1

Draft Contents

Executive Summary 3

Introduction 4

Young people in Greater Bendigo 6

Priority issues 8

Policy context 11

Vision, principles, themes 13

Youth Strategy Action Plan 22

Overview of Background Reports 28

Acknowledgements 29

Collaborating with young people within the community is essential to the ongoing success
and future planning of the Greater Bendigo region.

In collaboration with a variety of young people the youth strategy aims to explore a range
of opportunities and engage with the young members of the community, to empower them
for their future endeavours.

Our Explore, Engage Empower vision is clear, logical and aspirational.

The strategy has provided young people with a voice and experiences that have inspired us
to make a difference in our community.

- Aimee Croft, 18, Project Reference Group member

Acknowledgement of Country

The City of Greater Bendigo is on both Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country, whose ancestors and
their descendants are the traditional owners of this country.

The City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges that they have been custodians for many centuries and continue
to perform age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We acknowledge their living culture
and their unique role in the life of this region.

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Executive summary

Explore, Engage, Empower - Young People in Greater Bendigo (2017-2021) is the City of Greater Bendigos
Youth Strategy for young people aged 12 to 24 years. The Youth Strategy provides a framework for the City to
understand and prioritise needs and respond to these needs with actions, partnerships and resources to
improve outcomes for local young people.

Developed by a Project Reference Group that included an enthusiastic group of young people, City staff and
representatives of local schools and youth agencies, the Youth Strategy articulates a genuine partnership
between the City and young people.

To develop the strategy a significant amount of time and energy was spent bringing together a comprehensive
evidence base. This evidence base included engaging young people and local youth agencies, researching
priority issues, analysing demographic trends and reviewing the service and facility needs for young people.

In all, seven background reports were prepared to provide an evidence base to develop a vision, goals,
objectives and action plan for the City to undertake over the next four years. Please see page 28 for further
details about the seven background reports.

Following an engagement process with young people, a vision, key themes and related goals have been
developed to focus responses upon what young people identified as priorities for their future.

The vision being:

Young people in Greater Bendigo are valued, connected and inspired so that they make the most of lifes
opportunities.

To realise the vision, the City will strive to achieve the following goals, linked to the themes of collaboration,
innovation, opportunity and community. The City will:

1. Collaborate with young people and stakeholders to create positive change and address priority issues.
2. Innovate to engage young people and to offer new and exciting experiences, with a focus on
technology.
3. Provide opportunities for young people to develop their leadership and employability potential and
celebrate their achievements.
4. Develop an inclusive and welcoming community that values all young people.

Once the Draft Youth Strategy is approved by Council this document will be fully designed with young peoples
quotes and images included. Young people will also be involved in preparing and circulating a summary of the
Youth Strategy in their terms.

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Introduction

Welcome to the City of Greater Bendigos strategy for young people - Explore, Engage, Empower - Young
People in Greater Bendigo. As young people involved in preparing the Youth Strategy we considered a huge
amount of data and information about young people and feedback from workshops, youth summits and
surveys. We also needed to update the adults involved on new terms young people use and current ways of
looking at the world.

Explore, Engage, Empower - Young People in Greater Bendigo was our idea for a vibrant name for the Citys
new Youth Strategy. The Youth Strategy is based upon a significant program of engagement, research and
analysis to identify and describe the priority issues facing us today. In response to these priority issues the
Youth Strategy discusses the opportunities young people aspire to and the actions the City can undertake to
enable young people to reach their potential.

The Youth Strategy is for four years and builds upon the current services and policies provided by the City
along with the valued support of the Victorian government through grants that help provide programs to
empower young people and encourage their participation in community life.

In particular, Explore, Engage, Empower responds to the key learnings that have emerged from the findings of
our engagement, research and review process to develop a focus on:

Ways to achieve young peoples leadership and empowerment,

Implementing goals and objectives that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and
timely),
Facilitating partnerships with the State government and local youth agencies especially around funded
programs and joint responses to the most important issues identified by young people; and
Actions that the City can undertake within available resources and funding priorities.

Throughout our involvement we discovered that the needs, potentials and aspirations of young people in
Greater Bendigo continue to change and evolve. We really hope that through our participation the
Councillors, City staff and community agencies can feel a greater connection and empathy with young people
and understand the importance young people place on being listened to and having a say about important
issues in their community.

Thankyou

Aimee Croft, Ashley Eadon, Caitlin Allman, Kathryn Northill, Ruby Baker, Ryan Peterson from the Project
Reference Group.

I think that its really important that young people were given the opportunity to work on a
project such as this, especially when its all based around the young people of Bendigo.

Its really gratifying to be able to give genuine feedback on a project like this, instead of being
on a committee just to fill some criteria.

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It helps us (young people) to be a part of the community, and make real and tangible change
in Bendigo

I personally feel empowered by the fact that the community wants to listen to and collaborate
with young people.

Young people in Bendigo need to know where great opportunities are and this project helps
that a lot.

- Ryan Peterson, 18, Project Reference Group member

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Young people in Greater Bendigo

This demographic snapshot provides a summary of the key statistical trends relating to young people in
Greater Bendigo. Data for this profile has been sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census
of Population and Housing (2011), Profile id Consulting and other government departments. Where possible,
Greater Bendigo rates are presented on a comparative basis to Victorian average rates.
Population

Young people make up a significant and growing segment of the Citys population.

