Youths unite to entertain each other

THE young people of Golden Plains are leading an initiative to ensure they stay connected, busy, well, and supportive of one another, even if they’re apart.

Until they return to weekly meetings in Bannockburn and Smythesdale, the Shire’s two youth teams have coordinated a free schedule of online Zoom activities and invite all young people from the area to join in the fun.

Mondays see guest speakers present, Tuesday offers quizzes and trivia, wellbeing is Wednesday’s focus through 30-minute videos, and on Fridays, movies are watched together via Netflix party.

The formal youth groups meet each Thursday to chat and continue planning future events virtually. Eighteen-year-old Zoe King is a member of the Shire’s “uplifting” Bannockburn youth team, and has relished the opportunity to connect with her positive peers in lockdown.

“I originally joined the youth group to help my anxiety and depression. It saved my life,” she said.

“The more I went to youth group, the more I felt that I wasn’t alone. I’m quite close with our youth workers, so it’s good to catch up with them virtually, talk about the day and see everyone.

“Still being able to contact people keeps me sane. If I wasn’t able to connect to them, I would be back in my depression and anxiety.”

Even if done remotely, Golden Plains Shire mayor, Cr Owen Sharkey said connection is more important for young people than ever.

“Council’s youth team have done a tremendous job at quickly putting together a weekly schedule of activities to provide opportunities for young people in Golden Plains Shire to connect, learn and lead,” he said.

“This schedule was originally planned to serve as council’s youth holiday program, however it was so well received that it will continue into term two

“My kids have made great use of the online program, which was great for them to be able to still connect with other local young people.”

Cr Sharkey joined a recent Thursday youth team meeting to discuss leadership. Of the 200 young people who have enjoyed the programming so far, 150 of them had never attended one of council’s youth-led events before.

The Shire’s youth teams like to see new faces and make new friends. Visit facebook.com/goldenplainsyoungpeople for more information.