Input sought on future for youth

THE City of Ballarat is inviting residents to have a say on two key strategic plans that are hoped to guide brighter futures for the area’s youngest residents.

Community consultation for the city’s 2027–2030 Family and Children’s Strategy has opened and closes Sunday 30 March, while community consultation for the city’s 2027–2030 Youth Strategy opened this week (2 March) and will close Sunday 31 May.

Children and young people aged 0 to 25 make up 31 per cent of Ballarat’s population and ensuring their voices are heard is considered vital to shaping the services, programs and facilities they rely on.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves highlighted the important role that children and young people play in contributing to

future priorities.

“It’s important for us to hear from families, children and young people about the things that matter most to them growing up in Ballarat,” she said.

“Community feedback helps Council support a consistent and connected approach from birth to 25 years so that everyone can reach their full potential in a welcoming and safe environment.”

Feedback gathered during the consultations will inform future actions that the council will deliver in partnership with several community organisations.

It’s expected to help improve outcomes for children and young people through enhanced services, events, spaces, and programs that support families across Ballarat.

Both strategies are guided by the Nest Framework, Australia’s first evidence–based model for child and youth wellbeing with more details through the council’s MySay page.