Young people aged 12 to 24 years account for 18.2% of the Greater Bendigo community or 18,315
residents, compared to the Victorian average of 17.2%.

There are 8,290 12 to 17 year olds and 10,025 18 to 24 year olds in Greater Bendigo, representing
8.2% and 10% of the community respectively.
Forecasts predict that by 2036 there will be 25,890 12 to 24 year olds in Greater Bendigo or 16.9% of
the projected overall population of 156,151.

The suburbs projected to have the highest populations of 12 to 24 year olds in 2036 are Flora
Hill/Quarry Hill/Spring Gully/Golden Gully (2,067) Strathfieldsaye (2,044) and Kangaroo Flat/Big Hill
(1,920).
15% of young people or 2,750 lived in rural areas.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

There are approximately 400 young people who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander which
is 2.2% of the population of young people. The overall population of people identifying as ATSI in
Greater Bendigo was 1.4%.
Places of birth
92.3% of 12 to 24 year olds were born in Australia compared to the average Victorian rate of 78.7%.
The most common countries of birth for 12 to 24 year olds other than Australia were Thailand (0.5%),
United Kingdom (0.5%), China (0.4%), New Zealand (0.3%) and Myanmar (0.3%).
Languages spoken at home

The most common languages spoken at home were English (94%), Karen, Auslan, Indonesian, Arabic,
Mandarin and Vietnamese.
Disability

2.8% of 10 to 24 year olds (546 young people) identified as requiring assistance with core activities due
to disability, which is higher than the Victorian average of 2%.
Education

87.5 % of 12 to 17 year olds attended an educational institution compared to 89% in Victoria and
39.8% of 18 to 24 year olds attended an educational institution compared to 46.4% for Victoria.
62.4% of 18 to 24 year olds have no qualification compared to 58.3% in Victoria.

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 6.5% of 18 to 24 year olds have a Bachelor degree or higher compared to 11.6% for Victoria while
21.8% have a vocational qualification compared to 15.8% in Victoria.
Employment

Youth unemployment in Greater Bendigo is currently recorded as being 6.2%, lower than the Victorian
average of 13.2%. In 2011, the rate was 11% compared to the Victorian average of 12%.
Household profiles

27.5% of 12 to 17 year olds lived in single parent households compared to 22.3% in Victoria.
19% of 18 to 24 year olds lived in group households compared to 12.8% in Victoria.

4.9% of 12 to 17 years olds lived in rented social housing compared to 3.7% in Victoria, and 2.9% of 18
to 24 years olds lived in rented social housing, the same as the Victorian average.
Socio economic disadvantage

The three most disadvantaged areas of Greater Bendigo are Long Gully - West Bendigo Ironbark,
North Bendigo California Gully, and Eaglehawk - Eaglehawk North - Sailors Gully. Long Gully - West
Bendigo Ironbark is in the top 7% of disadvantaged areas in Australia while North Bendigo
California Gully is in top 12% and Eaglehawk - Eaglehawk North - Sailors Gully is in top 16%. Overall
Greater Bendigo is the 31st most disadvantaged local government area out of the 79 local government
areas in Victoria.

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Priority issues for young people
A number of priority issues have been identified by local young people and local agencies via the engagement
process to develop the youth strategy. Other sources have included youth summits held in previous years and
two of the background reports especially the Youth Issues Profile and the COG Vision and Strategy Plan.

The priority issues identified are grouped under the following eight issue areas:

Mental health Having a say

Employment Personal safety
Education and training Drugs and alcohol
Events Transport

Significantly, the priority issues established are shared with many other young people throughout the nation
being raised consistently in other Victorian and Australian policies, plans and research.

For many young people, the eight key issues cannot be seen in isolation. Instead, several issues can be inter-
related. For example, mental health issues may impact on a young persons ability to participate in education,
employment or training or their desire to be involved in events. Likewise isolation due to a lack of transport
options may impact on a young persons ability to seek employment or connect with their peers, which in turn
may impact on their health and wellbeing.

Mental health
Mental health is an issue for many young people in Greater Bendigo. They experience higher levels of self-
harm, psychiatric hospitalisation, psychological distress, and eating disorders, with lower levels of emotional
wellbeing than their Victorian peers. However, on the flip side, more local young people indicate they feel
happier than the national average.

15% of adolescents in Greater Bendigo experience high levels of psychological distress compared to
the Victorian average rate of 13%.
56% of adolescents in Greater Bendigo experience high levels of emotional wellbeing compared to
61% in Victoria.
Employment
Young people in Greater Bendigo, like young people across the nation, are concerned about employment
opportunities and job security. A greater percentage of local young people enter the work force and
apprenticeships compared with the rest of Victoria, and current youth unemployment is below the state
average.
12% of Year 12 (or equivalent) school leavers are employed full time compared to 6% in Victoria and
24.9% are employed part-time compared to 11.7% in Victoria.
More Year 12 or equivalent school leavers are looking for work in Greater Bendigo (5.7%) compared to
the Victorian average rate of 4.5%
32% of local young people are concerned about employment compared to 11.6% nationally.

