YOUTH can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to formulating the direction of communities.
The Port Stephens Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) was created in 2013 for young people to have their say and to guide strategy and policy that relates to them.
The Port East chapter has been created to make it easier for young people aged from 15 to 24 years from Tomaree Peninsula to participate in YAP.
James Campbell, Port Stephens Council’s Senior Community Development and Engagement Officer, told News Of The Area, “Council wants to make it easier for young people to have a say in how we manage our region.”
“In the past 18 months, YAP members had the opportunity to run youth week activities, meet the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People (guiding body for NSW parliament on youth) and work with the NSW Mental Health Commissioner and local groups on the issue of wellbeing and health of young people in Port Stephens.”
“One of the highlights was a trip to Sydney to meet and work with young people from across the State at the youth event Speak Up,” he said.
Participating in the panel is a great opportunity to gain leadership skills.
The first meeting for the Port East YAP crew is set for Wednesday 26 July, 3:30pm – 5pm at Tomaree Library and all are welcome to come along.
In the future, YAP plans to get involved in talks about ‘open space’, including recreational spaces like skate parks, that we know are important to young people.
To find out more or to register to attend, please contact James.campbell@portstephens.nsw.gov.au or visit https://www.facebook.com/PSCYouthAdvisoryPanel/.
By Marian Sampson