Preliminary results of Geelong Youth Survey released

THE preliminary results of this year’s Geelong Youth Survey are in, with school and study pressures, mental health and wellbeing, and cost of living or financial stress identified as the major issues.

The City of Greater Geelong receiving 3,790 submissions this year – mostly from young people, as well as parents, those working in education and community members.

Consultation was extended to allow for more people aged 12 to 25 to say what they value and the challenges they face, and for the city to identify key themes around their wellbeing, education, employment, leisure and safety.

In total, the city received 3,611 responses from young people – the biggest response the city has had from this age group for an engagement.

Belmont High School, Bellarine Secondary College, Clonard College and North Geelong Secondary College all had more than 200 students complete the survey, with Kardinia International College just shy of 200.

Parents, carers, guardians and interested community members made up 128 of the responses, and 51 came from people working at an educational facility or with young people.

The city’s Youth Development team is now filtering and analysing the data, with an engagement report to be released in the coming months.

When asked, ‘What stops you from attending or enjoying activities, places or events in Greater Geelong?’, cost and transport were among the top responses.

Participants went into the running to win a Nintendo Switch, Kindle, iPad, wireless headphones, a portable Bluetooth speaker or one of five $100 Westfield vouchers. The randomly selected winners participated in games at central Geelong’s The Nest Youth Hub to walk away with their chosen prize.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj praised the record number of young people who had their say.

“We are so appreciative that young people took the time to share insights into what it’s like growing up in our region,” he said.

“The team is now collating and analysing the data, which will help council better support young community members through programs, services and infrastructure.”

Cr Melissa Cadwell, chair of the council’s women and community life portfolio, said young people from across the region were behind making the Geelong Youth Survey such a success.

“A big thanks to vocational major students at Belmont High School, Clonard College and St Joseph’s College Geelong who worked with the City to promote and encourage the uptake of the survey.

“We also acknowledge the immense work of our youth council members and other young people connected with our programs who supported and promoted the survey at their schools and within their own networks.”

Head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/GYS2025