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Education and training
Young people in Greater Bendigo are less likely to attain Year 12 than their Victorian peers. As well, upon
completion of Year 12 far less young people go on to undertake tertiary studies, and if they do, their rate of
deferral is much higher than the Victorian average. For those not engaged in further education or training, the
majority are employed (often part-time) or seeking employment.
80.4% of young people in Greater Bendigo have attained Year 12 (or equivalent) compared to 88.2% in
Victoria.
56.4% of Year 12 school leavers go onto tertiary studies compared to 76.8% in Victoria.
21.6% of Year 12 school leavers defer their tertiary studies compared to 9.7% in Victoria.
Events
Participation in local events and activities helps to promote positive health and wellbeing, decision making and
community connectedness. Young people in Greater Bendigo want more free or low cost events for them,
such as music festivals, band performances, hip hop dancing, self-defence classes, creative workshops and
sporting activities.
79.7% of young people in Greater Bendigo participate in sport compared to 75.7% nationally.
Having a say
The degree to which young people have a say in their lives can have an impact on how well they are connected
to places such as school and the community. It is also an important part of empowering young people to
ensure they have the skills and opportunities to provide the City with their opinions and ideas about the
issues important to them. Although opportunities for young people to have a say in schools is higher than the
state average, it is requested there be greater opportunities to have a say in the broader community and
participate in decision making.

If there is a community project such as a swimming pool or skate park being designed or built
get young people on board to help with the planning - Alicia, 17

42.1% of 12 to 17 year olds in Greater Bendigo say they are able to have a say in making decisions
regarding activities in their neighbourhood compared to 47.1% in Victoria.
Personal safety
Concern about personal safety at home, on public transport and in the neighbourhood is greater amongst
young people in Greater Bendigo compared with their Victorian peers, particularly after dark. Young people in
Greater Bendigo are also concerned about bullying, just like their peers nationally.

As a young person, I can walk around town all day alone perfectly fine but I wouldn't walk
alone far late at night, it doesn't feel safe - Cindy, 16

80.3% of young people in Greater Bendigo feel safe in their neighbourhood which is slightly less than
the Victorian average of 83.1%.
22% of young people in Greater Bendigo have experienced bullying which is a higher rate than the
Victorian average of 18%.

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Drugs and alcohol
Drug and alcohol use was reported as being higher in Greater Bendigo compared with Victoria. At the same
time, young people expressed high levels of concern about the prevalence of drugs and alcohol in the
community, similar to their peers across Australia.

More Greater Bendigo young people report they have consumed alcohol with 54.6% of 12 to 14 year
olds and 79.2% of 15 to 17 year olds indicating they had consumed alcohol, compared to the Victorian
average of 46.4% and 74.1% respectively.
Slightly more Greater Bendigo young people report they have used marijuana at 4.6% for 12 to 14 year
olds and 16.7% for 15 to 17 year olds, compared to Victorian average rates of 3.7% and 16%
respectively.
83.7 young people (12 24) per 10,000 in Greater Bendigo have been treated because of alcohol
consumption compared to 50.3 per 10,000 in Victoria.
248.1 young people per in Greater Bendigo have been treated because of illicit drug use compared to
127.2 per 10,000 in Victoria.

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Policy Context - how we currently encourage and support young people

The City of Greater Bendigo

The City plans and delivers programs that prioritise empowerment and leadership, enabling young people to
have their say about community issues, capacity building and advocacy. The Citys partnerships and programs
aim to provide meaningful and responsive opportunities for young people to:

Participate in empowering decision making processes that improve opportunities and community
wellbeing
Respond to young peoples ideas and priority issues
Raise young peoples profile to achieve greater recognition and better outcomes for themselves and
peers.

Across the City there has been a rapid growth in social, economic and local community policies and plans that
include action about young peoples issues. For example, some of the Citys recent plans and policies include
the Municipal Early Years Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan, Rural
Communities Strategy, Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy and Economic Development Strategy.

City plans and strategies such as these, demonstrate mutually supportive strategic links across City services
that respond to the needs of young people in the context of broader community priorities.

Partner agencies
There are many government and community agencies that partner with the City to provide services, programs
and resources for young people. These organisations are identified in the Service Mapping Background
Report. Key areas that these agencies focus on are:

Mental health Leadership Personal safety

Drugs and alcohol Advocacy Counselling / support
General health Capacity building Mentoring
Sexual health Entertainment Legal
Education Disability Accommodation
Training and Indigenous Case management
employment Facilities
As well, families and other organisations such as sporting and recreation clubs, service clubs and places of
worship also play very important roles in the lives of many young people.

In order to respond effectively to the priority issues raised by young people, the City develops partnerships
with local community organisations and the State government. These partnerships enable the City to combine
resources, achieve grants for programs and collaborate to attain better outcomes for young people.

Youth related networks

The City is involved in a number of youth related agency networks and strategic decision making bodies such
as the First Quarter (and sub groups) and the Loddon Children and Youth Area Partnership (DHHS). Key
projects related to these networks include the State of Bendigos Children Report and the Communities That
Care project being coordinated by Bendigo Community Health Services.

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It will be important for the City to continue participating in these and other partnership networks as part of
the implementing the youth strategy to achieve its vision, goals and objectives. Developing collaborative and
proactive multi-agency partnerships will enable positive responses to young peoples priority issues and more
opportunities for young peoples participation in community life.

