8 RYAN meetings per year.
2024 - 2028
Youth
Deliver an ongoing youth service providers summit.
Deliver
Number or service providers attended.
2024 - 2028
Council Youth Development Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
4.2
Working and action groups that raise awareness and provide outcomes for youth issues within the region are supported.
Participate on strategic working and action groups relevant to youth.
Support
Number of forums represented by council on youth related issues.
2024 - 2028
Youth Maintain involvement on the: ■
Mental Health Stakeholders Group
■
Local level Alliance
■
Central Highlands Suicide Prevention
Support
Number of meetings attended.
2024 - 2028
Group
*Target timeframe aligns with the calendar year beginning 1 January and ending 31 December
28
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Council Youth Development Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
Goal 4.3
4.4
Partnerships for education and employment opportunities of youth are increased.
Innovative ways to access a wide range of services and opportunities for youth in outlying communities are supported.
council's performance measure role
action Provide opportunities for student placement, work experience and volunteering within council.
Deliver
Target*
Number of opportunities provided for student placement, work experience and volunteering.
2024 - 2028
Number of partnerships.
2024 - 2028
partners Youth Council Youth Development Team
Partner with schools and organisations to provide career pathway advice and access to information about employment opportunities within council.
Deliver
Partner with stakeholders to deliver a range of events and programs that aim to enhance youths’ job readiness and employability.
Partner
Number of events and programs.
2024 - 2028
In partnership with schools, improve student’s transition from primary to high school.
Partner
Number of schools partnered with.
2024 - 2028
Schools
Undertake mapping of youth services and opportunities available across the region and identify gaps.
Facilitate
Map of services/gaps across region.
2024
Youth
Update map annually.
2025 - 2028
Advocate for opportunities to close or reduce service gaps across the region.
Advocate
Number of service gaps reduced or closed.
2025 - 2028
Council Training and Development Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
Council Youth Development Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
chrc.qld.gov.au
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Action Plan
Partnerships & Advocacy Goal 4.5
4.6
action
Relationship between council and Queensland Department of Youth Justice is maintained.
Avenues are provided for local groups, clubs and agencies to access funding or support to deliver youth friendly events and programs within communities.
Maintain service level agreement with Queensland Department of Youth Justice.
Provide groups and organisations access to council youth development event resources.
council's performance measure role Partner Support
Deliver Partner Support
Target*
Number of youth placements in council services and activities.
2024 - 2028
Minimum of 2 meetings with Youth Justice Service.
2024 - 2028
Review current agreement for considerations and further continuation.
2025 & 2027
Number of support requests received.
2024 - 2028
Number of initiatives supported.
Council Youth Development Team Queensland Department of Justice
Youth
2024 - 2028
*Target timeframe aligns with the calendar year beginning 1 January and ending 31 December
30
partners
Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
Council Youth Development Team Youth Sector Community Groups and Stakeholders
chrc.qld.gov.au
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Implementation and reporting
The actions within this document will be delivered over the five calendar years effective 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028. The youth development team will provide bi-annual reporting to council on the progress and outcomes of actions and provide ongoing avenues for youth to give feedback.
Feedback
increased participation Review and report
Implement
increased connection
place activation Engage
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Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028
References
and acknowledgments Central Highlands Regional Council Corporate Plan 2022-2027
Acknowledgements
Central Highlands Regional Council Operational Plan 2022 - 2023
Central Highlands Regional Council wishes to thank community members who contributed to the development of the Strategic Action Plan.
Community Engagement Action Plan 2020-2022 Creative Cultural Futures and Heritage Action Plan 2022 – 2024 Central Highlands Regional Council Library Strategic Action 2021-2026
Council would like to thank the following groups for their ongoing support: Schools CTM Links
Central Highlands Youth Survey data reports
Anglicare Central Queensland
Resilient Youth Australia Survey data reports
Emerald Neighbourhood Centre
Mission Australia Youth Survey data reports
Youth Justice Service
Queensland Youth Strategy
Headspace Emerald
PCYC Blackwater and Emerald
Regional Youth Alliance Network
Youth Justice Strategy School Student Leaders focus group sessions Council Youth Advisory Groups focus group sessions Community Reference Group focus group sessions Community Reference Group strategic action plans
2024-2028
• Team
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 CQUni Emerald Campus Youth Connect Indaba report
chrc.qld.gov.au
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65 Egerton Street, Emerald, QLD T. 1300 242 686
chrc.qld.gov.au