Applications open for youth action team

Young people will work together to create meaningful solutions

Central Coast Council is recruiting for its youth leadership program Youth-for-Youth (Y4Y) Action Team to help build a brighter future for generations to come.

Applications are now open for the opportunity to join the 2024 Y4Y Action Team – a group of 12 young people, aged 15-24, connecting like-minded individuals who care about community challenges and want to work together to develop meaningful solutions that create positive change.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the program engaged young people, empowering them to take action, be advocates for their peers and provide advice on Council initiatives from a young person’s perspective.

“Now in its fifth year, the Y4Y Action Team has developed a thriving network in the local youth sector committed to working with Council to continue to create positive change and shape a thriving, dynamic Central Coast community guided by the Central Coast Youth Strategy,” Smith said.

“The Y4Y leadership program equips young people with essential skills like communication, teamwork, project delivery and problem-solving.

“Specifically, the team works together to deliver three actions based on key themes in the Central Coast Youth Strategy.

“Last year’s Y4Y Action Team produced a series of resources to build awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community called Voices of the Rainbow, along with engaging local young people to design artwork for Kariong Skate Park, facilitating workshops educating young people on how they can turn their passion into a paycheck and playing a pivotal role in the planning of Youth Week 2023.”

Administrator Rik Hart said Council was committed to empowering young people by providing pathways to lifelong learning opportunities.

“Young people enrich the life of our community – and are our future leaders,” he said.

“Making sure they are included in community life and local decision-making creates a more vibrant Central Coast – socially, culturally and economically.

“Council would also like to thank the local youth sector who work hard to support young people on the Central Coast every day.

“We value your experience, knowledge, ideas and opinions and Council is excited to continue the strong partnerships to make the Central Coast an even better place for young people.”

Applications for the 2024 Y4Y leadership program close at 5pm on Friday, November 17, with successful applicants to be announced in December.

To join the Y4Y Action Team search Y4Y 2024 at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and register to become a young leader of tomorrow.

Source:
Central Coast Council