Policy context
As part of the development of the Explore, Engage, Empower - Young People in Greater Bendigo Youth
Strategy, sixty nine plans, policies and reports were reviewed to identify strategic commitments to young
people from the federal, state and local levels. Key findings were:

Federal government
At the federal level there is currently no specific youth strategy. Instead youth related policy is focused on
education, employment and training programs via the Department of Education and Training. In particular, the
federal government is focused on improving opportunities for learning and employment with an additional
focus on the needs of Aboriginal young people. There is currently no direct link between federal policy and
City youth programs. However, other agencies in Greater Bendigo will be receiving federal grants especially to
coordinate programs in the areas of employment, education and training.

State government
In 2016, the State government released its Youth Policy Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria. The
State governments youth policy aims to raise the profile and value of young people and features themes of
inclusion, empowerment and listening. The policy has three key action areas:

Amplifying the voice of young people in government priority setting

Increasing youth participation in programs and service design
Empowering young people in their own care

The first two actions especially are relevant for the City of Greater Bendigos youth strategy. Sustaining and
building on connections with State government policy and grants programs is crucial to enable the City to
meet its commitments to young people and respond to their priority issues. Through the Youth Strategy, the
City and State government can share commitments to young peoples empowerment and leadership,
participation in decision making; and advocacy on emerging priorities.

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Vision, Principles, Themes

Following a process of engagement, research and review, a strategic framework for the Explore, Engage,
Empower - Young People in Greater Bendigo Youth Strategy has been developed to guide and promote the
Citys vision for young people and related principles, themes, goals, objectives and actions over the next four
years.
When developing the strategic framework, significant value was given to the views of young people expressed
as part of the engagement process and previous youth summits. Other considerations included the scope of
the Citys youth development service, benchmarking against other local governments; and considering how to
help achieve the Councils vision which is: Greater Bendigo creating the worlds most liveable community.

When thinking about liveability the Councils Community Plan identifies a liveable community as being one
which enables people to live healthy, safe, harmonious lives in attractive and affordable settings. Liveable
places have an excellent range of services for children and adults of all ages and facilities that are accessible to
all. They dont make unsustainable demands on the environment.

Following consideration of these and other factors the following vision, principles and themes were created to
guide and propel the Youth Strategy.

Vision

Young people in Greater Bendigo are valued, connected and inspired so that they
make the most of lifes opportunities.

Principles

EXPLORE
Explore a range of opportunities that will enable greater inclusion of and cooperation with young people.

ENGAGE
Engage with young people and key stakeholders to ensure that young peoples needs and perspectives are
understood and actioned.

EMPOWER
Empower young people to help shape the world in which they live.

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Themes
The development of the themes was especially influenced by the ideas and aspirations of the young people
involved in the Youth Strategy Project Reference Group, these being:

1. Collaboration
2. Innovation
3. Opportunity
4. Community

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Themes, Goals, Objectives and Action

Producing the four themes emerged from a significant process of investigation, review and deliberation.
Creating the themes was viewed as being crucial to help guide the City in establishing its role within existing
resources, young peoples priorities and community aspirations. To help guide the City in developing priorities
and actions, each theme has led to evolving a range of corresponding goals, objectives and actions.

Theme 1 - Collaboration
Findings

Collaboration and advocacy with agencies

Young people dont always have the skills and confidence to address issues that impact upon them and
the broader community. Young people need to learn these skills and experience decision making and
working with others. Working in partnerships will be essential to respond to the many issues raised by
young people. Responding to priority issues will require young people to participate in collaborative
multi-agency responses to maximise resources and achieve the change required. Hence there is a
need for the City to work with young people to empower them to develop and sustain partnerships
with both the State government and community agencies in order to plan, lead and advocate about
their priority issues.

Decision making

Through the various forms of consultations undertaken with young people to inform the development
of the Youth Strategy, young people made it clear that they greatly valued existing opportunities to be
involved in decision making, such as the Citys youth action group, youth leadership program and
annual youth summits. In addition, young people participate in program management groups such as
the FReeZA Music Program, YO Media Team and the YO Bendigo facility at 45 Mundy Street. A
consistent point made by young people was to have more opportunities to be involved in leadership
and empowerment training and opportunities and especially have a say concerning the development
of City plans and programs.

I would like to see young people having a voice in Council and assisting in decision
making as we are the generation that has to either suffer or thrive from the decisions
that you make on our behalf - Jess, 17

Communication
The City understands that in order to effectively collaborate with young people, a variety of
communication methods are required. To enable positive connections, young people have expressed
a strong preference for improved profile, school visits, social media, forums, summits and online
feedback as communication methods.

These findings have led to the development of Goal 1 and related objectives.

Goal 1 - Collaborate with young people and stakeholders to create positive change and address priority issues.

Objectives -

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 Increase young peoples participation in positive community activities
Increase young peoples sense of safety in the community
Strengthen networking and information sharing opportunities across the youth sector
Provide a range of opportunities for young people to have their say about the issues that impact on
their lives and to be involved in decision making
Increase access to health services for young people
Facilitate young peoples advocacy via project management, consultation forums and local networks.

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Theme 2 - Innovation
Findings
Events
Many young people enjoy attending the Citys youth-specific events such as Battle of the Bands, Easter
concerts in Rosalind Park, youth stage at Blues and Roots Festival, skate competitions, pool parties etc.
Others prefer to attend events where people of all ages are welcome or take part such as the Citys
movie nights and come and try days. Young people told us that they want a continued focus on local
events that are free or low cost to attend. They would like to see some new and different events,
potentially enhanced through technology, and some young people want to be involved in organising
events for their peers and the wider community.

Freeza events are heaps of fun and the more of these the better - Sol, 15
Education
Young people recognise the importance of education, and mostly spoke about the desire to improve
educational opportunities especially for young people falling behind at school. In particular, they
expressed concern for young people who have left school early and/or are unemployed. In response
there was significant support for the expansion of non-mainstream education settings such as
NETschool which is a second campus of Bendigo Senior Secondary College. Service providers spoke
about the need to increase the number of young indigenous people attending school on a regular
basis.

Engagement
There is a strong desire by young people for improved two-way communication between them and the
City to convey information about specific youth issues, needs, programs and events. Young people
want to initiate new ways of engaging with the broader community using social media and new
technologies.

School class visits work best as we have someone right in front of us interacting with
us - Ennis, 15

Goal 2 - Innovate to engage young people and to offer new and exciting opportunities and experiences, with a
focus on technology.

Objectives -

Provide accessible and inclusive events and activities for young people with a focus on new and
exciting experiences
Provide innovative new learning opportunities for young people that are complementary to the
education sector
Explore new and improved opportunities for engagement with young people.

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Theme 3 - Opportunity
Findings
Leadership
Young people recognise that the development of leadership skills will assist to create positive change
within their community. Many young people want to participate in leadership development programs
and decision making around the issues that impact on their lives. They want to be given opportunities
to pursue their aspirations and use their talents and skills to benefit the community. To become
leaders of the future.

Employment and training

Young people expressed a desire for more suitable employment opportunities including more
traineeships and apprenticeships. They also want access to information on casual, part-time and full-
time job opportunities. Some young people find it difficult to gain their first job as they dont have the
skills or proven experience. Thus, advocacy and partnerships that lead to an increase in employment,
training and support opportunities was viewed as priority response. Other young people raised the
importance of learning broader life skills including how to: complete a tax return, rent a house, cook,
understand finances and get along with others.

Positive contributions
Many young people feel that a large number of people in the community are unaware of the positive
contributions and achievements of young people in Greater Bendigo. Young people would like to see
greater promotion of their achievements through the media and acceptance that their participation is
valuable.

Goal 3 - Provide opportunities for young people to develop their leadership and employability potential and
celebrate their achievements.

Objectives -

Provide skill development opportunities for young people in the areas of personal development,
leadership and employability skills
Raise the profile of young people and their contributions to community.

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Theme 4 Community

Findings

Optimistic community
Some young people expressed concern about the negative image or stigma that may be attached to
young people by other members of the community. There is a strong desire to address this negative
image by building a positive and optimistic community that is free of stigma.

Shared spaces
Some young people want spaces of their own where they can interact with their peers, seek help and
engage in a variety of informal physical activities. Others want to feel welcome to share spaces in the
community, such as parks, sports facilities, shopping areas, etc. with residents of all ages.

45 Mundy Street Facility

Young people are keen to see a more youth friendly and accessible facility at 45 Mundy Street.
Following the development of a new Vision and Strategy Plan, plans are in place to upgrade the
appearance of the facility, establish a young peoples group to help manage the facility improve
marketing; and expand the provision of art, music and skill development workshops and events.

Inclusive culture
Young people recognise that there is a need for greater acceptance and inclusion of marginalised and
disadvantaged groups in the community. In particular young people focused their comments on
greater acceptance and inclusion of indigenous young people and their culture, young people from
diverse cultural backgrounds, rural young people, LGBTIQ, and young people with different abilities.

Goal 4 - Develop an inclusive and welcoming community that values all young people.

Young people need to be more educated in cultural and diversity awareness - Nat, 19

Objectives -

Promote young people as valuable citizens who make a positive contribution

Create public spaces and facilities that are inclusive, safe and welcoming for all members of the
community
Plan and develop inclusive, accessible and fair events, programs and opportunities for all.

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Introduction to Action Plan

The four year action plan responds to the priority themes and issues raised by young people during the
engagement processes and research to develop the youth strategy. The action plan presents actions,
outcomes, partners and strategic links in relation to the goals created in response to the priorities identified by
young people including:

Mental health Having a say

Employment Personal safety
Education and training Drugs and alcohol
Events Transport

As well as building on the Citys existing partnerships, State government funded programs and strategies, the
action plan emphasises the priority to empower young people and encourage their leadership and
opportunities in response to their priorities.

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Action Plan - Abbreviations

BCHS Bendigo Community Health Services

BDAC Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative
BRYMCA Bendigo Regional Young Mens Christian Association
BSCF Bendigo Safe Community Forum
BSSC Bendigo Senior Secondary College
CAIP Community Access and Inclusion Plan
CDIP Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan
CERSH Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health
CJRR Citizens Jury: Response to Recommendations
CSS Community Safety Strategy
DET Department of Education and Training (State government)
DHHS Department of Health and Human Services (State government)
DOJ Department of Justice
EDS Economic Development Strategy
GLLEN Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network
ITLUS Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy
LCMS Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services
DOXA School Bendigo, NETschool, Flexible Learning Options
Non-mainstream schools
School
MEYP Municipal Early Years Plan
MPHWP Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan
Murray PHN Murray Public Health Network
RAP Reconciliation Action Plan
RCS Rural Communities Strategy
VicSRC Victorian Student Representative Council
YAC Vic Youth Affairs Council of Victoria
YSAS Youth Support and Advocacy Service

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Objectives
Increase participation in
positive community
activities.
Increase sense of safety in
the community.
Strengthen networking and
information sharing across
the youth sector.
Provide a range of
opportunities for young
people to have their say
about the issues that
impact on their lives, to
empower and facilitate
Theme 1: Collaboration
Goal 1 - Collaborate with young people and stakeholders to create positive change and address priority issues.
Actions What success looks like Partners Relevant strategies Year
Promote programs, activities, events Planning and action groups. Young people Community Plan 1-4
and services that contribute to Bendigo TAFE & Headspace MEYP
Annual increases in attendance of creative
creativity, skill development and mental Heathcote Community House MPHWP
events and activities.
health and wellbeing. La Trobe University State government
At least 2,500 attend events each year. Secondary schools youth policy
Partner in community safety initiatives. At least one initiative per year is implemented DOJ & Catholic care Community Plan 1-4
to help young people feel safer in the Safe Community Forum CSS
community. BSCF MEYP
Provide support for marginalised CBD Action Group
groups. Participate in Youth Justice Panels & provide Secondary schools
community work experience opportunities. Victoria Police & Blue Light
committee
Implement Child Safety Standards Whole of City commitment, implementation Commission for Children and Victorian Child Safe
plan and review process Young People Legislation and
Standards
Build on the work of the First Quarters Attend Youth Coordination Group. Anglicare Community Plan 1-4
Youth Coordination Group and explore DET
At least one new strategic partnership project
opportunities for new networks, forums DHHS
per year.
and strategic partnerships. BCHS
Headspace
Secondary schools
YSAS
Network with local youth agencies Minimum of 6 meetings with other agencies Local youth agencies Community Plan 1-4
other local government Areas and State annually. Neighbouring Councils State government
government to share learnings and new Participation in State government & YACVic State government youth policy
ideas. events. YACVic
Attend local forums and events.
Develop and strengthen the Youth A strong governance structure is in place. Young people CAIP & CDIP 1-4
Action Group comprising young people La Trobe University Community Plan
Members of the Youth Action Group meet at
with a range of different ages, abilities Secondary schools MEYP, RAP
least 12 times per year and provide feedback
and cultural backgrounds. YAC Vic ITLUS
to the City on key issues impacting young
Young people participate in advocacy LCMS RCS
people.
and planning responses in areas such as BDAC CJRR
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 Theme 1: Collaboration
Goal 1 - Collaborate with young people and stakeholders to create positive change and address priority issues.
Objectives Actions What success looks like Partners Relevant strategies Year
participation in decision transport, rural isolation and an
making. inclusive and accessible community.
Hold annual youth summit/forum to Youth Action Group organises Young people Community Plan 1-4
develop relationships, learn and discuss successful forum with a representative Secondary schools ITLUS
key issues of importance. cohort. Minimum attendance of 60. YAC Vic MEYP
VicSRC CJRR
State government (ENGAGE ) State government
youth policy
Visit secondary schools on a regular Minimum of 10 school visits per year. Young people Community Plan 1-4
basis to provide youth leadership Secondary schools ITLUS
Schools see YO Bendigo as a key provider of
training and information on events and State government (ENGAGE) MEYP
information on youth issues.
opportunities. CJRR
Promote opportunities to provide Young peoples voices are regularly Young people Community Plan 1-4
feedback on relevant issues through represented in community, on YO Bendigo Local agencies ITLUS
social media, City consultations and Website and via social media. Secondary schools MEYP
other online services. State government (ENGAGE) CJRR
Annual increase in social media followers.
Increase access to health Advocate for continued mental health The municipality is well resourced with Young people MPHWP 1-4
services for young people. services funding and for additional mental health services. Anglicare, BDAC
mental health practitioners to enable Bendigo Health, BCHS
Staff provide letters of support, submissions,
improved access for young people. Headspace, Heathcote Health
and/or participate in advisory/reference
Mind Australia, Murray PHN
groups.
Participate in partnerships to develop Salvation Army
information, advocacy and programs to Young people having their say about mental State Government
improve mental health and wellbeing. health issues in the community. St John of God, CERSH

Promote safe sex message.

Advocate for continued drug and
alcohol services funding to enable
improved access.
Maintain four condom vending machines at
rural locations.
The municipality is well resourced with drug Anglicare, BDAC, Bendigo MPHWP 1-4
and alcohol services. Staff provide letters of Health, BCHS, Headspace,
support, submissions, and/or participate in Salvation Army, YSAS
advisory/reference groups.

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 Theme 1: Collaboration
Goal 1 - Collaborate with young people and stakeholders to create positive change and address priority issues.
Objectives Actions What success looks like Partners Relevant strategies Year
Facilitate young peoples Train and support young people to Young people plan and organise annual City State Government (ENGAGE) Community Plan 1-4
advocacy via project participate in broader service youth summits/ forums/ young people Secondary Schools State Government
management, consultation development, planning and community participate in community engagement Bendigo TAFE Youth Policy
forums and local networks. engagement activities. processes to assist develop City plans and La Trobe University Bendigo
strategies/ young people attend broader
regional and state consultation forums and
workshops/ young people prepare grant
applications/ young people speak out about
the issues that impact on them.

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 Theme 2: Innovation
Goal 2 - Innovate to engage young people and to offer new and exciting experiences, with a focus on technology.
Objectives Actions What success looks like Partners Relevant strategies Year
Provide accessible and Grow and nurture young musicians, Increased level of planning and running Young people Community Plan 1-4
inclusive events and artists and writers. creative music events. Local youth agencies , MEYP
activities with a focus Secondary schools MPHWP
Minimum of 6 events annually.
on new and exciting Provide skill development and volunteer State Government (FreeZa & RCS
experiences. opportunities around band management At least 2,500 attend events per year. ENGAGE), The Push, Summer in
and promotion. the Parks
Support to organise and deliver events Minimum of 5 events in rural communities Young people Community Plan 1-4
and workshops in rural communities for annually. Community groups MEYP
peers and broader community. Heathcote Community House MPHWP
Increased level of involvement by young people
Heathcote Health
in the organisation of events.
Schools in rural areas
Minimum of 300 attendees per year.
Promote program of events in partnership Advertise all key events on YO Bendigo website Youth groups Community Plan 1-4
with other organisations. and through social media. Community organisations MEYP
Private sector MPHWP
Youth agencies
Provide innovative Develop co-curricular activities to support Minimum of 6 workshops per year. Bendigo TAFE CJRR 1-4
new learning education, training and life skills La Trobe University
opportunities that are opportunities. Secondary schools
complementary to the Young people
education sector and Support advocacy efforts for increased The municipality is well resourced with services BSSC CJRR 1-4
priority learning areas. funding for alternative education that assist in preventing youth disengagement. Bendigo TAFE EDS
programs such as NETschool. DET
Staff provide letters of support, submissions,
Non-mainstream schools
links to projects and/or participate in
Provide input into the Bendigo Education Flexible learning options
advisory/reference groups.
Plan
Explore new and Develop an innovative youth engagement Youth engagement plan includes new Young people Community Plan 2
improved plan. engagement techniques and guidelines, and is Youth groups City Community
opportunities for implemented by the youth development staff. Engagement Policy
engagement. Review the Community Engagement Engagement techniques and guidelines are Young people Engagement Guidelines 2
Policy and Framework to support the incorporated into the Citys Community City Communications service Community
active engagement of young people in all Engagement Framework.
relevant engagement processes.

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 Theme 3: Opportunity
Goal 3 - Provide opportunities for young people to develop their leadership and employability potential and celebrate their achievements.
Objectives Actions What success looks like Partners Relevant strategies Year
Provide skill Provide leadership skills program within Minimum of 5 workshops in schools per year. Young people Community Plan 1-4
development secondary schools and expand to tertiary At least one workshop for tertiary students per Secondary schools
opportunities in the students. year. State government (ENGAGE)
areas of personal Bendigo TAFE
development, La Trobe University
leadership and
employability skills. Provide student learning, work experience At least two secondary students and two Young people Community Plan 1-4
and internship opportunities. tertiary students undertake placements with Bendigo TAFE
City Youth Development Team and other City La Trobe University
Provide employment opportunities. services per year. Secondary schools
Anglicare and justice agencies
Conduct employment & life skills training Minimum of 4 workshops annually. Young people, Access Skills EDS 1-4
programs. Training, Centrelink State government
CVGT , GLLEN (ENGAGE)
Skills Plus, Workspace Australia
Support advocacy efforts for the creation of The municipality has adequate apprenticeships Young people EDS 1-2
more apprenticeships and traineeships. and traineeships to meet young peoples DET
demand. Employment bodies
Staff provide letters of support, submissions, Federal government
and/or participate in advisory/reference GLLEN
groups.
Raise the profile of Develop an awards program to recognise Trial young achievers awards event with view Young people State government 1-2
young peoples personal excellence and achievements in to holding annually. Youth Action Group youth policy
contributions to the the community across a range of areas. State government (ENGAGE)
community. Develop and trial a young ambassadors Youth ambassadors are a part of YO Bendigos Young people State government 1-2
program that helps build employability skills activities. Youth Action Group youth policy
and confidence in participants. Participate in GLENNs Young Ambassadors GLLEN
program
Promote young peoples creative writing Regular articles are published on YO Bendigo Youth Action Group State government 1-4
and story-telling. website and on social media. YO Media Team ENGAGE grant
A minimum of 4 editions of Ambedo magazine Young people
are published every year.
Trial a YO Writers Program

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 Theme 4: Community
Goal 4 - Develop an inclusive and welcoming community that values all young people.
Objectives Actions What success looks like Partners Relevant strategies Year
Promote young people Provide a platform to act as a The Youth Action Group provides an Young people Community Plan 1-4
as valuable citizens who spokespersons on specific youth issues accessible platform to voice concerns and Secondary schools State Youth Policy
make a positive at forums, delegations and opinions and meet Mayor and Councillors. Youth Action Group
contribution. presentations. Mayor and Councillors
Voices and ideas are listened to and used in
State government (ENGAGE)
City plans and strategies and community
programs activities.
Create public spaces and Implement the COG Vision and Strategy Young people select new facility name and Young people COG Vision and Strategy 1-4
facilities that are Plan for 45 Mundy Street facility participate in governance. 45 Mundy Youth Advisory Plan
inclusive, safe and including new governance process Group Community Plan
Upgrade facility to be more youth friendly
welcoming of all involving young people and creating BRYMCA CJRR
and accessible.
members of the new name. Workspace Australia
community. Implement program of facility upgrades, Increased programs and participation by Facility licensees
marketing and promotions and young people. Youth agencies
increased events and activities.
Promote the 45 Mundy Street facility as Annual increase in the number of young As above As above 1-4
a space where young people, the people through the facility.
community and City can work together
Regular programs, events and activities
to develop and provide services,
provided at the facility.
programs and opportunities for young
people.
Involve young people in planning of Young people are actively consulted about Youth Action Group Bendigo CBD Plan 1-4
public spaces and facilities that may issues that may impact and concern them. 45 Mundy Youth Advisory Community Plan
have an impact on them, e.g. skate Group MEYP
parks, aerosol art walls, CBD, open Secondary Schools Open Space Strategy
spaces, shopping areas, sport and Young people Public Space Plan
recreational areas. Youth groups COG Vision and Strategy
Plan
Plan and develop Incorporate images of young people of Images of young people from diverse BDAC, LCMS, BCHS, CAIP 1-4
inclusive, accessible and all backgrounds, cultures and abilities in backgrounds are in relevant City publications. NETschool, Doxa, CDIP
fair events, programs marketing materials and reports. Human Rights Charter
and opportunities for all. Actively seek participation in programs There is diversity in City programs and BCHS, BDAC CAIP 1-4
by young people from all backgrounds, decision making processes including the 45 LCMS, Bendigo TAFE CDIP
cultures and abilities. Mundy Street facility, Youth Action Group, La Trobe University City Human Rights Charter
FreeZa and YO Media (ENGAGE). Secondary Schools RAP
Young People State government y policy

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Background reports

The following seven background reports were prepared to inform the development of the Youth Strategy.

Background report Outline

Youth strategy The Youth Strategy Engagement report discusses and analyses each of the
engagement report engagement activities undertaken with young people and service providers,
highlighting key issues. Over 200 young people including hard to reach
groups were consulted via a survey, youth summit and workshops. Local
youth agencies were also consulted via a survey and agency workshop.
Youth issues profile The Youth issues profile researches and analyses the key issues impacting on
young people at the City of Greater Bendigo, state and national levels.
Demographic profile The Demographic profile provides an overview of existing data and trends
related to young people and future population projections.

Review of plans, policies The Review of plans, policies and reports provides a summary of relevant
and reports documents as well as some context around strategic directions at a local,
state and national level. A total of 69 plans, policies and reports concerning
youth affairs were reviewed.
Benchmarking report The Benchmarking report compares and contrasts the Citys youth
development services, programs, planning and resource levels with two
other local governments, these being: City of Ballarat and Mt Alexander
Shire.
Service mapping The Service mapping report maps local services and identifies what service
gaps may exist in relation to the priorities identified by young people. It also
provides a summary of the roles played by the Youth Development team in
the context of young peoples priorities.
COG vision and strategy The COG vision and strategy plan outlines how the 45 Mundy Street facility
plan can be improved and better accessed by young people for a broad range of
programs including education, training, creative, decision making, personal
development and support and recreational activities.

Please visit the YoBendigo website to access the background reports www.yobendigo.com.au

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Inside Back page/cover

For more information contact via Youth Development Team on 5434 6000

Acknowledgments

The City wishes to acknowledge the dedicated work of the Youth Strategy Project Reference Group in
preparing background reports, analysing findings, researching key issues, engaging with young people and
overseeing the development of Explore Engage Empower - Young People in Greater Bendigo (2017 2021).

Thank you to:

Young People
Caitlin Allman
Kathryn Northill
Aimee Croft
Ashley Eadon
Ruby Baker
Ryan Peterson

Agency representatives:
Bethea Robertson Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership
Linda Lyons Assistant Principal, Bendigo Senior Secondary College
Kylie Hand Student Manager, Bendigo Senior Secondary College
Ben Keath Headspace, Bendigo
Paul Taylor Bendigo Community Health Service
Jordan Tamblyn Department of Justice and Regulation
Cath OLeary Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnerships

Project consultant
Wendy Holland communityvibe

City Staff
David Williamson Coordinator Young Communities, City of Greater Bendigo
Nikki Williams Youth Planner
Rory White Youth Participation Officer
Daniel Rees Youth Participation Officer
Leon Moulden Youth Planner
Steven Abbott Manager, Community Partnerships Unit
Lindy Wilson Social Planner
Andrew Quek Project Officer, Career Horizons
Natalie Jacobson Coordinator Inclusive Communities
Jolie Middleton Acting Coordinator Inclusive Communities
Alicia OBrien Acting Coordinator, Young Communities
Georgie Hyatt Social Work Student

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